Outstanding customer car for our 15 yrs old Autistic Granddaughter. Rebekah really helped put our minds and ease and helped us plan the next visit when it came to reservations we had on the cost of this treatment, and future ones. This is expensive, but worth it knowing they help special needs kids, teens and adults. Sedation dentistry team handle everything great! Thank you Dr. Thoms and the team!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review. We’re so glad our team could provide a supportive and reassuring experience while helping you plan for future care. It means a great deal to know you felt informed and cared for every step of the way. We truly appreciate your kind words and the trust you’ve placed in us.
Dr Thoms specializes in dental anesthesia for patients with Special Needs. My daughter has been a patient of his for many years. His experience, depth of knowledge and understanding the needs of Special Needs patients is excellent. He presents clear and detailed information for his procedures and treatment options along with expectations during aftercare. Follow up instructions include a personal phone call from him as well as additional calls from his office staff. I highly recommend Dr Thoms and definitely give him 5 stars.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We’re grateful for the trust families place in our team and are committed to providing thoughtful, individualized care with clear communication every step of the way. Your recommendation means a great deal to us!
My hygienist, DeLaina Joost, takes excellent care of my teeth with her advanced skills, gentle touch and great “chair side” manner. She is a consummate professional, and such a compassionate person. I look forward to my visits at DAC!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear you had a positive experience with our team and appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.
I want to thank everyone at the Dental Anesthesia Center for taking care of me yesterday—Meaghan helped me get the forms filled out correctly and in on time, Daisy for guiding me in and getting me out safely, Dr. Hoffman for taking care of my teeth and dealing with my really terrible gag reflex, and EVERYONE who helps make this happen. I don't know all of your names, but I do know that it takes all of you working together to make my dental care possible and have good results.
I'm always nervous when I first arrive, even though every procedure has had a good outcome. I've never had any pain or excessive bleeding as a result. The one thing I realized yesterday is that all of you are warm, friendly, positive, you have what is called a good vibe, which helps me a great deal.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We’re so glad our team could help you feel comfortable and supported throughout your visit. Providing a safe, positive environment is very important to us, and your feedback means a great deal. We truly appreciate your trust in our care!
Dr. Thoms and his entire staff at The Dental Anesthesia Center have been absolutely wonderful!! They're all so kind and knowledgeable. I would give them 10 stars if I could!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It means a lot to hear this feedback.
Sedation dentistry helps patients with anxiety get the dental treatment they need. From individuals who have suffered traumatic experiences in the past to small children and people with sensory processing disorders, all of these can benefit from sedation dentistry when usual treatments are not an option.
Unsolved dental issues can easily spread to other areas of the body and affect body functions. Complications appear at a higher incidence rate in elderly people and pose a greater risk. At the same time, senior citizens may have certain chronic conditions that can interfere with the development of good dental treatment, which is why a discussion with a St. Louis sedation dentist is paramount.
If you have an elderly loved one that needs dental treatment but they have a difficult receiving the treatment, dental sedation may be the best option. The side effects of sedation and its associated risks when other conditions are present might be challenging when it is used for elderly patients. However, The Dental Anesthesia Center is a state-of-the-art dental facility for patients who require general anesthesia, deep sedation, or oral sedation for their dental care.
Challenges of Sedation Dentistry for Seniors
A sedation dentist must first assess the patients general health and the risks they are susceptible to before administering any medicine. Then, they should prepare for the monitoring of vital signs and set the right dosage.
The cardiovascular and respiratory systems are the main ones affected by sedation. Age-associated diseases and seniors’ weakened system make things increasingly complicated. Although it is scarce, the medical literature on sedation given to elderly patients shows the possible risks and how to prepare for them.
Levels Of Sedation Dentistry for Seniors
Minimal Sedation – an individual is conscious. This method is the lightest level of sedation. It involves a mild sedative. Using this kind of sedation requires no additional training for the dentist.
Moderate Sedation (Sedation Dentistry) – a person is conscious and is referred to as “Sedation Dentistry.” Moderate Sedation allows the patient to simply respond to your questions. You are not asleep for sedation dentistry. A dentist is required to receive two days of additional training when administering pills orally. Intravenous (IV) Sedation requires at least 60 hours of training or a dentist can be trained as part of a residency program.
Deep Sedation (Sleep Dentistry) – Deep sedation or general anesthesia is referred to as “Sleep Dentistry” (unconscious). Using this method, there is no memory of the procedure. Dentists who provide this method require a two-year Dental Anesthesiology Residency or an Oral Surgery Residency. This is the recommended level of sedation for individuals unable to tolerate dental treatment for mental or physical reasons.
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry
Your initial oral examination includes a visual examination, charting, diagnosis and treatment recommendations. We will also take x-rays, which includes the panoramic x-ray for proper diagnosis of the anterior (front) and posterior (back) teeth as well as the bite-wing x-ray series for proper diagnosis of proximal decay of posterior teeth.
Call us today to schedule your appointment at (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you!
