Comfortable Sedation Dentistry in St. Louis, MO

Sedation dentistry in St. Louis, MO, for anxiety, special needs, and complex dental care. Safe, comfortable treatment options available.

If you or a loved one struggles with dental anxiety, a sensitive gag reflex, or special healthcare needs, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options. At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, MO, we specialize in sedation dentistry that prioritizes comfort, safety, and a stress-free experience.

Whether you’re avoiding the dentist out of fear or require complex dental treatment, sedation can change your relationship with oral health.

Call (314) 862-7844

Schedule Appointment

Excellent

The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry4.9

Based on 128 reviews

See all reviews

review us on

Jan R.

This dental practice is excellent with my daughter (25 y/o with autism). The entire team is kind, patient, and understanding. They take time to explain what will be happening and only recommend procedures that are truly necessary.

The staff never rushes and makes patients feel comfortable and supported. They are very in tune with sensory challenges. It’s clear they care deeply about creating a positive experience and treating everyone with dignity.

We heartily recommend Dr. Hoffmann and his team.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear your daughter feels comfortable and supported. Dr. Hoffmann and our team truly appreciate your recommendation.

Monica S.

Best decision I ever made was coming here. Highly recommend. The front office is great, Lena is awesome and docs are so good. Plus you get sweet glasses while they work 😎

Patricia J.

Dr. Thom and the entire staff at the Dental Anesthesia Center were warm, friendly and welcoming to me and my husband. My husband has dementia and needed extensive dental work. Dr. Thom took the time to explain to me what needed to be done before the procedure began. My husband is now fully recovered and doing just fine. I'm so grateful that we were referred to the Dental Anesthesia Center. Thank you!!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re honored to hear that you felt welcomed and supported by our team. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and are grateful for your trust in our office!

abc 1.

Dr. Thoms and staff are Amazing!
My son is Autistic and he loves it there.
It’s always scary to put your child with disabilities under anesthesia. So it’s a relief to have such compassionate professionals to rely upon They are so sweet and kind to him it’s so nice to have people who genuinely care.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! Our team is dedicated to creating a comfortable and supportive experience for everyone who visits our office. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and for trusting us with your family’s care.

Rafe F.

The Dental Anesthesia Center (DAC) is awesome. When I started there 19 years ago my dental health had deteriorated and my fears were intense. Their expertise and compassion got me back on the right dental track. I still get nervous - but things are so much better now in terms of my dental and gum health.. Don't lose hope - try the DAC!

My appointment today was for a cleaning - and a standard check of gum health etc. Carrie - as always - did EXCELLENT work. She is very kind and thorough and knowledgeable .. and patiently answers all my questions. Carrie is positive and supportive with us patients ... and provides guidance on better at-home care for our teeth and gums.

My thanks also to the office staff who are very helpful with questions or concerns.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your continued trust and kind words! We're honored to have be part of your journey. It means so much to know we've made a lasting impact—your story is truly inspiring!

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry involves the use of medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It’s beneficial for:

• Severe dental anxiety or phobia
• Patients with developmental disabilities or special needs
• Children who can’t sit still or fear dental instruments
• Patients needing extensive or multiple treatments

There are different levels of sedation, ranging from mild (you’re awake but calm) to deep (you’re fully asleep under general anesthesia).

Types of Sedation We Offer in St. Louis

At our practice, we’re one of the few in Missouri to offer the full spectrum of sedation options:

1. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

• Quick onset and wears off fast
• Ideal for mild anxiety
• You can drive yourself home afterward

2. Oral Conscious Sedation

• Take it as a pill before your appointment
• Makes you feel deeply relaxed but still awake
• Great for moderate anxiety

3. IV Sedation

• Administered intravenously for deeper sedation
• Fast-acting and customizable during the procedure
• You’ll need someone to drive you home

4. General Anesthesia

• Complete sleep-like state
• Performed by a board-certified anesthesiologist
• Ideal for high-anxiety, medically complex, or special needs patients

Why Choose Sedation Dentistry in St. Louis at DAC?

• Board-certified anesthesia team on staff
• Special needs and pediatric experience
• Trusted by local physicians and hospitals
• Compassionate, one-on-one consultations
• Safe options for patients who’ve had bad experiences elsewhere

We aren’t a general dental office that “also offers sedation”—this is our core expertise.

Is Sedation Dentistry Right for You?

If any of these sound familiar, sedation may be a life-changing option:

• You haven’t been to the dentist in years out of fear
• You’ve experienced trauma during a past dental visit
• You or your child has physical, cognitive, or sensory needs
• You need a lot of dental work, but want to do it in one visit

Serving St. Louis and Surrounding Areas

We proudly serve patients throughout:

• St. Louis, MO
• Kirkwood
• Webster Groves
• Clayton
• Chesterfield
• St. Charles County