If you or a loved one feels anxious about visiting the dentist — or requires extensive dental work — you may wonder: Is IV sedation or general anesthesia the better option? At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we offer both, and each plays a unique role in helping patients receive safe, stress-free care.
This article breaks down the key differences between IV sedation and general anesthesia, including their benefits, safety, and which may be right for you or your child.
What Is IV Sedation?
IV sedation involves delivering medication through a vein to help patients feel deeply relaxed. You remain conscious but typically have little to no memory of the procedure. It’s often called “twilight sedation.”
Key benefits of IV sedation include:
Fast-acting relaxation
Minimal awareness of the procedure
Short recovery time
Ideal for moderate anxiety or lengthy dental work
What Is General Anesthesia?
General anesthesia puts the patient completely to sleep. This method is used when the patient must be unresponsive during treatment — such as for complex procedures, special needs patients, or severe dental phobia.
Benefits of general anesthesia:
Complete unconsciousness (no awareness or memory)
Controlled by a trained dental anesthesiologist
Best for patients who cannot tolerate dental care while awake
Often used for special needs dentistry or pediatric cases
Key Differences Between IV Sedation and General Anesthesia
Factor
IV Sedation
General Anesthesia
Consciousness
Conscious but deeply relaxed
Completely unconscious
Monitoring
Continuous monitoring by dental staff
Administered and monitored by anesthesiologist
Recovery Time
Shorter
Longer, may require post-anesthesia care
Ideal For
Moderate anxiety, longer procedures
Severe anxiety, special needs, complex surgeries
Which Option Is Right for You?
Choosing between IV sedation and general anesthesia depends on several factors:
The patient’s level of anxiety or dental phobia
Medical history or special needs diagnosis
The length and complexity of the procedure
Age and ability to cooperate during treatment
At The Dental Anesthesia Center, our team includes board-certified dental anesthesiologists who evaluate each patient and recommend the safest, most effective sedation option.
Is It Safe?
Yes — when administered by licensed professionals in a properly equipped setting. Our St. Louis office is one of the only dental practices in Missouri licensed to offer in-office general anesthesia. Safety is our top priority, and we follow strict patient monitoring, screening, and recovery guidelines.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Over 30 years of experience in sedation and sleep dentistry
Specialized care for patients with disabilities, medical conditions, or severe anxiety
Licensed to provide general anesthesia in-office
Trusted by families and referring dentists across Missouri
Schedule a Sedation Dentistry Consultation in St. Louis
If you or your loved one struggles with dental fear or needs special care, our team is here to help. We provide safe, comfortable options for even the most complex cases.
