St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center

Geriatric Dentist

Geriatric Dentistry In St. Louis For Older Adults

As we age, our dental needs can change, just as our medical needs change.

Changes in your mouth include:

  • Nerves in your teeth become smaller and make you less aware if there is a problem.
  • Decreases in the saliva production or “dry mouth” can increase rates of cavities and gum disease.
  • The average age of patients diagnosed with cancer is 62. Oral cancer rates have been increasing.
  • Anxiety can increase as we age and cause avoidance of dental care.

Recommendations for our older patients include:

  • Treating dry mouth with the use of oral lubricants and prescription fluoride toothpaste.
  • Keep regular 6 month (or greater if needed) dental checkups with screenings for oral cancer.
  • Sedation dentistry is an option for patients of all ages with anxiety. Older patients with multiple medical conditions should be under the care of a dental anesthesiologist.

Call Us Today

The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844

Sedation Levels In Geriatric Dentistry in St. Louis

  • Deep Sedation: Deep sedation, otherwise known as general anesthesia, is when the patient is completely asleep. This method ensures that patients have no memories of the procedure, perfect for those who do not have the ability to mentally or physically tolerate dental treatment. Only dentists who have completed an oral surgery residency or a two-year dental anesthesiology residency may provide this sedation method.
  • Moderate Sedation: Moderate sedation is known as sedation dentistry, patients are able to respond to their dentist throughout treatment. Moderate sedation does not put the patient to sleep.
  • Minimal Sedation: Minimal sedation includes the use of a mild sedative. No additional training is necessary for a dentist to apply this method.

Setting Your Appointment At St. Louis Sedation, Sleep, and Special Needs Dentistry

If you are ready to set your appointment, make sure to give us a call at (314) 862 7844!

Your first oral examination will include a visual examination, diagnosis, charting, and treatment recommendations. X-rays may be taken to provide proper diagnosis of the front and back teeth as well.

We look forward to helping you achieve the best dental health possible!

Dr. Thoms was very friendly



My son is 3, autistic non-verbal and has oral sensory issues. They were absolutely amazing with him and I would recommend them for anyone with a child with special needs. Dr. Thoms was very friendly and explained everything to us before during and after his procedure. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience!! Thank you!!


-- via Facebook

Christina C.

St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-02T09:16:27-05:00

Christina C.

My son is 3, autistic non-verbal and has oral sensory issues. They were absolutely amazing with him and I would recommend them for anyone with a child with special needs. Dr. Thoms was very friendly and explained everything to us before during and after his procedure. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience!! Thank you!! -- via Facebook

Everyone is so compassionate



By far the best place to go for children with special needs... my son is 3.5 and he is nonverbal and autistic...everyone is so compassionate and understanding and helpful. I will never take him anywhere else




-- via Facebook


Stacy O.

St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-02T09:21:37-05:00

Stacy O.

By far the best place to go for children with special needs... my son is 3.5 and he is nonverbal and autistic...everyone is so compassionate and understanding and helpful. I will never take him anywhere else -- via Facebook

Dr. Daugherty is fantastic!

Dr. Daugherty is fantastic! I had a buildup & crown done this morning and didn’t even feel a pinch when she numbed me! Taylor did a great job assisting! Dr. Daugherty has numbed my upper front area for crowns and I didn’t feel a thing - that’s a sensitive area. She does great work! The entire team is warm, welcoming and professional! I dread dental work but enjoy coming here!" - via Facebook

Vicky Pearl

St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-02T09:22:33-05:00

Vicky Pearl

Dr. Daugherty is fantastic! I had a buildup & crown done this morning and didn’t even feel a pinch when she numbed me! Taylor did a great job assisting! Dr. Daugherty has numbed my upper front area for crowns and I didn’t feel a thing - that’s a sensitive area. She does great work! The entire team is warm, welcoming and professional! I dread dental work but enjoy coming here!" - via Facebook

They are great with nervous kids AND parents.

This place is incredible! The staff is great with my 8 year old son with autism. He's had some pretty major dental issues and I wouldn't take him anywhere else. They are great with nervous kids AND parents. They go above and beyond for their patients." - via Facebook

Kati Pape Ross

St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-02T09:25:33-05:00

Kati Pape Ross

This place is incredible! The staff is great with my 8 year old son with autism. He's had some pretty major dental issues and I wouldn't take him anywhere else. They are great with nervous kids AND parents. They go above and beyond for their patients." - via Facebook

This office was fantastic!

My 3 year old recently had to have dental work done and this office was fantastic! Dr. Hoffmann explained everything thoroughly and the assistants made sure this nervous momma was comfortable as well. They even called the next day to check on him! Everything went smoothly and perfectly. His teeth look awesome and better than I expected! I would definitely recommend these guys to anyone!" - via Facebook

Whitney M.

St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-02T09:23:29-05:00

Whitney M.

My 3 year old recently had to have dental work done and this office was fantastic! Dr. Hoffmann explained everything thoroughly and the assistants made sure this nervous momma was comfortable as well. They even called the next day to check on him! Everything went smoothly and perfectly. His teeth look awesome and better than I expected! I would definitely recommend these guys to anyone!" - via Facebook
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St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center