950 Francis Pl #305, Clayton, MO 63105 Mon-Thu 7am-4pm · Fri 7am-3pm

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
Dr Thoms and his team are phenomenal. No question, the absolute best possible option for my child when he needed work done while sleeping (age based). While this option is not inexpensive, this set up of have anesthesiology in-house allowed us to get his mouth healthy when a traditional pediatric dentist could/would not. I am a parent that asks a lot of questions on behalf of my toddler’s care and at no point did I feel judged for this, nor was I rushed during my evaluation process during the consultation. Although the procedure is not one I would like to repeat for my child, my husband and I were both so pleased with how well Dr. Thoms communicated and how he clearly cared for our son’s wellbeing (both physical and emotional during a less than comfortable visit). Cannot recommend the back of house team more highly. My one detraction is the FOH staff (not everyone) were not nearly as pleasant. I would like to communicate that while their day-to-day is very routine for them, being in that office as a parent is very scary for some people in their office and a little bit of kindness goes along way. I do recall, having a very pleasant conversation with Rebecca, but otherwise everyone else was on the apathetic side, in my personal opinion. That said you’ll notice that I still am leaving a five star review because the dental staff really just knocked out of the park, but as a parent I want to encourage you to look past any rudeness you may experience over email or on the phone because Dr. Thom’s is really that excellent.
Very nice very convenient for me great people working
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you had a positive experience with our team. We truly appreciate your 5-star review!
The staff is always compassionate and explain all the steps of the procedure. This office has been a God send for me because otherwise I would have let my teeth fall into further disrepair. I highly recommend this office!!!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We’re so glad our team could help make your experience feel comfortable and supportive. We truly appreciate your 5-star review!
Searching for a new dental clinic is challenging for someone who has dental anxiety, fear, and traumatic experiences in a dental chair. The staff and doctors at the Dental Anesthesia Center were immediately very welcoming. Dr. Thoms put together a very detailed plan to repair and replace the previous work that I had in the past that was now causing problems. Putting my faith in him was the best thing that I could have done for my situation. I am more than completely satisfied with all of the extensive dental work that I’ve had with Dr.Thoms. I had my fourth sleep dentistry experience yesterday and I’m very happy with my results. I highly recommend this practice and truly want to give them more than five stars! Thank you for giving me back my health and confidence. I adding to this post because of my visit today with the best dental hygienist Delaina and my exam with Dr. Biehl. I have truly never been to such a caring and supportive dental group. Everyone is always conscientious of my needs and knows that I have issues with anxiety. I am always calm when I am sitting in the chair because of their kindness. I am so pleased with the Dental anesthesia center. There needs to be more than five stars. Thank you, everyone.
Response from the owner:We know it isn’t always easy to find a dental office where you feel at ease, so your words mean the world to us. We’re so glad you feel comfortable with our team and truly appreciate your trust and recommendation!
I am unusually tense about my appointments. However, from the moment I checked in I relaxed. The staff was welcoming and assuring, and helped me to relax completely. Dr. Hofmann is superb. He is by far the best dentist and dental surgeon I have ever ever experienced.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad our team helped create a welcoming and comforting experience. We appreciate you sharing your feedback!

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