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 Dentistry

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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. 💙

Joy H.

Very patient with elderly patients. Very good experience.

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your feedback! We’re pleased to know the visit was a positive experience.

Carla B.

My son has been a patient of Dr Michael Hoffman since he was 5 years old. He is now 21 years old. My son has diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and therefore I am cautious of who I select as a treatment provider. Dr. Hoffman’s office is professional, kind and I know they have his best interest at heart. I highly recommend Dr. Hoffman and staff to anyone seeking dental care.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We truly appreciate your trust in our team over the years.

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).