How Sedation Dentistry Can Help You Overcome Dental Anxiety

Struggling with dental anxiety? Sedation dentistry can help make dental visits calm, safe, and stress-free. Contact us today.

For millions across the U.S., visiting the dentist isn’t just inconvenient—it’s a source of intense fear. If your heart races at the thought of sitting in a dental chair, you’re not alone. The good news is that sedation dentistry offers a path to comfortable, stress-free dental care, even for the most anxious patients.

Call us today at (314) 862-7844 or schedule an appointment online for your personalized consultation.

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The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry

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Paul W.

Great team who really takes care of our son.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your kind words! So glad your family feels well cared for.

Jennifer K.

This is a great dentist. Couldn’t recommend them enough. I had a huge fear of dentists before coming here and now I don’t

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re grateful for your trust and thrilled to hear that you’ve felt comfortable and supported in our care.

kerubel G.

When we first visited The Dental Anesthesia Center, my child was experiencing severe tooth pain and multiple cavities. Dr. Sean M. Thoms and his team demonstrated excellent care, promptly assessing the situation and deciding to treat his teeth the next day. They came early in the morning, professionally addressing the cavities and placing a crown. They also followed up by phone to ensure my child was doing well. My baby is now pain-free,happy ,smiling, and sleeping soundly. This is truly a world-class dental center with an exceptional, caring team. Highly recommended.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and wonderful review! We’re truly grateful for your trust and so happy to hear your experience with our team was a positive one. It means a lot to know our care helped make things a little easier and brought smiles all around.

greg E.

Carrie and the Dental Anesthesia Center have always been very professional and welcoming when having work done.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear you’ve had a positive experience with our team. We appreciate your trust and support!

Whitney S.

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. 💙

Understanding Dental Anxiety: It’s More Common Than You Think

Dental anxiety isn’t just about a fear of pain, though that’s a big part of it. For many, it’s a combination of:

• Previous traumatic dental experiences
• Fear of needles or anesthesia
• Feeling helpless or out of control
• Sensitive gag reflex or physical discomfort
• Embarrassment about dental health

Unfortunately, dental anxiety often leads people to delay or avoid dental care altogether, causing minor issues to worsen into serious oral health problems.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry involves using medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It’s sometimes called “sleep dentistry,” though most forms of sedation allow patients to remain conscious.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we specialize in advanced sedation techniques, including:

• Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): A mild sedative that helps reduce anxiety and wears off quickly.
• Oral Sedation: A prescription pill to induce drowsiness and calm before your appointment.
• IV Sedation: Delivered directly into the bloodstream for deeper sedation and control.
• General Anesthesia is reserved for more complex cases or patients with special needs. It allows complete unconsciousness during the procedure.

Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is ideal for patients who:

• Suffer from severe dental anxiety or phobia
• Need extensive or multiple dental procedures
• Have difficulty sitting still for long periods
• Have special needs or developmental disabilities
• Have a low pain threshold or a strong gag reflex

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we are one of the few practices in Missouri licensed to provide general anesthesia in-office, making us uniquely equipped to care for patients with complex needs.

The Patient Experience: Comfort, Safety, and Compassion

One of the greatest advantages of sedation dentistry is the transformation it brings to your experience:

• Stress-Free Appointments: Most patients feel deeply relaxed and often remember little to nothing about the procedure.
• Faster, More Efficient Care: Sedation allows dentists to perform more work in fewer appointments.
• Better Oral Health Outcomes: With fear no longer a barrier, patients are likelier to keep up with regular care.

At DAC, our care is centered around one thing: your comfort and safety. Our dental anesthesiologists and compassionate professionals work closely with each patient to create a personalized sedation plan, ensuring a smooth, anxiety-free visit.