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.
Dr Thoms and his team are phenomenal. No question, the absolute best possible option for my child when he needed work done while sleeping (age based). While this option is not inexpensive, this set up of have anesthesiology in-house allowed us to get his mouth healthy when a traditional pediatric dentist could/would not. I am a parent that asks a lot of questions on behalf of my toddler’s care and at no point did I feel judged for this, nor was I rushed during my evaluation process during the consultation. Although the procedure is not one I would like to repeat for my child, my husband and I were both so pleased with how well Dr. Thoms communicated and how he clearly cared for our son’s wellbeing (both physical and emotional during a less than comfortable visit). Cannot recommend the back of house team more highly.
My one detraction is the FOH staff (not everyone) were not nearly as pleasant. I would like to communicate that while their day-to-day is very routine for them, being in that office as a parent is very scary for some people in their office and a little bit of kindness goes along way. I do recall, having a very pleasant conversation with Rebecca, but otherwise everyone else was on the apathetic side, in my personal opinion. That said you’ll notice that I still am leaving a five star review because the dental staff really just knocked out of the park, but as a parent I want to encourage you to look past any rudeness you may experience over email or on the phone because Dr. Thom’s is really that excellent.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share such thoughtful feedback. We’re grateful to hear that our team provided compassionate, attentive care and took the time to answer your questions throughout the process. We also appreciate your comments regarding your experience with our front office team and will certainly share your feedback. Your kind words mean so much to us!
Very nice very convenient for me great people working
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you had a positive experience with our team. We truly appreciate your 5-star review!
The staff is always compassionate and explain all the steps of the procedure. This office has been a God send for me because otherwise I would have let my teeth fall into further disrepair. I highly recommend this office!!!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We’re so glad our team could help make your experience feel comfortable and supportive. We truly appreciate your 5-star review!
Searching for a new dental clinic is challenging for someone who has
dental anxiety, fear, and traumatic experiences in a dental chair. The staff and doctors at the Dental Anesthesia Center were immediately very welcoming. Dr. Thoms put together a very detailed plan to repair and replace the previous work that I had in the past that was now causing problems. Putting my faith in him was the best thing that I could have done for my situation. I am more than completely satisfied with all of the extensive dental work that I’ve had with Dr.Thoms. I had my fourth sleep dentistry experience yesterday and I’m very happy with my results. I highly recommend this practice and truly want to give them more than five stars! Thank you for giving me back my health and confidence.
I adding to this post because of my visit today with the best dental hygienist Delaina and my exam with Dr. Biehl. I have truly never been to such a caring and supportive dental group. Everyone is always conscientious of my needs and knows that I have issues with anxiety. I am always calm when I am sitting in the chair because of their kindness. I am so pleased with the Dental anesthesia center. There needs to be more than five stars. Thank you, everyone.
Response from the owner:We know it isn’t always easy to find a dental office where you feel at ease, so your words mean the world to us. We’re so glad you feel comfortable with our team and truly appreciate your trust and recommendation!
I am unusually tense about my appointments. However, from the moment I checked in I relaxed. The staff was welcoming and assuring, and helped me to relax completely. Dr. Hofmann is superb. He is by far the best dentist and dental surgeon I have ever ever experienced.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad our team helped create a welcoming and comforting experience. We appreciate you sharing your feedback!
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.
