Even the most non-invasive procedure can be difficult for patients with special needs, causing them to miss their regular appointments or refuse routine procedures like dental cleaning.
I took my son to an appointment today with Dr. Hoffman. We had a great experience from the time we arrived until we departed. The receptionist was very friendly and helpful. The dental assistants were very helpful and polite with my son. The doctor is very kind and patient. They explain everything as we went through the process. We were aware of the cost from the beginning to the end and we're allowed to make decisions about how to handle my child's care and not shocked with additional charges after the fact. My child does not resist going to this office. Great experience.
Dr. Thoms and everyone of his staff members are incredible. I was warmly welcomed and made to feel comfortable and relaxed. Which is saying something as I had not been to the dentist in years due to fear/anxiety. My procedure was clearly explained. The office staff was beyond helpful with payment and insurance. The day of my appt was exactly as planned. We started ahead of schedule! The technicians and assistants were clearly skilled and again, helped ease my nervousness. We finished all work as planned. And then Dr. Thoms sat with me and my husband to discuss “everything.” He is very thorough. And finally one of his staff wheeled me down to the elevator, out across the parking lot, and helped me into my van. Now that is service! Around 8:30 p.m. my cell phone rang and it was Dr. Thoms calling to check up on me. Wow!!!!! This man has all you could want in a dentist—kind, compassionate, thorough, understanding, excellent communicator, and skilled. I cannot come up with the best words to so highly recommend the Dental Anesthesia Center. It was a remarkable, yet simple, but thorough experience for me. If you are putting off going to the dentist and have anxiety or fears please call them. They will gently and competently take care of you. And no, this is not an advertisement/ commercial—I am a real live (satisfied) patient.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We’re honored to hear that you felt welcomed, comfortable, and well cared for throughout your experience. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, thorough care—especially for those who may feel anxious about dental visits—so it means a lot to know that came through. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are grateful you chose us for your care.
The practice is top notch. Could not ask for better care.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re grateful for your feedback and are proud to provide high-quality care in a supportive environment.
Great practice and nice people. I've been going there for 25+ years!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind review ! We appreciate that beyond words! It has been our pleasure having you as our patient! We look forward to seeing you at your next dental visit!
Sedation dentistry is part of an approach to oral health, which is much more focused on the patient’s education and comfort than ever before. The goal of a good dentist is to make you feel safe and comfortable in the dentist chair and to be ready to come back anytime for your regular check-ups or any treatment you may need.
Sedation can range from the mildest type to general anesthesia, depending on how serious the procedure is, and the medical history of the patient. However, even the most non-invasive procedure can be difficult for patients with dental anxiety or special needs, causing them to miss their regular appointments or refuse routine procedures like dental cleaning.
Typically, a dental cleaning does not involve the use of sedation because many patients are able to sit through a cleaning with little or no pain and/or anxiety. However, in certain cases, yes, sedation can be used for cleaning a patients teeth.
When Sedation is Needed for a Teeth Cleaning
Special needs patients are those who due to their mental, physical, medical, cognitive and developmental conditions require special consideration when receiving dental treatment. Some of the conditions that require special needs dentistry, include:
Special needs dentistry addresses the specific issues of each patient and provides the special needs dental care he or she requires.
It takes compassion and understanding to care for patients with special needs. While most dentists are able to accommodate certain special needs patients, The Dental Anesthesia Centerfocuses on meeting the needs and limitations of these patients. We understand that some patients need sedation for even a routine teeth cleaning. If your child or loved one requires special needs dentistry, we will be glad to schedule your next appointment.
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry
Your initial oral examination includes a visual examination, charting, diagnosis and treatment recommendations. We will also take x-rays, which includes the panoramic x-ray for proper diagnosis of the anterior (front) and posterior (back) teeth as well as the bite-wing x-ray series for proper diagnosis of proximal decay of posterior teeth.
Call us today to schedule your appointment at (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you!
