Sedation Dentistry for Patients with Severe Gag Reflex

If you or your loved one suffers from a severe gag reflex, we provide several safe and effective sedation dentistry methods for all of your dental care needs.

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The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry4.9

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Michelle B.

If we lived in closer proximity, we would see Dr. Thoms for all of our dentistry needs. As it is, we happily made the 2.25 hour trip three times for my daughter's root canal and crown. Dr. Thoms and the entire team were expert, kind, and compassionate.
We could not ask for more!

Ruby W.

Wonderful place for my special needs daughter. She is not always cooperative. They are very good and patient with her. Thankful she can receive anesthesia at the office and not have to take her for out patient service at a hospital. Thank you to all the staff 😇

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and 5-star review! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Our team is grateful for your trust and is always committed to providing patient-centered, compassionate care.

Susan B.

Best experiences ever. My two special needs children need sedation dentistry and see Dr. Thoms. Dr. Thoms is so kind, caring and reassuring. He truly has a special gift in treating people with special needs. So grateful to be his patients.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind feedback. We’re grateful for the opportunity to provide care in a supportive and reassuring environment.

Dave K.

As a 75 year old man, I have been to several dentist’s and none compare to Dr. Thoms and Dr. Behl. The entire staff is very knowledgeable and accommodating. I have had some major work done and I/V sedation is definitely the way to go. Five stars to the entire team at DAC. I highly recommend their services.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We truly appreciate your trust in our team. It’s always our goal to provide comfortable, high-quality care to every patient.

Julie S.

We absolutely love the Dental Anesthesia Center. From the staff to the doctors - everyone is amazing. They are caring, kind and efficient.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and 5-star review! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with our team.

The gag reflex is your body’s natural defense mechanism to prevent foreign objects from entering your airway. However, some people have very sensitive gag reflexes. It may result from a mental trigger, such as anxiety, or a developmental disability such as autism or cerebral palsy.

Whatever the reason, it can be challenging for a patient with a sensitive gag reflex to receive dental care. But forgoing dental care due to your sensitivity is not a good idea. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we provide sedation and sleep dentistry options for patients with severe gag reflexes.

Sedation Dentistry Methods

If you or your loved one suffers from a severe gag reflex, we provide several safe and effective sedation dentistry methods for all of your dental care needs. Sedation dentistry can be used for invasive dental procedures, general tooth cleaning, and X-rays.

The patient is given medication to help them relax during the procedure. Patients are typically conscious during the process, except for those under general anesthesia. The levels of sedation include:

• Minimal sedation
• Moderate sedation
• Deep sedation
• General anesthesia

Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way for many patients to receive dental treatment. On your initial visit, Drs. Hoffmann or Thoms will need to know your medical history and current medical condition to help you decide which sedation method is suitable for your needs.

Some Ways to Naturally Ease Your Gag Reflex

If you suffer from a severe gag reflex, you’re not alone. This is a common condition that many patients suffer from. There are a few ways to ease your gag reflex naturally. Some of these include:

• Communicate your fears – At your dental visit, tell us about your issue, any concerns you have, and specific dental work in the past that caused you to gag. When we know your situation, we can make your treatment as comfortable for you as possible.
• Pick a suitable time of day – This may sound strange, but you may find that you’re more susceptible to gagging at certain times of the day. For instance, you may gag more in the morning, like when you brush your teeth. Scheduling your visit later in the day may work better for you.
• Breathe through your nose – Take deep breaths through your nose to stay relaxed. If you have a stuffy nose on the day of your visit, consider rescheduling. You might also consider taking a decongestant before your appointment to relieve any sinus congestion.
• Sit up rather than lying down – Your gag reflex may be more sensitive when you’re lying down. If possible, we can sit you up more for your dental work. This may help ease the strong reflex feeling.
• Practice getting control over your gag reflex – When you brush your teeth, this is an excellent time to practice getting control over your sensitivity. Gently and slowly touch the back of your throat with your toothbrush. When you feel the urge to gag, try to control it by breathing through your nose. This tactic will work, but it will likely take several weeks of practice before getting over your sensitivity.

Schedule Your Dental Appointment Today

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we are well equipped to treat your dental problems despite your gag reflex or any other fear or anxiety you suffer from. We value our patient relationships, making it our priority to deliver the gentle dental care you deserve from sedation dentists in St. Louis. We work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.