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Sedation Dentistry: A Game-Changer for Elderly Patients

At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we provide specialized sedation services tailored to the needs of senior patients.

Maintaining oral health becomes increasingly important as we age, yet many elderly patients face unique challenges when it comes to dental care. Sedation dentistry offers a solution, ensuring that elderly patients receive necessary dental treatments comfortably and safely.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we are committed to providing exceptional sedation services for seniors. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Dental Care for an Elderly Parent
We brought our 1.5 and 3.5 year old daughters here for cleaning / check ups. Our dental hygienist Laina was amazing...made them feel so comfortable. They had a great time and keep asking when they can go to the dentist again. Dr. Hoffman was great too and made everything super quick and not stressful. Great place for kids in addition to adults!
Every person in the office is so personable. That first off makes you comfortable. But then the methods used to clean my teeth, particularly. I don't feel a thing, and it's the first time in my life that I haven't. And I have a lot of anxiety about dental work, and I really do not feel a thing when my teeth are being cleaned
I came here with my 18 year old daughter who has an immense fear of Doctors and Dentist , The kindness and understanding without any judgement we received from Dr.Thom was just unbelievable. The work he did on my daughter was life changing for her . I would recommend him to anyone . Just amazing, kind talented Doctor.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your heartfelt words! It means a great deal to our team to know that you felt welcomed, understood, and cared for. We’re especially grateful you shared how meaningful your experience was.
We met Dr. Shawn in Sept 2023 and in December, he removed our adult nonverbal son's wisdom teeth. Not gonna hold you, general anesthesia is billed incrementally (by the minute/quarter-hour) and is a heavy financial investment. I love this clinic because it really is a safe space for special needs families. There's a huge calm that accompanies knowing your dependent person is getting healthy. Dr. Shawn is exceptional. We drove 6 hours to get here so we'll choose a local practice for routine sedation cleanings down the road. I hope to see more neurodivergent acceptance built locally in our state's dentistry like this team has here. Meanwhile we are so grateful for this practice and grateful our son was in Dr. Shawn's care.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your heartfelt words. We’re honored to be a place where families feel safe, supported, and understood. Your trust in Dr. Thoms and our team truly means so much to us.
Dr. Thoms and Robin are excellent in their care, concern, and support. Dr. Thoms explains everything and takes his time. If I have questions or concerns, he is easy to talk to and listens well.Robin is right there by my side throughout procedures. Her technical skills and professionalism are impressive. She is terrific!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad Dr. Thoms and Robin made you feel heard, supported, and cared for. We’ll be sure to share your wonderful compliments with them—they’ll mean so much!

Reduces Dental Anxiety and Fear

Dental anxiety is common among elderly patients, particularly those who have had negative experiences in the past. Sedation dentistry helps alleviate these fears, allowing seniors to undergo treatments without stress or anxiety. [Cleveland Clinic]

Provides Comfort for Patients with Medical Conditions

Many elderly patients have medical conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, or dementia that make sitting still for extended periods challenging. Sedation ensures comfort and minimizes discomfort during dental procedures. [Mayo Clinic]

Facilitates Complex Dental Procedures

Elderly patients often require extensive dental work, including dentures, implants, and gum treatments. Sedation allows for multiple procedures to be completed in a single visit, reducing the need for repeated appointments. [WebMD]

Enhances Safety and Reduces Pain

Sedation dentistry minimizes pain and ensures patient safety by reducing involuntary movements. This is especially important for seniors with limited mobility or cognitive impairments. [American Dental Association]

Encourages Regular Dental Visits

For many seniors, the fear of discomfort or pain can lead to avoiding dental visits altogether. Sedation dentistry encourages regular check-ups by providing a pain-free and anxiety-free experience, promoting better oral health. [Healthline]

Updated: February 13, 2025