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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Mandy Z.

I have NEVER had a positive experience with dentist…until now!! I was mind blown how kind the staff was, not just to me but to everyone! I have debilitating anxiety when it comes to dentists because of bad previous experiences, so I was very nervous. But, all the staff, including Dr. Thom, were very gentle, kind, and understanding. They took time to listen to all my concerns and address them, helping to put me at ease. I was also amazed how professional the whole office ran and how completely reliable they were. They easily guided me through the process and everything went so smoothly, including my sedation. I have never been treated so kindly by any dental office before, I was struggling to believe I wasn’t in some kind of dream. But. They really were that nice.

My recovery from sedation and all
The dental work they did to save my tooth was amazing, not a single issue! Dr. Thom even called personally to check on me a day later.

Coming back to put my permanent crown in was the same experience. They were all so kind,
Good about explaining everything they were doing and make the experience light and dare I say…fun.

I would drive 2.5 hours again in a heartbeat to do my work here. Best dental experience I’ve ever
had hands down!!!!!!! Thank you Dr. Thom for giving my life and tooth back. I’m so excited to not be in so much excruciating pain anymore!

Response from the owner:We can’t thank you enough for your kind and heartfelt words. Our entire team is dedicated to creating a gentle, supportive, and positive experience for every patient, so it means the world to hear your visit felt that way. We’re so glad you felt cared for and comfortable throughout the process, and we truly appreciate you making the trip to see us. Thank you for trusting us—it’s an honor to care for patients like you!

Dianne B.

Dr. Hoffmann and his team takes great care of my special needs daughter. We have been coming here for over 20 years. The staff is so kind and patient with her and explains everything to help her stay calm.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your kind words and for trusting our team for so many years. We’re honored to care for your family and appreciate the opportunity to make each visit a positive experience.

Anna C.

I have had the best experience with Dr Behl and her staff! I have awful dental anxiety from some past experiences and they are so kind and supportive. Rebecca is incredible to work with. I highly recommend them to everyone I know!!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your kind words! We’re happy to know you felt supported and comfortable during your visit. Our team strives to create a welcoming environment for everyone, and we truly appreciate your recommendation.

Jana A.

We always receive excellent care at the Dental Anesthesia Center.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We truly appreciate your trust in our team and are grateful for the opportunity to provide care.

pnkldy74

Our adult daughter has cerebral palsy and requires being fully sedated when having anything done. The DAC was such a positive experience. Dr Hoffmann and his staff were kind and did great explaining things. As a mom, I had a lot of questions about how certain things would be done as usually she’s in her chair when getting examined at her local dentist and they had everything under control including transferring from her chair to the dentist chair and keeping her secured in the dentist chair as well as keeping her neck and legs comfortable. Many thanks to them!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words. We’re grateful for your trust and happy to hear that you had such a positive experience with our team. Our goal is always to provide compassionate, attentive care in a safe and comfortable environment. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

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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).