Do I Need Sedation Dentistry for a Tooth Extraction?

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Our team is here to provide all the information you need to make an informed decision regarding your tooth extraction and the level of sedation that is right for you.

When facing the prospect of a tooth extraction, it’s natural to feel a bit anxious about the procedure and its discomfort. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we understand these concerns and offer sedation dentistry as a comforting solution to our patients, especially those who experience dental anxiety or have special needs. But how do you know if sedation dentistry is right for your tooth extraction?

I cannot say enough wonderful things about The Dental Anesthesia Center and Dr. Thoms. My 7-year-old, who has autism, recently had dental work done here and the experience exceeded expectations. The staff was incredibly kind, patient, and understanding of his needs. They took the time to make him and us feel comfortable, never rushed, and explained everything. I am so grateful for this office and the team that made my son's dental care possible. I would recommend The Dental Anesthesia Center and Dr Thoms to any parent, especially those with children who have special needs. They truly go above and beyond. ❤️
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words! We’re truly grateful for your trust in our team and Dr. Thoms. Knowing your visit was a positive and comfortable experience means the world to us — it’s exactly what we strive for with every patient and family. 💙
Very patient with elderly patients. Very good experience.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your feedback! We’re pleased to know the visit was a positive experience.
My son has been a patient of Dr Michael Hoffman since he was 5 years old. He is now 21 years old. My son has diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and therefore I am cautious of who I select as a treatment provider. Dr. Hoffman’s office is professional, kind and I know they have his best interest at heart. I highly recommend Dr. Hoffman and staff to anyone seeking dental care.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We truly appreciate your trust in our team over the years.
Super experience. Gentle and empathetic. All round care is great. Staff are wonderful.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! We’re so glad you had a great experience with our team.
We are forever grateful for Dr Hoffman and his wonderful staff for having the vision of how to get necessary dental work done for patients who are dealing with autism and cannot tolerate it without dental anesthesia. We have been taking our adult daughter there once a year for the last four years. Thanks to Dr Hoffman’s vast knowledge and expertise, our daughter has been able to get wisdom teeth removed, cavities filled, teeth cleaned and detailed X-rays to know exactly what needed done. The Dental Anesthesia Center is a great service to the community. Thank you so much for helping us.
Response from the owner:hank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words about our team! We truly appreciate your trust in us and are honored to provide care in a way that helps make dental treatment more comfortable and accessible for all patients. Your feedback means a great deal to our entire staff.

Understanding Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry employs medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we specialize in various levels of sedation, including:

  • Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): This mild sedative helps you relax but remain awake and responsive.
  • Oral Sedation: Taken in pill form before the procedure, this type offers a deeper level of relaxation.
  • IV Sedation: Administered intravenously, this type allows the dentist to adjust the sedation level as needed.
  • General Anesthesia: For extensive procedures or high anxiety, this method makes the patient completely unconscious.

When is Sedation Recommended?

  1. Dental Anxiety: If the thought of visiting the dentist fills you with dread, sedation can help alleviate this anxiety, making your experience stress-free and more comfortable.
  2. Sensitive Gag Reflex: Patients with a sensitive gag reflex may benefit from sedation, as it helps to suppress this reflex, allowing dentists to work more efficiently.
  3. Complex Dental Issues: Extensive procedures like multiple tooth extractions or impacted wisdom tooth removal can be easier to manage under sedation, as they provide comfort and stillness over a longer period.
  4. Special Needs: Patients with special needs who find it difficult to sit still or follow instructions during dental treatments can greatly benefit from the controlled environment that sedation dentistry offers.
  5. Previous Traumatic Dental Experience: If you’ve had traumatic dental experiences in the past, sedation can help you overcome those memories and receive the care you need without the associated stress.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry for Tooth Extraction

Sedation dentistry significantly benefits tooth extraction procedures at The Dental Anesthesia Center. It primarily enhances comfort, allowing patients to remain relaxed and pain-free throughout the treatment. Sedation also improves the procedure’s efficiency, as a relaxed patient enables the dentist to work more quickly and effectively. Additionally, most types of sedation, particularly IV sedation, and general anesthesia, often result in patients having little to no memory of the procedure afterward, which can be a relief for those with dental anxiety. Moreover, sedation helps manage the cooperation of patients who may find it difficult to remain still during dental treatments, making it especially beneficial for lengthy or complex extractions.

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The first two board-certified Dentist Anesthesiologists in the state of Missouri.

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