The Dental Anesthesia Center is available for non-emergent anesthesia and dental procedures. We have always made patient safety our number one priority. Due to the seriousness of the COVID-19 virus, several new systems have been put in place to ensure your safety that include having multiple air purification systems installed throughout the office and new social distancing guidelines for our waiting areas. We look forward to seeing you at your next dental visit and appreciate your patience during this time. To read our full COVID-19 Guidelines, please click HERE.

St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center

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Dental Care for Children with Emotional Disorders

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Children with emotional disorders may respond favorably to a dental environment or procedure until they are afraid or feel like they are in a situation out of their control.

If your child has an emotional disorder, you may be wondering what your options are regarding their dental treatment. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, our goal is to provide your child with the dental care they need without causing undue fear or anxiety.

Challenges for Children with Emotional Disorders

The challenges for children with emotional disorders are twofold. First, children with emotional and behavioral disorders are more likely to have poor oral health. Second, when they need dental treatment, it is much more difficult for them to get the treatment they need.

Children with emotional disorders may respond favorably to a dental environment or procedure until they are afraid or feel like they are in a situation out of their control. While there are many behavior guidance techniques that we can use to communicate to your child, we may recommend pediatric sedation dentistry.

Some common emotional and behavioral disorders include anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and PTSD. These disorders can be classified as either internalizing or externalizing. Both types can create difficult and challenging behaviors and impede the ability to receive dental treatment.

Special Needs Dentistry

Emotional disabilities, special needs, and medically compromised individuals suffer from various dental problems just like everyone else! From dental abscesses to throbbing pain, cavities, and gum disease, everyone requires individual attention and dental care. We are here to help you and your loved one here at The Dental Anesthesia Center.

Call Us Today

The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844

How To Prepare For General Anesthesia at The Dentist

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You and your dentist will go over your health history, ensure that you are healthy enough to have general anesthesia, and make sure that it’s the right choice for your procedure.

General anesthesia at the dentist is one way to deal with severe dental anxiety or safely receive major oral surgeries, such as removing impacted wisdom teeth.

With this type of anesthesia, you are completely unconscious. You won’t remember anything that happened during your procedure. Wondering how to prepare for your treatment at The Dental Anesthesia Center? Here are a few steps you will need to take.

Discuss Risks With Your Dentist Before Your Treatment

While general anesthesia is very safe, certain health conditions like diabetes, sleep apnea, and other complex medical histories may increase the risk of complications during general anesthesia.

You and your dentist at The Dental Anesthesia Center will go over your health history and ensure that you are healthy enough to have general anesthesia – and to make sure that it’s the right choice for your procedure.

Fast According To Your Dentist’s Instructions

You will usually need to fast for at least 6 hours before your surgery. This is because general anesthesia affects muscles in your digestive tract and airway, relaxing them and potentially allowing food and acid into the stomach and lungs. If you have an empty stomach, this is not an issue.

Stop Taking Certain Medications or Supplements

Your dentist will discuss any medications you may not be able to take before your general anesthesia appointment, such as blood thinners.

There are also some other supplements you should avoid before surgery, such as kava, Gingko Biloba, garlic, ginseng, and St. John’s Wort. Again, it would be best to discuss all of your supplements with your doctor to ensure you do not take any supplements that could affect your anesthesia.

Bring Someone With You To Take You Home & Take Care Of You

You will not be able to drive yourself home after your treatment, and the side effects of anesthesia may last for a few hours after your appointment. Along with feelings of confusion and disorientation, you may experience:

  • Nausea
  • Shivering
  • Dry mouth
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle aches
  • Sleepiness
  • Itching

It’s important to bring a responsible adult, such as a partner, family member, or close friend with you to your appointment at The Dental Anesthesia Center. After your appointment, you will be released into their care, and they can monitor you at home to make sure you don’t experience any significant side effects or after-effects related to anesthesia.

Consult With Our Team

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we offer several different anesthesia types, ranging from minimal sedation with laughing gas to complete, full-body general anesthesia. If you are interested in the benefits of sleep dentistry, contact us online or give us a call at (314) 862-7844 for an appointment and explore your options further.

Call Us Today

The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844

Can You Be Sedated For A Tooth Extraction?

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At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we specialize in sedation and oral surgeries in St. Louis.

If you are having a tooth extracted in St. Louis, The Dental Anesthesia Center is here to help you stay safe and comfortable throughout the entire procedure. Not sure if you should be sedated during your tooth extraction? Here are a few of the top signs that sedation dentistry may be right for you.

A Surgical Tooth Extraction

Basic or “simple” tooth extractions involve simply loosening the tooth in the socket and then pulling it out with special dental tools. Often, this is done with just local numbing.

But surgical extractions are a bit different. They are required when the tooth has not erupted all the way from the gums. For example, if your wisdom teeth have not come all the way out, this type of extraction may be necessary.

In this case, your dentist will need to make an incision into your gums, cut the tooth into pieces, and pull it out bit-by-bit. This type of surgical extraction is more invasive, so sedation is usually recommended to ensure you feel safe and comfortable.

You Have A Strong Gag Reflex

An extreme gag reflex may make it hard to extract rear teeth such as wisdom teeth. With sedation dentistry in St. Louis, though, you can reduce your gag reflex and ensure you feel more comfortable during your treatment.

You’re Afraid Of Needles

About 50 million Americans are scared of needles, such as numbing needles, making this a top 10 phobia in the country. If you really dislike needles, it may be difficult or impossible to numb your mouth. But with sedation dentistry, you can overcome your fear and get the treatment you need.

Worried That Your Treatment Will Be Painful

If you have a low pain tolerance and are nervous because you think that your tooth extraction will hurt, sedation is a great option. For example, laughing gas sedation helps reduce feelings of pain and makes you feel more calm and carefree during your treatment.

You Have Dental Anxiety or Are Scared of The Dentist

Dental anxiety is a prevalent phobia many people have. If you have a serious fear of the dentist, sedation is definitely the best option. With sedation methods like oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, and even general anesthesia available, you can sleep through your entire procedure at The Dental Anesthesia Center – and you won’t remember any part of the process.

Call Us Today

The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844

Is Laughing Gas Enough for My Dental Procedure?

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“Laughing gas” can be a lifesaver for patients who experience anxiety while in the dentist’s chair.

Sedation dentistry helps many persons receive much needed dental treatment that would be difficult to perform without these relaxing medications. However you may wonder, is laughing gas enough to help you go through the procedure?

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What Is “Laughing Gas”?

You probably heard anecdotes about laughing gas at the dentist, and the nickname it has surely sparked an interest. Laughing gas is actually nitrous oxide, an odorless, non-irritant gas that is administered through inhalation before and during certain procedures, alleviating pain and helping the patient relax.

This type of sedation is ideal for people who also experience anxiety about needles and syringes. It is painless and comfortable to administer it, which often makes laughing gas great for children.

Is It Efficient?

Now that we laid the basics of what laughing gas is, you probably wonder if it is the right sedation for you. The answer is, inhalation sedation is generally safe for most patients.

However, is laughing gas enough to keep you sedated if you need to undergo a lengthy procedure or a complex one? Will it keep the pain down during the treatment? Will it last long enough for the dentist to finish the procedure before you get too anxious?

While these are certainly valid concerns a patient may have, rest assured that your St. Louis sedation dentist will consider all the factors before making a decision. He will choose the best sedation method for your medical background and the procedure that you need.

Laughing gas is, in fact, often recommended for short procedures, as its effects wear off fast. It is the only sedation method that may allow you to leave and drive yourself after the treatment. As soon as the doctor takes the mask off, you generally have a few minutes before the effect wears off.

How Will Inhalation Sedation Feel?

We have mentioned anecdotes that you may have heard about inhalation sedation. Most of these stories are exaggerated, of course. One common theme is that you will fall asleep during the procedure. While it is possible to feel so relaxed that you will actually fall asleep, it doesn’t happen every time. You will feel a tingling sensation in your limbs, a good warm feeling taking over you, grogginess and relaxation. You will most probably not remember anything from the procedure.

These sensations will help you stay calm and accept the treatment with no problems. Laughing gas is a great way to receive the treatment you need if you experience a lot of fear related to going to the dentist.

Next time you have an appointment with your St. Louis sedation dentist, discuss the possibility of being administered inhalation sedation. Your doctor will explain the risks, benefits and you will decide together if it is the right option for you.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

We are the Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844

Schedule an Appointment

Do Cavity Fillings Make You Anxious? Sedation Might Be the Solution!

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Talk about your fears with your St. Louis sedation dentist. Don’t hesitate to let them know if certain dental procedures make you nervous.

Many people believe that only anxious people can ask for sedation dentistry or those who need extensive, complex surgery. Not everyone considers the possibility of being administered sedatives for getting a cavity filling. However, this common procedure can make some patients anxious and uncomfortable, forcing them to postpone the treatment. So, the question you may ask yourself now is: can I request dental sedation for my cavity filling?

The short answer is yes.

woman discussing anxiety with dentist

It’s OK to Be Afraid

Dental anxiety is not as uncommon as you may think. Most patients experience some level of anxiety when in the dentist’s chair either because they had a negative experience in the past or because of the scary anecdotes they heard from their friends and family.

Dentists nowadays are working hard to offer their patients a welcoming and safe environment where they can receive the treatment they need without feeling uncomfortable. Many dental offices offer extra services that alleviate anxiety, such as massages, TV programs or music, warm towels and other small perks that could make the patient feel more comfortable.

However, when it comes to the pain and various sensations one feels when getting a cavity filled, warm towels may not be enough to calm down the patient. Sedation dentistry could be the solution in this situation. Not only that it will target pain and nervousness, but it will also eliminate them.

What Sedation Option Should You Choose?

Talk about your fears with your St. Louis sedation dentist. Don’t hesitate to let them know if certain dental procedures make you nervous. That way you can choose the sedation option that best meets your needs.

Laughing Gas – Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is one of the mildest options for sedation. You will inhale the gas and feel tingling sensations, numbness, and grogginess. Its effect doesn’t last long, but a cavity filling shouldn’t need more time anyway.

Conscious Sedation – This form of sedation will leave you conscious and able to communicate with the doctor, but unable to feel pain. It also makes you feel calm and relaxed, and able to go on with the treatment.

IV Sedation – This type of sedation is rather strong and your doctor might recommend in case of a more complicated filling. This form of sedation is administered by an anesthesiologist who will monitor your vitals at all times.

These are the main types of sedation, each with their own particular advantages, associated risks, and recommendations. Discuss your medical history with your dentist and decide which sedation option is best for your procedure. Following your doctor’s orders will ensure a smooth and anxiety-free procedure.

Speak With a St. Louis Sedation Dentist

Even if you only have to get a cavity filling, being sedated can make the difference between receiving proper treatment and postponing it.

Call The Dental Anesthesia Center and schedule an appointment today at

(314) 862-7844

Schedule an Appointment

Sedation Dentistry for Elderly Patients

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Elderly patients often have a difficult time receiving dental treatment. Dental sedation may be the best way for them to get the treatment they need.

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.

Dental Sedation for Elderly St Louis

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!