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.

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Excellent

The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry4.9

Based on 122 reviews

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Janel L.

We’re very thankful to have found the kind folks at the dental anesthesia center. They are patient and informative with what’s needed and how it will get done. Big shoutout to Rebekah and crew at the front desk who always help us figure out all the paperwork and scheduling. Thank you Dr. Behl for your awesome bedside manner! Highly recommend to others

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We’re so glad you had a positive experience with our team. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to provide compassionate, helpful care.

Patrick R.

The entire team at The Dental Anesthesia Center is exceptional.

Not only is Dr. Hoffmann a 10/10 dentist, but he is very trustworthy and only recommends procedures when necessary.

The dental hygienists are uniformly wonderful. During cleanings, they are gentle but are still able to carry on a conversation as they work.

If i moved an hour away, I would still drive my family here for any dental needs.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so grateful for your trust in our team and are glad your experience with our doctors and hygienists has been a positive one. We truly appreciate your support!

Michelle B.

If we lived in closer proximity, we would see Dr. Thoms for all of our dentistry needs. As it is, we happily made the 2.25 hour trip three times for my daughter's root canal and crown. Dr. Thoms and the entire team were expert, kind, and compassionate.
We could not ask for more!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and for trusting our team. We truly appreciate you sharing your experience and are grateful for the opportunity to provide care. Wishing you and your family all the best!

Ruby W.

Wonderful place for my special needs daughter. She is not always cooperative. They are very good and patient with her. Thankful she can receive anesthesia at the office and not have to take her for out patient service at a hospital. Thank you to all the staff 😇

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and 5-star review! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Our team is grateful for your trust and is always committed to providing patient-centered, compassionate care.

Dave K.

As a 75 year old man, I have been to several dentist’s and none compare to Dr. Thoms and Dr. Behl. The entire staff is very knowledgeable and accommodating. I have had some major work done and I/V sedation is definitely the way to go. Five stars to the entire team at DAC. I highly recommend their services.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We truly appreciate your trust in our team. It’s always our goal to provide comfortable, high-quality care to every patient.

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