At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we specialize in helping patients navigate this decision with expertise. Contact us today.

Dental visits don’t have to be scary. For patients dealing with dental anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or complex medical conditions, modern sedation options have transformed the experience into something peaceful, even relaxing. But with choices like Novocaine, nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, how do you know which one is right for you or your loved one?

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Excellent

The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry4.9

Based on 230 reviews

Great experience!!

Today was the second time that I became a registered patient with this office. I had previously had work done in the past with a different clinician, paused treatment for some time, and then returned today and was put with a new physician. I cannot even begin to describe the comfortability that I had with my dental anxiety after leaving the office. The new physician that I met with took over an hour to sit with me and go over my concerns, history, present scans, and any questions about the treatment plan moving forward that I had. She was optimistic, kind, compassionate, and most importantly, there for me in every aspect that a patient requires. She made me hopeful about any future needs I might encounter, and I would truly recommend this office yet again to anyone. They continue to find the kindest staff to support them as well, making it a well-rounded practice from start to finish.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review and kind words. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care and helping every patient feel informed and comfortable throughout their visit. Your recommendation means a great deal to us, and we look forward to continuing to provide you with excellent care.

Corey W.

All three doctors are nice to get over your fear of dentist.Thank you Dr. Hoffmann and team!

Response from the owner:Thank you for the 5-star review! We truly appreciate your kind words and support.

Mary Lea B.

Carrie and Dr B are awesome!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’ll be sure to share your compliments with Carrie and Dr. Behl.

suzanne

I cannot say enough about Dr. Hoffmann and his incredible staff. I never thought for a second that I would not be terrified to go to the dentist for the rest of my life, but Dr. Hoffmann changed that. I have had extensive work done over the last few months, all pain free. I was missing teeth due to a decades old bridge falling out and Dr. Hoffman made sure I had a beautiful smile in time for my daughter’s wedding. I have never experienced a kinder more compassionate team, when you go, you know you are in good hands. There is more work to be done, but I am no longer afraid, at all. Thank you Dr. Hoffmann, and thank you to your team. You’ve changed my life.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your incredibly thoughtful review. Your kind words truly touched all of us. It means so much to know that our focus on compassionate, gentle care and making people feel comfortable is making a difference. Dr. Hoffmann and our entire team are grateful for your trust and for taking the time to share such a heartfelt message. We appreciate you more than you know and wish you all the very best!

What Is Novocaine?

Novocaine (procaine) is a local anesthetic historically used to numb a specific area during minor dental procedures. While it’s often used as a catch-all term, dentists today more commonly use lidocaine, which is safer and more effective.

Use Case: Best for fillings, minor extractions, or numbing a single area.

✅ Minimal downtime
✅ You stay awake
❌ Doesn’t help with anxiety or fear

So, What If You’re Anxious or Have Special Needs?

If fear, trauma, autism, ADHD, or other cognitive conditions make a dental visit difficult, local anesthesia like Novocaine might not be enough. That’s where sedation dentistry steps in.

Here are the main options beyond Novocaine—and how they compare:

1. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

What it is: A mild sedative inhaled through a mask.
Great for: Children and adults with mild anxiety.
Pros:
- Fast-acting and wears off quickly
- You can drive home after
Cons:
- Not effective for severe phobia
- Might not be suitable for some patients with respiratory issues

2. Oral Sedation

What it is: Anti-anxiety pills taken before your appointment.
Great for: Moderate anxiety or longer procedures.
Pros:
- You stay conscious but feel calm
- Deeper sedation than laughing gas
Cons:
- You’ll need someone to drive you home
- Harder to adjust dosage mid-procedure

3. IV Sedation

What it is: A deeper sedation delivered intravenously.
Great for: Patients with severe anxiety or those undergoing complex work.
Pros:
- Fast onset and adjustable dosage
- You may not remember the procedure at all
Cons:
- Requires an experienced sedation dentist
- Not typically available at general dental offices

4. General Anesthesia

What it is: Full unconsciousness, similar to hospital surgery.
Great for Patients with special needs, extensive dental needs, or a strong gag reflex.
Pros:
- Complete comfort and immobility
- Ideal for children or patients with disabilities
Cons:
- Must be administered by trained professionals in a licensed facility
- Longer recovery time

Comparing All Sedation Options

Sedation Type	Conscious?	Anxiety Relief	Ideal For	Recovery Time
Novocaine (Local)	Yes	❌ No	Minor procedures	Minutes
Nitrous Oxide	Yes	✅ Mild	Mild anxiety, kids	Minutes
Oral Sedation	Yes	✅ Moderate	Moderate anxiety, adults	Hours
IV Sedation	Drowsy	✅ Strong	Severe anxiety, long procedures	Hours
General Anesthesia	No	✅ Full	Special needs, major work	Severe anxiety, lengthy procedures

Why Choose The Dental Anesthesia Center?

We’re not just a general dental office—we’re a licensed facility offering all levels of sedation, from nitrous oxide to general anesthesia for special needs and high-anxiety patients.