Pediatric Anesthesia
A Better Understanding Of Pediatric Anesthesia
If your child has trouble visiting the dentist because of severe anxiety or Special Needs, or if they require a serious surgery or procedure, it can sometimes be necessary for that child to be administered sedation or anesthesia. Dentist anesthesiologists have the necessary experience and qualifications that allow them to treat and assist children safely throughout the process.
Just as with regular anesthesiologists, dentist anesthesiologists are completely trained to work with children and infants. They can also deliver the proper care to children when in the dentist’s chair or operating room.
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The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.
Anesthesia & Children
In 2019, the current guidelines for dentists and oral surgeons were updated by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. These guidelines help give dentists and oral surgeons a procedural map to follow when providing general anesthesia or deep sedation to children.
For starters, it is necessary that there are always two people in the room, each of whom are trained with the ability to provide full life support in the case of an emergency. One of the people in the room will be the dentist or oral surgeon, and he or she will be performing the actual procedure.
The other person in the room is known as an independent observer.
Understanding The Different Levels of Sedation
It is important to know that there are different levels of sedation. The dentist will ultimately decide the type of sedation that is necessary for the patient or procedure, though having an understanding of what each level is will help you as a parent to feel more in control.
- Mild Sedation
Mild sedation is when the child remains conscious throughout the procedure. Mild sedation is the lightest level of sedation that we offer, and typically involves a mild sedative such as Nitrous Oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas, or a Valium-like medication. Nitrous Oxide is the most popular choice, though there are some children who don’t like the feeling. It isn’t necessary for dentists to go through additional training to administer mild sedation.
- Moderate Sedation
Moderate sedation, otherwise known as sedation dentistry, makes the child a bit sleepier during the procedure, though they are not completely asleep. We highly recommend this for older children, as they are a bit less fearful.
- Deep Sedation
Deep sedation, otherwise known as sleep dentistry, is a method of sedation where the child is completely asleep throughout the procedure. There will be no memory of the procedure. There will always be an independent observer in the room to monitor the child’s heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, etc. during your child’s procedure. This method is completely pain-free and great for longer operations or procedures.
Making Your First Appointment
Whether your child struggles with severe anxiety or special needs, or if they are in need of a serious dental operation including surgery, St. Louis pediatric anesthesia can help. Here at The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we have been practicing sleep and sedation dentistry for the past 25 years. We know how important the safety and comfort of your child is during his or her procedure, and it is our aim to provide nothing less than that!
We hope that you can make an appointment with us soon. Make sure to give us a call at (314) 862-7844 to set up your first appointment. We look forward to meeting you!
My son is in need for oral surgery and Dr. Thoms was so kind and gentle with my son! We are so blessed to have found this team!
Taylor Kauffman
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-08-30T17:28:41-05:00
Taylor Kauffman
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5664
5 STAR SLEEP DENTIST! Dental implants are the way to go if you're like me needle phobic, have missing teeth and do not want dentures or even partials. First came to their office wanting oral sedation but Dr. Hoffmann chose what level of sedation I would be the most comfortable with my VERY HIGH DENTAL PHOBIA, not to say NEEDLE PHOBIC!!!!
Samantha Chesnut
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2016-05-19T17:19:06-05:00
Samantha Chesnut
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5654
Dr. Daugherty is fantastic!
Dr. Daugherty is fantastic! I had a buildup & crown done this morning and didn’t even feel a pinch when she numbed me! Taylor did a great job assisting! Dr. Daugherty has numbed my upper front area for crowns and I didn’t feel a thing - that’s a sensitive area. She does great work! The entire team is warm, welcoming and professional! I dread dental work but enjoy coming here!" - via Facebook
Vicky Pearl
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-02T09:22:33-05:00
Vicky Pearl
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/dr-daugherty-is-fantastic
I actually Love everyone at the Dental Anesthesia Center. I have been going there for many years. But Dianna Dieffenbach Is my Hygienist. I Love how gentle and caring she is and yet how thorough she is. I hope I never have to go to a different place. Thanks to Dr. Hoffman I can smile and Thanks to Dianna for keeping it that way.
Sherry Cushman
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2015-12-03T17:14:18-05:00
Sherry Cushman
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5649
Great practice, I've been going there for 20+ years!!!
Chris Cimarolli
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2015-04-02T17:13:20-05:00
Chris Cimarolli
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5647
These guys and gals are great. I had some issues getting a root canal done at the endodontist. The team at The Dental Anesthesia Center really knows the drill. They filled me with confidence on what was a very unnerving experience. If you're considering sleep dentistry, give these floss wiedling dental denizens a call, they do great work and are good people, to boot!
Lane Maxwell
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2015-12-19T17:16:18-05:00
Lane Maxwell
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5650
Last visit was 14 years ago. I need to make appointment soon. Bad tooth, not sure what else. These guys understand my anxiety and will put me out..wake up..all done!! These are The Only Staff I trust, 100% !!
Mary Melito
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-02-20T17:20:23-05:00
Mary Melito
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5655
So caring, so nice, as others said, a little higher priced. But it is worth every penny. I can't describe how great everyone is
josephclint williams
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-29T17:47:21-05:00
josephclint williams
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5669
The best dental experience I've ever had! Dr. Victoria Daugherty (now Mayer) is very easy to talk to and does a great job at procedures. My dental hygienist Dianna is awesome and personable, is thorough and pays a lot of attention to detail. I have never felt a lot of pain or anxiety with any procedure I've gotten done here. The front desk staff are also very helpful and friendly! Would highly recommend.
Donica Baker
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-09-01T17:42:10-05:00
Donica Baker
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5665
Beyond pleased with our experience with Dr. Hoffman!! My son, Cameron, had work done and everything turned out way better than I could've ever expected. Dr Hoffman saved all of his teeth, where other dentist told me the only option for two of his teeth were to be pulled. His smile is so beautiful and I couldn't think them enough! They were sooo kind!! The dental hygienist were so sweet, and throughly explained everything to me. There was no judgement. They made this whole process so comfortable. Yes, it was pricey, but worth EVERY penny. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Madi Gonko
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2020-05-02T17:50:40-05:00
Madi Gonko
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5670
I would absolutely really recommend this place to anyone. All of the nurses I came in contact with were really sweet and the dentist was really nice as well. I had some issues relaxing at first, but they were experts in trying an alternative and before I knew it, my appointment was over. I really wish I would have tried this place first and will definitely return.
Amy Comrey
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2016-01-14T17:16:47-05:00
Amy Comrey
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5651
We love all the workers there. Their very welcoming staff, but very professional. We’ve been going there for about 15 years.
Regina Johnson
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2018-10-01T17:44:46-05:00
Regina Johnson
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5668
I highly recommend the Dental Anesthesia Center. The best dental care, knowledgeable, efficient, state of the art facilities, friendly, painless, AWESOME!
Ann Rafferty
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2015-10-15T17:13:49-05:00
Ann Rafferty
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5648
Best dental office for all your dental needs! Highly recommend!
haile miller
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-07-26T17:24:18-05:00
haile miller
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5659
These guys are fantastic! If you are not going to the dentist because of a bad or painful experience this is the place to go.I was one of those people not going for way too long out of fear and anxiety. One day I had a horrible tooth ache, I put it off too long, the pain was unbearable and I didn`t have a dentist.Thank God I found The Dental Anesthesia Center. Don`t wait for this to happen. I have been a patient now for last fifteen years and I highly recommend you going here. You will be glad you did. The whole staff is the best. .
Mike Lorberbaum
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2016-01-21T17:17:21-05:00
Mike Lorberbaum
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5652
The office felt welcoming, and the staff cordial. My wait time was short and the staff treated my husband as if he had no disability at all. Dr. Thoms explained everything in detail and was very personable which made us comfortable. I will be taking Dr. Thoms card back to my current dentist office and also my job at the doctor's off I work at as a reference for others who might need their services.
kellye tyler
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-07-09T17:22:21-05:00
kellye tyler
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5657
Dr Sean Thoms and his staff were great! The office is very welcoming and they yook very great care of my 2year old. I would recommend them to the world!
Terriona Adams
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2018-07-10T17:43:10-05:00
Terriona Adams
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5667
I have bad anxiety when visiting the dentist due to a bad experience on my part. However, coming here has changed all of that. This is a great office with a wonderful friendly staff and amazing dentist. I always feel comfortable and welcomed when I come to their office for an appointment.
Stacey
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-08-05T17:26:37-05:00
Stacey
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5661
We are so thankful that another dentist recommended The Dental Anesthesia Center to us. Our little boy needed special care due to his MTHFR mutation. Dr. Thoms was very thorough during our initial consultation, answering every question we could think of. When our son had his dental procedure under general anesthesia, Dr. Thoms and everyone else we encountered there served us with compassion and great concern for our son's well-being. We could not have asked for a better experience! Now our son is looking forward to his 6 month check-up, and we will recommend Dr. Thoms any opportunity we have to do so.
Rebekah Ellsworth
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-07-17T17:23:42-05:00
Rebekah Ellsworth
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5658
I had to have major dental work done and due to a chronic facial pain issue I needed IV sedation. The staff at Dental Anesthesia Center were kind, caring, and attentive. The phone questions were answered quickly and thoroughly. Scheduling issues were handled well. This is a highly professional group of people. I had a very good experience there and would recommend it to anyone needing IV sedation for dental care.
Trisha Freitag
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2013-07-15T17:12:14-05:00
Trisha Freitag
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5646
Best dentistry for dental anxiety, Clayton, MO. I have been searching for a dentist to ease my child's dental anxiety. Dr. Hoffmann and his team were so caring and understanding with my son Matthew!!!! Highly recommended, they know their stuff when it comes to sedation dentistry here in Saint Louis! Wouldn't take my family anywhere else!!!
Julie Carlton
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2016-05-05T17:18:35-05:00
Julie Carlton
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5653
My 9yr old daughter was afraid of going to the dentist. I was referred to Dental Anesthesia and I must say, they were AWESOME!! Dr Sean Thoms along with the staff were wonderful. They explained everything they were going to do to my daughter and kept me well informed during her procedure. They allowed me to be by her side until she was sedated. They even called later in the day just to check on her. My daughter said they made her feel very comfortable and would want to return to this practice for future procedures.
Tonya Holmes
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-08-18T17:27:24-05:00
Tonya Holmes
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5662
This office was fantastic!
My 3 year old recently had to have dental work done and this office was fantastic! Dr. Hoffmann explained everything thoroughly and the assistants made sure this nervous momma was comfortable as well. They even called the next day to check on him! Everything went smoothly and perfectly. His teeth look awesome and better than I expected! I would definitely recommend these guys to anyone!" - via Facebook
Whitney M.
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-02T09:23:29-05:00
Whitney M.
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/this-office-was-fantastic
They are great with nervous kids AND parents.
This place is incredible! The staff is great with my 8 year old son with autism. He's had some pretty major dental issues and I wouldn't take him anywhere else. They are great with nervous kids AND parents. They go above and beyond for their patients." - via Facebook
Kati Pape Ross
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-02T09:25:33-05:00
Kati Pape Ross
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/they-are-great-with-nervous-kids-and-parents
Very professional and clean environment
Alen Hasanovic
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-08-28T17:27:56-05:00
Alen Hasanovic
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5663
Dr. Thoms was very friendly
My son is 3, autistic non-verbal and has oral sensory issues. They were absolutely amazing with him and I would recommend them for anyone with a child with special needs. Dr. Thoms was very friendly and explained everything to us before during and after his procedure. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience!! Thank you!!
-- via Facebook
Christina C.
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-02T09:16:27-05:00
Christina C.
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/dr-thoms-was-very-friendly
Very kind and compassionate staff. They took excellent care of my special needs kiddo and took extra time to make sure it was done right. I would highly recommend.
User ShiningStar0428 on Google Reviews
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2020-09-02T17:51:13-05:00
User ShiningStar0428 on Google Reviews
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5671
Everyone is so compassionate
By far the best place to go for children with special needs... my son is 3.5 and he is nonverbal and autistic...everyone is so compassionate and understanding and helpful. I will never take him anywhere else
-- via Facebook
Stacy O.
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-02T09:21:37-05:00
Stacy O.
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/everyone-is-so-compassionate
Dr. Hoffman and his staff are amazing, friendly and caring. I have high anxiety and fear of dentists due to my past bad experiences, but the Dental Anesthesia Center made me feel at ease and comfortable. Had a lot of dental work done in one visit while sedated and recovered well. Now I have my smile back thanks to Dr. Hoffman and his team. If youre a person like me I definantly recommend you the Dental Anesthesia Center.
Lejla m
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-12-21T17:42:45-05:00
Lejla m
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5666
5
29
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center