Is Sedation Dentistry the Right Choice for You?

Discover if sedation dentistry is right for you with expert insights from The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis. Contact us today.

Sedation dentistry has become an essential option for many patients who experience dental anxiety, have special needs, or require complex dental procedures. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we provide various sedation options to ensure a comfortable dental experience. But is sedation dentistry right for you? Here’s everything you need to know.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we are dedicated to providing personalized care through sedation dentistry. Contact us today to learn how we can make your dental experience stress-free.

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Excellent

The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry4.9

Based on 144 reviews

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Debbie H.

Our son, Jimmy Henderson , has been having all of his dental care done by Dr. Michael Hoffmann and his team at the Dental Anesthesia Center for the past 15 years. He goes there once a year and they put him to sleep, clean his teeth, take x-rays and fix anything that needs to be repaired. They are such a blessing for us and our son. He couldn’t tolerate a regular dentist. We heartily recommend them for your dental care. Terry & Debbie Henderson

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review. We are truly grateful for your trust and support over the years. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care in a safe and comfortable environment. Your recommendation means the world to us!

Don C.

Outstanding customer car for our 15 yrs old Autistic Granddaughter. Rebekah really helped put our minds and ease and helped us plan the next visit when it came to reservations we had on the cost of this treatment, and future ones. This is expensive, but worth it knowing they help special needs kids, teens and adults. Sedation dentistry team handle everything great!
Thank you Dr. Thoms and the team!!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review. We’re so glad our team could provide a supportive and reassuring experience while helping you plan for future care. It means a great deal to know you felt informed and cared for every step of the way. We truly appreciate your kind words and the trust you’ve placed in us.

Sylvia A.

Dr Thoms specializes in dental anesthesia for patients with Special Needs. My daughter has been a patient of his for many years.
His experience, depth of knowledge and understanding the needs of Special Needs patients is excellent.
He presents clear and detailed information for his procedures and treatment options along with expectations during aftercare.
Follow up instructions include a personal phone call from him as well as additional calls from his office staff. I highly recommend Dr Thoms and definitely give him 5 stars.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We’re grateful for the trust families place in our team and are committed to providing thoughtful, individualized care with clear communication every step of the way. Your recommendation means a great deal to us!

Carol Sue A.

My hygienist, DeLaina Joost, takes excellent care of my teeth with her advanced skills, gentle touch and great “chair side” manner. She is a consummate professional, and such a compassionate person. I look forward to my visits at DAC!

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

Ken C.

I want to thank everyone at the Dental Anesthesia Center for taking care of me yesterday—Meaghan helped me get the forms filled out correctly and in on time, Daisy for guiding me in and getting me out safely, Dr. Hoffman for taking care of my teeth and dealing with my really terrible gag reflex, and EVERYONE who helps make this happen. I don't know all of your names, but I do know that it takes all of you working together to make my dental care possible and have good results.

I'm always nervous when I first arrive, even though every procedure has had a good outcome. I've never had any pain or excessive bleeding as a result. The one thing I realized yesterday is that all of you are warm, friendly, positive, you have what is called a good vibe, which helps me a great deal.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We’re so glad our team could help you feel comfortable and supported throughout your visit. Providing a safe, positive environment is very important to us, and your feedback means a great deal. We truly appreciate your trust in our care!

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry involves using medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It is sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry,” although patients are often awake, depending on the level of sedation used (Mayo Clinic).

Types of Sedation Dentistry

• Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): A mild sedative inhaled through a mask that helps patients relax during procedures (WebMD).
• Oral Sedation: A pill taken before the procedure that ranges from minimal to moderate sedation (Healthline).
• IV Sedation: This is administered through a vein, allowing the dentist to adjust the level of sedation as needed (Colgate).
• General Anesthesia: Patients are entirely unconscious, typically used for extensive procedures or patients with severe anxiety (ADA).

Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?

• Patients with Dental Anxiety: Approximately 36% of the population suffers from dental anxiety (Dental Fear Central).
• Patients with Special Needs: Those with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities often benefit from sedation (SCDA).
• Patients Requiring Extensive Dental Work: Sedation allows multiple procedures per visit (Cleveland Clinic).
• Patients with Low Pain Threshold: Sedation helps manage pain and discomfort during procedures (MouthHealthy).

Safety of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is generally safe when administered by trained professionals. Side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, or mild nausea are common but temporary (ASDA).

Is Sedation Dentistry Right for You?

Consult with your dentist to discuss your medical history, anxiety levels, and the type of procedure you need. A thorough evaluation will help determine if sedation dentistry is the best option for you (Cleveland Clinic).