Is it really possible to sleep through your entire dental visit? The answer is YES — thanks to sleep dentistry, also known as sedation dentistry. If you or your child suffers from severe dental anxiety, a sensitive gag reflex, or special needs, this approach can completely transform your experience at the dentist.
At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we help patients feel safe, comfortable, and unaware of their procedures. Here’s what you need to know about the benefits of sleep dentistry and how it works.
What Is Sleep Dentistry?
Sleep dentistry involves general anesthesia or deep sedation to help patients sleep through dental procedures. This means you’ll be completely unconscious — unaware of sounds, sights, smells, or sensations.
Children who cannot tolerate traditional dental care
Can You Really Sleep Through Your Appointment?
Yes. Under general anesthesia, you’ll be fully asleep, and a licensed dental anesthesiologist will monitor you throughout the entire procedure. When you wake up, the dental work is done — and you’ll likely have no memory of it.
Benefits of Sleep Dentistry
Comfort: No pain, no anxiety, and no awareness during the procedure
Efficiency: Multiple treatments can often be completed in one visit
Safety: Monitored by highly trained sedation specialists
Accessibility: Allows patients with special needs or medical conditions to get care
Common Misconceptions About Sleep Dentistry
“It’s not safe.” → At The Dental Anesthesia Center, board-certified professionals administer general anesthesia in a controlled, licensed medical setting.
“It’s only for extreme cases.” → We use sleep dentistry for a wide range of patients, from those with mild anxiety to those needing full-mouth restorations.
“I’ll be groggy for days.” → Most patients recover on the same day with guidance from our clinical team.
Who Provides Sleep Dentistry?
Unlike most general dental offices, our St. Louis practice is licensed to provide general anesthesia in-office. Our team includes board-certified dental anesthesiologists who ensure a smooth, safe, and stress-free experience from start to finish.
All of the staff have been extremely incredible. Dr. Thoms was amazing & really helped calm me before my procedure. Dr. Thoms answered any & all questions I have had & was extremely understanding when it comes to having dental anxiety. Robyn was the best X-ray technician I have ever had. She felt personable but still extremely professional. Throughout my life I have been to numerous dentists in hopes of finding one that will take my extreme dental anxiety seriously & not make me feel bad for it. I have finally found my favorite dentist. The Dental Anesthesia Center is my #1 pick if I had to chose any dentist.
Response from the owner:Thanks for your kind words and for sharing your experience. We’re grateful for your trust in our team and are pleased to hear you felt supported and comfortable throughout your visit. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to continuing to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
Hands down the best dental office in the area! They have always taken care of me and been very accommodating. The Doctors are the BEST!!! I would HIGHLY recommend this office if you are looking for a dentist! 5+ stars all around.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review and recommendation! We’re grateful for your kind words and are thrilled to hear that our team has provided a positive experience. We appreciate your support and look forward to serving our community with exceptional care.
I started seeing this practice as a scared middle age woman that thought she was quickly on the way to being toothless. Years later now, still working with the amazing Dr Behl and her amazing staff, I have been able to continue with my present teeth. Alway kind, full of grace, mercy and humor!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review. We’re honored to be part of your dental journey and appreciate your kind words about Dr. Behl and our team.
We have been taking our son to Dental Anesthesia since 2019. He gets his dental treatment and blood work done at the same time. We find the staff and Dr. Thoms highly professional. They communicate well and provide excellent treatment/services. Getting blood work done during sedation helps us a lot.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your experience. We’re honored to be part of your family’s care. We appreciate your trust in us.
This was my first time coming to the Dental Anesthesia Center, recommended by my sister whose special needs son has seen Dr. Hoffmann for years. I have a very difficult jaw condition resulting from a car accident and Dr. Hoffmann made me feel so immediately at ease that I’ve scheduled some extensive dental work to be done later this summer. I also loved my nurse, Ashley, who was so attentive, sweet and knowledgeable. She made me feel not as an anomaly, but valued and validated, and I hope she will be with me during my upcoming surgery. Thank you, Dr. Hoffmann and Ashley, for welcoming me to your practice!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for trusting our team. We’re honored to provide a welcoming, compassionate experience and will be sure to share your compliments with Dr. Hoffmann, Ashley, and the rest of our staff. We appreciate your support!
Why Choose The Dental Anesthesia Center?
Over 30 years of experience in sedation and sleep dentistry
Specialized in care for special needs, pediatric, and high-anxiety patients
One of the only Missouri practices licensed for in-office general anesthesia
Trusted by families and physicians across St. Louis and beyond
Want to Sleep Through Your Dental Visit?
If you’re looking for a better way to receive dental care that removes fear, discomfort, and stress, sleep dentistry might be right for you.
