Want a new smile but dread the dental chair? Visit the Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis. Contact us today to discuss your options.
For many people, veneers represent something bigger than dentistry. They are the chance to smile in photos again, to speak in meetings without covering your mouth, to stop thinking about your teeth every time you meet someone new. But for patients with dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or difficulty sitting through long appointments, the path to that new smile can feel out of reach.
It does not have to be. At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, cosmetic treatment such as veneers can be completed while you are sedated or fully asleep.
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.
I have Autism. I had my caregiver call ahead to give them a heads up. It was ignored. The building sits on the highway with major traffic next to building. The building is under construction and the inside of building was a mess with workers, trash and construction equipment everywhere. I tried to use restroom but it was filled with loud workers from building hanging out. I sat in waiting room for 45 minutes while another mentally challenged individual was very loud next to me the entire time I waited. The waiting room had debris all over the floor as if somebody spent hours moving ceiling tiles. When I was finally taken back it was by a person in training. They led me to a back area of office and asked me to sit in a seat. The building is completely open. They have nothing deviding you from seeing, hearing and being in the way of other patients. Just walking through the office I almost bumped into patients having work done. They have absolutely no privacy in this building. The floor of this dental practice was littered with trash. I took photos.Clients be warned! This is not set up for patients with anxiety. This is not set up for people with autism . This dentist is not set up for any sort of privacy at all. This is not a dentist for you if you like things clean. When I explained to staff I needed to leave, I explained to them why. Yet, they made me sit and wait for an office manager. After waiting 30 minutes I got up and left on my own. On my way out I could not find the exit. I walked around office while patients were getting work done. I almost bumped into numerous objects, dentist helpers and patients. This place is UNSAFE! Never have I seen somewhere that advertises for autistic patients and they have the office SET UP Like this. BEWARE! STAY AWAY IF YOU WANT PRIVACY! STAY AWAY IF YOU HAVE ANXIETY! STAY AWAY IF YOU ATE AUTISTIC! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share this feedback. Privacy laws prevent us from discussing any individual's experience, but we want to speak to the concerns raised. Our office is set up as a surgery center, and our open layout is intentional. It allows our clinical team to maintain clear visibility and respond quickly, which is essential for patient safety. Our building is currently undergoing renovation, and we know the construction has created noise and conditions that do not reflect the environment we work hard to provide. That work is expected to be complete by the end of the year. We proudly care for patients with special healthcare needs and high anxiety, and every patient is welcome in our office. Anyone with concerns is welcome to contact our office manager, Marie, at 314-862-7844.
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!
I cannot thank this clinic enough for their amazing care. They completely accommodated my individual needs by letting him wait in the hallway where he had more room for his feet and space to pace. Instead of forcing him into a tiny exam room, the dentist came out to the hallway to check his mouth. It made the entire visit so much easier for him. Fantastic service!
Response from the owner:Thanks so much for your kind words! We're grateful for the opportunity to provide compassionate, individualized care and appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Wishing you all the best!
Great experience! The staff went above and beyond to make my individual comfortable. They let him wait in the hallway so he could pace instead of staying in the crowded waiting room. The dentist even examined him right there. Highly recommend this accommodating team! Fantastic service!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review! We're honored by your recommendation and are committed to providing compassionate, individualized care for every person we serve. We truly appreciate your kind words!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! We appreciate your thoughtful words and are grateful you took the time to share your experience with our team.
These guys are fantastic! If you are not going to the dentist because of a bad or painful experience this is the place to go.I was one of those people not going for way too long out of fear and anxiety. One day I had a horrible tooth ache, I put it off too long, the pain was unbearable and I didn`t have a dentist.Thank God I found The Dental Anesthesia Center. Don`t wait for this to happen. I have been a patient now for last fifteen years and I highly recommend you going here. You will be glad you did. The whole staff is the best. .
Response from the owner:Mike,
We are so glad you found us and to hear that our team is able to make you feel completely comfortable at the dentist. 🙂 Its our pleasure to have you as a patient! Thank you so much for your kind review! See you at your next dental appointment!
Today was the second time that I became a registered patient with this office. I had previously had work done in the past with a different clinician, paused treatment for some time, and then returned today and was put with a new physician. I cannot even begin to describe the comfortability that I had with my dental anxiety after leaving the office. The new physician that I met with took over an hour to sit with me and go over my concerns, history, present scans, and any questions about the treatment plan moving forward that I had. She was optimistic, kind, compassionate, and most importantly, there for me in every aspect that a patient requires. She made me hopeful about any future needs I might encounter, and I would truly recommend this office yet again to anyone. They continue to find the kindest staff to support them as well, making it a well-rounded practice from start to finish.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review and kind words. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care and helping every patient feel informed and comfortable throughout their visit. Your recommendation means a great deal to us, and we look forward to continuing to provide you with excellent care.
I cannot say enough about Dr. Hoffmann and his incredible staff. I never thought for a second that I would not be terrified to go to the dentist for the rest of my life, but Dr. Hoffmann changed that. I have had extensive work done over the last few months, all pain free. I was missing teeth due to a decades old bridge falling out and Dr. Hoffman made sure I had a beautiful smile in time for my daughter’s wedding. I have never experienced a kinder more compassionate team, when you go, you know you are in good hands. There is more work to be done, but I am no longer afraid, at all. Thank you Dr. Hoffmann, and thank you to your team. You’ve changed my life.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your incredibly thoughtful review. Your kind words truly touched all of us. It means so much to know that our focus on compassionate, gentle care and making people feel comfortable is making a difference. Dr. Hoffmann and our entire team are grateful for your trust and for taking the time to share such a heartfelt message. We appreciate you more than you know and wish you all the very best!
I was terrified of the dentist and had not gone in years. I’m so glad I found Dr Hoffmann. I now can go to the dentist and am not scared to death. He is so kind. So gentle. I’m so grateful!
Response from the owner:Thanks for your kind words! We're so glad you had a positive experience with our team. Providing compassionate, comfortable care is always our goal. We truly appreciate your support!
Melissa did an excellent job making us feel comfortable through the entire process.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! We're so glad to hear you had a positive experience. We'll be sure to share your kind words with Melissa. We truly appreciate your support!
Always a welcoming and comfortable experience for my adult son with IDD. He’s been coming to this office for many years now, and he no longer has anxiety with dental work anymore.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re grateful for your support and are so glad you had a positive experience with our team.
What Veneers Are and What the Process Involves
Veneers are thin shells, usually made of porcelain, that are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth. They can address chips, deep staining that whitening cannot fix, worn or uneven edges, small gaps, and teeth that are slightly misshapen or out of proportion.
The traditional veneer process typically involves several steps. Your dentist examines your teeth and discusses the result you want. A small amount of enamel is then removed from each tooth receiving a veneer so the finished result sits naturally in your smile. Impressions or digital scans are taken, temporary veneers may be placed, and once your custom veneers are ready, they are carefully fitted, adjusted, and bonded in place.
For a comfortable patient, these appointments are very manageable. But each step involves time in the chair, instruments in the mouth, and precise work close to sensitive teeth. For an anxious patient, that can feel like a wall between them and the smile they want.
Why Some Patients Choose Sedation for Cosmetic Treatment
Patients ask about sedation for veneers for many reasons, and most of them come down to one thing: they want the result, but they cannot comfortably get through the process. Common situations include:
Dental anxiety or past trauma. If earlier dental experiences were painful or frightening, even the idea of enamel preparation can trigger real fear. Sedation allows treatment to happen while you are deeply relaxed or asleep.
A strong gag reflex. Impressions, scanning, and bonding all involve working in the mouth for extended periods. Patients with a sensitive gag reflex often find these steps difficult or impossible while fully awake.
Long appointments. Preparing multiple teeth takes time. Sedation can make a two- or three-hour appointment feel like it passed in minutes.
Jaw problems or difficulty staying open. Patients with TMJ discomfort or limited jaw opening may struggle to hold position for detailed cosmetic work.
Combining treatment. Many of our patients need restorative work, such as fillings, crowns, or extractions, alongside their cosmetic goals. Under sedation or general anesthesia, extensive treatment can often be completed in fewer visits, sometimes a single one, rather than spread across many appointments.
Your Sedation Options
The right level of sedation depends on your health history, your anxiety level, and the treatment planned. At your consultation, our doctors review these factors with you and recommend an approach, which may include:
Nitrous oxide, a mild option that takes the edge off while you remain fully awake, with effects that wear off quickly.
IV sedation, a deeper level of relaxation in which you remain responsive but calm, and often remember little of the appointment.
General anesthesia, in which you are fully asleep for the entire procedure. This option is often chosen by patients with severe anxiety, special needs, strong gag reflexes, or extensive treatment plans.
Because anesthesia is central to our practice rather than an add-on, you are monitored throughout your visit, and your care is planned around both your safety and your comfort.
What to Expect if You Choose Sedation
If you and your doctor decide sedation or general anesthesia is right for your veneer treatment, our team walks you through everything ahead of time: eating and drinking instructions before your appointment, what to expect when you arrive, and arranging a trusted adult to drive you home afterward. Most patients rest for the remainder of the day and feel back to themselves soon after. Your smile goals stay at the center of the plan. Sedation changes how the appointment feels, not the care and precision of the cosmetic work itself.
A New Smile Should Not Require Suffering Through the Process
If you have wanted to improve your smile for years but the process has always stood in the way, sedation dentistry may be the missing piece. You deserve to feel proud of your smile, and you deserve a path to it that does not require pushing through fear.
Contact The Dental Anesthesia Center Today
To find out whether veneers under sedation may be right for you, call The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis at (314) 862-7844 or request a consultation online. Our doctors will listen to your goals, review your health history, and help you choose the approach that fits both your smile and your comfort.
