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4 Sedation Dentistry Myths Busted

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Although the number of patients that are treated through sedation dentistry is rising, some may still be relatively skeptical about this procedure.

Sedation Dentistry St Louis

Whether is an exaggeration of the risks involved or a lack of trust in the medical staff, some patients will refuse sedation dentistry even though it might help them receive the treatment they need.

While there are certain risks that certainly need to be taken into account by your St. Louis sedation dentist and the patient, many times all it takes is debunking some of the myths that have been circulating about sedation dentistry out of fear and lack of knowledge.

If you are about to have a lengthy procedure or if you have trouble dealing with anxiety when you go to the dentist, ask your doctor to tell you more about sedation dentistry, as it may be the best option for you. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have and mention your worries to your doctor.

Until you get to have a discussion with the dentist in person, here are some of the most common myths about sedation dentistry that you can dismiss.

MYTH: Sedation Dentistry Only Works For Lengthy Procedures

Many people have the wrong impression that sedation dentistry should only be reserved (or that it is only reserved) for big, complex operations. While this is indeed a type of situation where sedation comes in handy, it might be recommended by the dentist in other cases as well, such as patients with anxiety issues, children or patients with special needs and other conditions that make the dental procedures hard to perform.

MYTH: Anyone Can Get Sedation Dentistry

When you know that such a great help exists for patients with anxiety, you might be tempted to choose sedation dentistry for all the procedures you need, or at least the ones that make you nervous. Similarly, if you have a difficult patient in your care (such as a small child or a senior citizen), you think they should definitely be given sedatives to cope with the treatment. Unfortunately, not everyone is fit to be sedated, and the doctor will explain to you if it’s right for you or not.

MYTH: It Is Dangerous for Anyone to be Sedated

At the other end of the spectrum are the people who think sedation is really bad for anyone. While risks are not to be ignored in any case, they are most of the times controllable and don’t present a real danger for the patient. Trusting your St. Louis sedation dentist is crucial for the procedures to be as smooth as possible.

MYTH: You Will Always Be Knocked out and Unconscious

Many myths surrounding sedation dentistry involve knocked out patients and various scenarios beginning from that. The truth is, there are different levels of sedation. In many cases, you are kept conscious and capable of communicating. The level of sedation that is right for you is best discussed with your sedation dentist.

St. Louis Sedation Dentist

There are some other myths that we have encountered about sedation dentistry, but the ones above seem to be recurrent. If you have any doubts about sedation, asking your doctor about it is the best way of clearing things in your mind.

Give us a call today to learn more or schedule an appointment.


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How Long Does Sedation Dentistry Last?

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Sedation dentistry is a great option for the patients who have dental anxiety or have to go through long lasting procedures that require them to sit still for hours at a time.

It is also generally safe to use for children because they often cannot stay still for a long time during the needed treatment.

Sedation Dentistry St Louis

Still, many patients and parents are concerned about the safety of sedation and don’t really know what to expect from it. If you or your child needs a long treatment or if your anxiety prevents you from receiving the needed procedure, your dentist may recommend sedation dentistry. It is therefore important to understand what to expect. While the specifics should be discussed with your dentist, here are some general guidelines.

Before and During the Sedation

You generally need to restrain from eating and drinking anything for six hours before being administered sedatives. That will ensure that your stomach is empty and regurgitated food won’t cause any obstruction of the airways while you are under the sedatives.

Sedatives can be administered intravenously, orally or inhaled. Your St. Louis sedation dentist will discuss the best form of administration for your particular case. If your anxiety levels are very high, you might be asked to take a calming pill before your appointment to ease up the entire process.

You may have to be intubated and wear monitoring devices that help the doctors keep a close eye on your vital signs while you are sedated.

What Will You Feel When Being Sedated?

You will start feeling calm, relaxed, and maybe a bit lightheaded after the sedatives enter your bloodstream. Your arms and legs may feel like they are heavier and soon you will be numb to feel any pain and the doctors can proceed with the treatment.

What to Do after the Procedure?

You will remain in the cabinet for a while after the procedure is complete to be monitored while you recover. It often takes about half an hour for the anesthesia to wear off. You may still feel drowsy and lightheaded for a few hours afterward, so make sure you have someone to transport you home safely and keep you company.

Make sure not to operate vehicles or any dangerous machinery for at least 24 hours after your procedure. You might not respond quickly enough if something happens, and you risk getting injured or damaging your goods.

For these same reasons, it is wise to stay away from cooking for the following 24 hours, as the kitchen can be quite a dangerous place when you are groggy and dizzy. Have someone cook for you or order out and relax for the rest of the day.

We strongly recommend avoiding alcohol, tobacco or other similar substances. Adding more relaxants to your body when it is under the influence or sedatives is not a good idea.

St. Louis Sedation Dentistry


We are the Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area. If you have any questions regarding dental sedation or would like to set up and appointment, give us a call today at

(314) 862-7844.

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5 Dental Procedures That Generally Require Sedation

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Here are some of the most common dental procedures that may require dental sedation.

To this day, despite all the medical technology designed to make treatments less invasive, fear of the dentist remains among many people. Whether it’s a traumatic experience from childhood or an unrealistic and exaggerated portrayal of dentists in our culture, many people are fearful about going to the dentist.

sedated patient

As irrational as it may be at times, fear of the dentist can have many consequences on your oral health. Not going for your regular checkups might cause simple problems, such as plaque to take a turn for the worst, which may require complex and extensive procedures. It’s a vicious circle: you avoid seeing the dentist because you are afraid, but this exacerbated fear might be the thing that could affect your oral health and require multiple visits.

Sedating patients before procedures that involve pain or strange sensations could be a solution.

How Does Sedation Work?

Your St. Louis sedation dentist will use a drug or mix of drugs that allow you to remain conscious during the procedures but keeps you relaxed and calm so that you won’t get overwhelmed by stress and fear and interrupt the treatment. That allows the dental practitioner to treat you properly, even when it requires invasive procedures that take a lot of time to perform.

Make sure to talk with your sedation dentist and decide which anesthetic is best suited for your treatment and medical history.

Procedures That Generally Require Sedation

While sedation dentistry can make any fearful patient’s visit to the dentist better, it is generally recommended for invasive treatments. Procedures that take a long time and require the patient to be still are significantly shortened with the help of an anesthetic.

Here are some of the most common dental procedures that may require dental sedation.

Wisdom Tooth Removal

Because they erupt later in life and are often pushed in strange positions by the other teeth, wisdom teeth often need to be extracted. The removal can be quite difficult, especially when dealing with a “hidden” wisdom tooth, so the dentist might suggest sedation for a less traumatic treatment session.

Dental Implants

Losing your teeth can be a hard thing to cope with, whether it happens over a long time or is caused by an injury. Sedation can help a lot during the dental implant procedure, making it seem shorter and relaxing than it is.

Jaw Surgery

While it is definitely not a routine procedure, jaw surgery might be needed in some instances to treat various conditions, such as sleep apnea or a congenital jaw misalignment. Because it takes a long time to perform, it’s best to be done with sedation.

Bone Grafting

If your dentures don’t fit well enough, it will feel very uncomfortable or painful. Often, bone grafting is needed to align the dentures, and sedation greatly improves the comfort of the patient.

Emergency Dental Treatment

You are most likely still under shock or in a great amount of pain when receiving emergency dental treatment. Sedating will help you remain calm and still during the treatment.

As you can see, there are quite a few situations that may require sedation. It will help the dentist do his work uninterrupted, while the patient feels so relaxed that he often falls asleep during the treatment. Give us a call today at (314) 862-7844 and see if sedation dentistry is right for you!

Factors That Determine Which Type of Sedation You Receive

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The best way to determine which type of sedation dentistry is best for you or your loved one is to visit our office.

One of the issues that you might have with sedation dentistry is not knowing which type of sedation you will receive. Fortunately, there are a variety of guidelines that help make this decision, many of which are listed in the sections below. Of course, the best way to find out which type of sedation is best for you or your loved one is by talking to a sedation dentist in person.

Sedation Dentistry Level

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, when you come in for your initial consultation, Dr. Hoffmann, Dr.Thoms or Dr. Daugherty will decide which level is best for you.

Severity of Condition

Whether you have anxiety, low pain tolerance, or any other condition, your issue will fall on a spectrum. Relatively mild cases will require weaker sedatives, while more severe issues will call for stronger ones. As an example, you might treat a minor case of anxiety with a pill, rather than nitrous oxide or IV sedation. Having a disease that causes uncontrollable physical movement would likely require those stronger treatments.

Fear of Needles

People that have a deep fear of needles often cannot take IV sedation. In this case, they have two options. The first is using nitrous oxide instead. The second is utilizing nitrous oxide for initial sedation, then adding the IV in once they are partially unconscious.

Type of Treatment You’re Receiving

Another factor is what kind of treatment you’re receiving. As you might imagine, a quick dental cleaning might not call for strong sedatives. On the other hand, an extended procedure definitely would, even for people who do not have issues going to the dentist.

Each Patient is Different

There are different levels of sedation for each patient. The sedation method for an individual is determined on the patient’s medical history and current physical and mental health.

Individuals with anxieties, phobias, severe gag reflex, or difficulty getting numb are candidates for the center’s general anesthesia services. In addition, young children or individuals with physical or mental disabilities who are unable to cooperate for dental treatment can benefit from these services.

Sleep and Special Needs Dentistry

As you now know, the kind of sedative you will receive depends on a multitude of factors. They include the severity of your condition, fear of needles, what treatment you need, available equipment, personal preference, and your dentist’s preference. The good news is that you don’t have to go through the complicated process of choosing on your own.

Your initial oral examination includes a visual examination, charting, diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Call us today to schedule your appointment at (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you!

7 Oral Health Issues That Could Benefit from Sedation Dentistry

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Not only will regular dental visits protect you against oral health issues, they can help you resolve the many problems.

Many St. Louis residents have issues that keep them away from the dentist. Some of the most common of them include anxiety, low pain tolerance, and various diseases that cause involuntary movement. Unfortunately, many of them choose to forego oral treatment entirely and have trouble treating relatively straightforward conditions as a result. Here are seven oral health issues that you might use sedation dentistry to resolve.

st. louis man with sensitive teeth

Bad Breath

Many people with bad breath think that their condition is genetic. However, it may be coming from legitimate health issues like gum disease, cavities, and dry mouth. In fact, it is so common that it has its own medical name, which is halitosis. No matter what the root cause of your bad breath is, a sedation dentist can likely help you investigate.

Tooth Decay

The way tooth decay works is that sugars, acids, and other harmful foods stick to your teeth. If they are not cleaned off quickly, they begin to produce damaging bacteria. The result of this process is cavities, which are painful and expensive to replace. Regular dentist trips can help prevent decay and allow you to recognize it quickly if it starts to occur.

Gum Disease

Brushing and flossing every day is an excellent way to prevent gum disease, but even the most diligent people can end up being affected. In the worst cases, patients end up with severe health complications as a result. Fortunately, a dentist can inform you of your issues, recommend adjustments in your habits, and provide emergency care.

Tooth Erosion

Though similar to tooth decay, erosion is a bit different. The two ways in which it is are that it is less common and the structure of the tooth often fails as a result of it. Receding or cracking teeth is a severe issue and will need professional attention.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity in the teeth and gums is another condition that most people think is innate, but often is not. Instead, it is frequently the result of poor oral health habits or more significant dental issues.

Emergencies

If you have a dental emergency, like a cracked tooth, you will definitely want to see a dentist as soon as possible. Those that specialize in sedation can help you with managing your pain and negative emotions throughout the procedure.

Unattractive Smile

While this issue isn’t a pressing medical concern, an unattractive smile is often a source of insecurity. Not only can sedation dentists make your smile healthier, but many of them also offer whitening and other services that improve aesthetics.  

Whether you end up getting treatment from a sedation dentist is up to you. No matter what, you should at least consider this option. Not only will regular visits protect you against oral health issues, but they can help you resolve the many problems we have detailed on this list. This strategy can help you optimize your health and save money in the long term. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment :: (314) 862-7844

The Importance of an Initial Consultation For Sedation Dentistry Patients

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Depending on your circumstances you may need to reach a certain level of trust before you feel comfortable getting the treatment you need.

Those that have dental anxiety suffer in a variety of ways. While the most important of them is poor oral health, there is another factor that people rarely discuss. It is the negative emotion associated with attempting to go to the dentist and failing. The good news is, if you are a sufferer of anxiety or any other condition that keeps you away from the dentist, there is one crucial tactic you can use to make the process easier. It is setting up an initial consultation before you get any treatment. Below, we explain the advantages of doing so.

patient sedated at dentists office

Answering Your Questions

There is a good chance that you’ll have a few questions about sedation dentistry. Some typical examples include the process that each patient undergoes, what type of sedative the dentist will use, and if there are any side effects. The great thing about a consultation is that you do not have to jump right into the treatment without getting all of the information you need. Instead, you can ask every question that you have and get accurate, concise answers from your potential provider.

Dispelling Your Fears

In a similar vein, many people come into sedation dentistry with two fears. The first is with the treatment itself, which many patients find to be physically painful or anxiety-inducing. The second is regarding the sedation process, which often involves a partial loss of consciousness. Fortunately, you don’t have to dive right into these things, and can instead talk to a dentist about your fears first.

Establishing Trust

As effective as sedation is in quelling anxiety, there is another crucial factor that people don’t often talk about. It is having trust in your dentist. When you do, your mind will be at ease, as you know that your health is in good hands. If you don’t, you may or may not solve your anxiety issues. Getting to know a dentist before that person starts to treat you can go a long way in establishing trust.

Judging Chemistry

Not only will you allow you sedation dentist to treat you, but you’ll spend a considerable amount of time with that person. For this reason, you should make sure that you have enough chemistry to make your interactions enjoyable. If you don’t, you’ll be less likely to go to the dentist going forward.

Get Pricing Information

Lastly, you’ll want to understand how much you need to pay for your treatment. Simply asking your potential service provider for a price estimate will give you all of the information you need. From there, you can make an informed decision.

Whether you suffer from low pain tolerance, dental anxiety, or some other condition, sedation dentistry is an excellent option. Of course, depending on your circumstances you may need to reach a certain level of trust before you feel comfortable getting the treatment you need. The best way to reach that point is by setting up an initial consultation, which can help you get your questions answered, dispel your fears, and much more.

Give us a call today at (314) 862-7844 to set up and appointment!