Sedation Dentistry: A Solution for Severe Gag Reflex

Explore the causes of dental anxiety, sedation options, and the benefits offered at The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis.

A severe gag reflex can make dental visits uncomfortable and challenging, often leading patients to avoid necessary care. Sedation dentistry offers a practical solution, allowing patients to receive dental treatment without the distress caused by their gag reflex. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we specialize in providing sedation options to make dental care accessible and comfortable for all patients.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn how we can help you achieve optimal oral health without the discomfort of a severe gag reflex.

Call (314) 862-7844

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The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry

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Mandy Z.

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!

Dianne B.

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.

Anna C.

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.

Jana A.

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.

pnkldy74

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.

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What is a Gag Reflex?

The gag reflex, or pharyngeal reflex, is a natural response that prevents foreign objects from entering the throat. While this reflex is essential for avoiding choking, an overly sensitive gag reflex can make dental procedures difficult for patients and dentists (Cleveland Clinic).

Causes of Severe Gag Reflex

• Anxiety and Stress: Dental anxiety can heighten the gag reflex response (Dental Fear Central).
• Physiological Factors: Some patients have a naturally sensitive gag reflex due to genetic predisposition (Healthline).
• Medical Conditions: Conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can increase gag sensitivity (Mayo Clinic).

How Sedation Dentistry Helps

Sedation dentistry helps relax the patient, reduce anxiety, and minimize the gag reflex during dental procedures. Various sedation methods are available, each tailored to the patient’s needs:

• Nitrous Oxide: Also known as laughing gas, helps patients relax while maintaining consciousness (WebMD).
• Oral Sedation: A prescribed pill that induces relaxation before the procedure (American Dental Association).
• IV Sedation: Administered intravenously, providing more profound relaxation and suppressing the gag reflex effectively (Colgate).
• General Anesthesia: Puts the patient into a deep sleep, eliminating the gag reflex during the procedure (American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists).

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry for Patients with Severe Gag Reflex

• Enhanced Comfort: Patients can undergo dental procedures without discomfort or interruptions caused by gagging.
• Improved Dental Care: Sedation allows dentists to perform thorough examinations and treatments without restrictions.
• Reduced Anxiety: Patients feel more at ease, knowing their gag reflex will be managed effectively (MouthHealthy by ADA).

Is Sedation Dentistry Right for You?

If you have a severe gag reflex that hinders dental visits, consult your dentist to discuss sedation options. A thorough assessment will help determine the most suitable sedation method for your needs (Cleveland Clinic).