Our dentists are the first two dental anesthesiologists board-certified in deep sedimentation in Missouri.
If your child needs to have a dental procedure, the objective is to minimize the hurt and trauma that can be associated with dental treatments. If dentist visits go smoothly early on in their lives, children are much more likely to develop good oral habits well into adulthood. One frequently asked question is whether or not to use Novocaine to numb the mouth before dental sedation.
I have NEVER had a positive experience with dentist…until now!! I was mind blown how kind the staff was, not just to me but to everyone! I have debilitating anxiety when it comes to dentists because of bad previous experiences, so I was very nervous. But, all the staff, including Dr. Thom, were very gentle, kind, and understanding. They took time to listen to all my concerns and address them, helping to put me at ease. I was also amazed how professional the whole office ran and how completely reliable they were. They easily guided me through the process and everything went so smoothly, including my sedation. I have never been treated so kindly by any dental office before, I was struggling to believe I wasn’t in some kind of dream. But. They really were that nice.
My recovery from sedation and all
The dental work they did to save my tooth was amazing, not a single issue! Dr. Thom even called personally to check on me a day later.
Coming back to put my permanent crown in was the same experience. They were all so kind,
Good about explaining everything they were doing and make the experience light and dare I say…fun.
I would drive 2.5 hours again in a heartbeat to do my work here. Best dental experience I’ve ever
had hands down!!!!!!! Thank you Dr. Thom for giving my life and tooth back. I’m so excited to not be in so much excruciating pain anymore!
Response from the owner:We can’t thank you enough for your kind and heartfelt words. Our entire team is dedicated to creating a gentle, supportive, and positive experience for every patient, so it means the world to hear your visit felt that way. We’re so glad you felt cared for and comfortable throughout the process, and we truly appreciate you making the trip to see us. Thank you for trusting us—it’s an honor to care for patients like you!
Dr. Hoffmann and his team takes great care of my special needs daughter. We have been coming here for over 20 years. The staff is so kind and patient with her and explains everything to help her stay calm.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your kind words and for trusting our team for so many years. We’re honored to care for your family and appreciate the opportunity to make each visit a positive experience.
I have had the best experience with Dr Behl and her staff! I have awful dental anxiety from some past experiences and they are so kind and supportive. Rebecca is incredible to work with. I highly recommend them to everyone I know!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your kind words! We’re happy to know you felt supported and comfortable during your visit. Our team strives to create a welcoming environment for everyone, and we truly appreciate your recommendation.
We always receive excellent care at the Dental Anesthesia Center.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We truly appreciate your trust in our team and are grateful for the opportunity to provide care.
Our adult daughter has cerebral palsy and requires being fully sedated when having anything done. The DAC was such a positive experience. Dr Hoffmann and his staff were kind and did great explaining things. As a mom, I had a lot of questions about how certain things would be done as usually she’s in her chair when getting examined at her local dentist and they had everything under control including transferring from her chair to the dentist chair and keeping her secured in the dentist chair as well as keeping her neck and legs comfortable. Many thanks to them!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words. We’re grateful for your trust and happy to hear that you had such a positive experience with our team. Our goal is always to provide compassionate, attentive care in a safe and comfortable environment. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
While it’s usually a very safe product, there are times when children can have reactions and side effects from using Novocaine. Knowing what they are and what to look for is very important. Typically, the side effects aren’t serious but rather something to keep an eye on.
What is Novocaine?
Novocaine, technically known as procaine, is a local anesthetic commonly used in dental procedures to numb a specific area of the mouth. It works by blocking nerve signals in your body, which helps to reduce pain during dental treatments. Novocaine is often chosen for its rapid onset and relatively short duration of effectiveness, making it ideal for procedures that don’t require prolonged numbness.
Is Novocaine Safe?
Novocaine is generally safe but can cause reactions. Inform the dentist about past use and your child’s medical history to ensure safety.
Allergies
There are instances when children are allergic to Novocaine, and the allergy can range from mild irritation to severe. If your dentist is going to use Novocaine, let them know if your child has had it before. That way, they know what to watch for. If they have used it in the past without any problems, there is very minimal risk that they are allergic.
Central Nervous System Reactions
Sometimes, novocaine interferes with the functioning of someone’s central nervous system. Your dentist should know the complete history of your child’s medical conditions and single out any chronic issues that can interfere with Novocaine use. The dentist will also want to know if they take any medications regularly.
Novocaine or Oral Sedation?
In most instances, Novocaine is an easy fix that helps to eliminate the potential for discomfort and pain. If your child has any pre-existing conditions, however, then Novocaine might not be a good idea. Also, if the treatment is extensive, then you might want to consider another course, like oral sedation.
There are several ways to sedate your child, some of which come with minimal risk and may be better overall if the dental procedure is more involved. The best way to decide what is right for your child is to discuss all the options available with your dental provider. They will be able to provide you with the pros and cons associated with using various things, from Novocaine to oral sedation.
Novocaine is great for minor dental procedures as long as your child doesn’t react to it. To minimize the potential for side effects, talk with your dentist, bring in a copy of any medical history that might be of concern, and know precisely what medications your child is currently on. If your child does react to Novocaine, it is essential to put it in their medical files going forward.
St. Louis Sedation Dentistry
Your initial oral examination at The Dental Anesthesia Center includes a visual examination, charting, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations. We will also take x-rays, which include the panoramic x-ray for proper diagnosis of the anterior (front) and posterior (back) teeth and the bite-wing x-ray series for proper diagnosis of proximal decay of posterior teeth.
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The first two board-certified Dentist Anesthesiologists in the state of Missouri.
