It’s incredibly important for parents to report a detailed health history of the child to the dentist. This way, the dentist can propose the type of sedation that’s best suited for the child.
I took my son to an appointment today with Dr. Hoffman. We had a great experience from the time we arrived until we departed. The receptionist was very friendly and helpful. The dental assistants were very helpful and polite with my son. The doctor is very kind and patient. They explain everything as we went through the process. We were aware of the cost from the beginning to the end and we're allowed to make decisions about how to handle my child's care and not shocked with additional charges after the fact. My child does not resist going to this office. Great experience.
Dr. Thoms and everyone of his staff members are incredible. I was warmly welcomed and made to feel comfortable and relaxed. Which is saying something as I had not been to the dentist in years due to fear/anxiety. My procedure was clearly explained. The office staff was beyond helpful with payment and insurance. The day of my appt was exactly as planned. We started ahead of schedule! The technicians and assistants were clearly skilled and again, helped ease my nervousness. We finished all work as planned. And then Dr. Thoms sat with me and my husband to discuss “everything.” He is very thorough. And finally one of his staff wheeled me down to the elevator, out across the parking lot, and helped me into my van. Now that is service! Around 8:30 p.m. my cell phone rang and it was Dr. Thoms calling to check up on me. Wow!!!!! This man has all you could want in a dentist—kind, compassionate, thorough, understanding, excellent communicator, and skilled. I cannot come up with the best words to so highly recommend the Dental Anesthesia Center. It was a remarkable, yet simple, but thorough experience for me. If you are putting off going to the dentist and have anxiety or fears please call them. They will gently and competently take care of you. And no, this is not an advertisement/ commercial—I am a real live (satisfied) patient.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We’re honored to hear that you felt welcomed, comfortable, and well cared for throughout your experience. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, thorough care—especially for those who may feel anxious about dental visits—so it means a lot to know that came through. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are grateful you chose us for your care.
The practice is top notch. Could not ask for better care.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re grateful for your feedback and are proud to provide high-quality care in a supportive environment.
Great practice and nice people. I've been going there for 25+ years!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind review ! We appreciate that beyond words! It has been our pleasure having you as our patient! We look forward to seeing you at your next dental visit!
If you have a child in need of some dental work, then the question of laughing gas or sedation may be brought up by your dentist. The goal here is to ensure your child is getting the safest and best treatment.
There are actually many different types of sedation available for such procedures when the patient is a child.
Types of Sedation and Anesthesia Used for Children
There are usually 4 types of sedation here:
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is the least invasive and considered a mild sedative. Children breathe this with a bit of oxygen, and while they remain awake during the procedure, they will be more relaxed.
Mild to moderate sedation – the child is given a certain medication (or a combination of). This is usually common in older children. The effects are a calm and awake child who can still respond and do what the dentist says.
Deep sedation – this is done through an IV, and the child will sleep throughout the entire procedure. In this case, there will be another independent observer in the room to monitor the child until the procedure is done, and they can wake up.
General anesthesia – here, the child is completely asleep. The procedure is only done by those trained to use anesthesia, and like in the case of deep sedation, the child is monitored by an independent observer.
How Safe Are These Options?
Laughing gas is, by far, one of the safest options when it comes to sedation. But even this isn’t without its potential side effects such as:
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Fatigue
These are generally short-term effects that go away once the sedative wears off.
However, there may be procedures in which the child must remain completely still, in which case neither laughing gas nor mild/moderate sedation would be enough.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry provides stringent guidelines for dentists and oral surgeons to follow in the case of deep sedation or general anesthesia. This is why deep sedation and general anesthesia require another person in the room to monitor the child throughout the entire procedure.
Every type of anesthesia comes with certain risks and side effects, which is why it’s incredibly important for parents to report a detailed health history of the child to the dentist. This way, the dentist can propose the type of sedation that’s best suited for the child.
St. Louis Sedation Dentistry
When you come in for your appointment Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms, or Dr. Behl will decide which level is best for your child. We look forward to meeting you. Call us at (314) 862-7844, and one of our friendly team members will be happy to speak with you.
Call Us Today
The first two board-certified Dentist Anesthesiologists in the state of Missouri.
