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.
Yes, my grandson has nonverbal autism and they took very good care of him.. He had to have some extra extractions which I was concerned about, but everything went very well. Very happy and I thank you all for all the work you did.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words. We’re so glad to hear you had a positive experience and that everything went smoothly. We truly appreciate your trust in us.
I took my son to an appointment today with Dr. Hoffman. We had a great experience from the time we arrived until we departed. The receptionist was very friendly and helpful. The dental assistants were very helpful and polite with my son. The doctor is very kind and patient. They explain everything as we went through the process. We were aware of the cost from the beginning to the end and we're allowed to make decisions about how to handle my child's care and not shocked with additional charges after the fact. My child does not resist going to this office. Great experience.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear your experience was positive from start to finish. Our team works hard to create a comfortable, transparent, and supportive environment for every patient and family. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback!
Dr. Thoms and everyone of his staff members are incredible. I was warmly welcomed and made to feel comfortable and relaxed. Which is saying something as I had not been to the dentist in years due to fear/anxiety. My procedure was clearly explained. The office staff was beyond helpful with payment and insurance. The day of my appt was exactly as planned. We started ahead of schedule! The technicians and assistants were clearly skilled and again, helped ease my nervousness. We finished all work as planned. And then Dr. Thoms sat with me and my husband to discuss “everything.” He is very thorough. And finally one of his staff wheeled me down to the elevator, out across the parking lot, and helped me into my van. Now that is service! Around 8:30 p.m. my cell phone rang and it was Dr. Thoms calling to check up on me. Wow!!!!! This man has all you could want in a dentist—kind, compassionate, thorough, understanding, excellent communicator, and skilled. I cannot come up with the best words to so highly recommend the Dental Anesthesia Center. It was a remarkable, yet simple, but thorough experience for me. If you are putting off going to the dentist and have anxiety or fears please call them. They will gently and competently take care of you. And no, this is not an advertisement/ commercial—I am a real live (satisfied) patient.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We’re honored to hear that you felt welcomed, comfortable, and well cared for throughout your experience. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, thorough care—especially for those who may feel anxious about dental visits—so it means a lot to know that came through. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are grateful you chose us for your care.
The practice is top notch. Could not ask for better care.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re grateful for your feedback and are proud to provide high-quality care in a supportive environment.
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.
