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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The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry4.9

Based on 168 reviews

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Kimberly C.

We had a very positive experience with Dental Anesthesia Center. Dr. Thoms and his entire staff were kind, patient, and understanding throughout the entire process. My child has special needs, and as an anxious mom, I truly appreciated how compassionate and reassuring everyone was. We were referred to Dr. Thoms by our child’s dentist, and they took the time to explain everything while genuinely wanting to do what was best for my son. Communication was excellent throughout the procedure, which helped ease a lot of my anxiety. The office staff, including the ladies who handled the payment process, were just as kind and helpful, and I never felt pressured when discussing treatment or costs. The cost was more than we anticipated and definitely an unexpected expense, but my child’s needs always come first. Most importantly, my son seemed very comfortable afterward, did not appear to be in pain, and was eating an hour after the procedure. I don’t give perfect scores lightly, but I would absolutely recommend Dr. Thoms and his team to other families, especially parents of children with special needs.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review and kind words. We’re grateful for the opportunity to provide care and appreciate you trusting our team. Wishing you and your family all the best!

Dave K.

As a 75 year old man, I have been to several dentist’s and none compare to Dr. Thoms and Dr. Behl. The entire staff is very knowledgeable and accommodating. I have had some major work done and I/V sedation is definitely the way to go. Five stars to the entire team at DAC. I highly recommend their services.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We truly appreciate your trust in our team. It’s always our goal to provide comfortable, high-quality care to every patient.

Chris H.

Great staff, and great experience!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the 5-star review—we truly appreciate your support!

Keith T.

They were very professional. And fortunately, I don’t remember anything else!!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! We appreciate your feedback and support.

Leeann P.

Very professional!! Dr Thom is amazing! Staff takes wonderful care of me!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We appreciate your feedback and are grateful for the opportunity to provide a positive experience.

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).