The Ultimate Guide to Sedation Dentistry in St. Louis

If the thought of visiting the dentist fills you with anxiety, you’re not alone. At The Dental Anesthesia Center we understand.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we specialize in sedation dentistry in St. Louis, helping patients with dental anxiety, special needs, and complex dental procedures experience a pain-free, relaxed visit. Whether you’re looking for mild relaxation or complete sleep dentistry, this guide will walk you through everything you need about sedation dentistry options, benefits, and what to expect.

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The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry4.8

Based on 124 reviews

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Rafe F.

The Dental Anesthesia Center (DAC) is awesome. When I started there 19 years ago my dental health had deteriorated and my fears were intense. Their expertise and compassion got me back on the right dental track. I still get nervous - but things are so much better now in terms of my dental and gum health.. Don't lose hope - try the DAC!

My appointment today was for a cleaning - and a standard check of gum health etc. Carrie - as always - did EXCELLENT work. She is very kind and thorough and knowledgeable .. and patiently answers all my questions. Carrie is positive and supportive with us patients ... and provides guidance on better at-home care for our teeth and gums.

My thanks also to the office staff who are very helpful with questions or concerns.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your continued trust and kind words! We're honored to have be part of your journey. It means so much to know we've made a lasting impact—your story is truly inspiring!

Janel L.

We’re very thankful to have found the kind folks at the dental anesthesia center. They are patient and informative with what’s needed and how it will get done. Big shoutout to Rebekah and crew at the front desk who always help us figure out all the paperwork and scheduling. Thank you Dr. Behl for your awesome bedside manner! Highly recommend to others

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We’re so glad you had a positive experience with our team. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to provide compassionate, helpful care.

CATEck

I love this dentist office! Everyone is so friendly and accommodating. Dr. Thoms is an excellent dentist that listens to you and makes sure everything is done to your satisfaction. They do TRUE dental sedation. Not just give you a pill like other offices’s that claim they do sedation. Since I am allergic to medicine a dentist normally uses I have to be truly sedated to have work done on my teeth. They do Botox for teeth grinding and TMJ also

Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind 5-star review! We truly appreciate your thoughtful feedback and are glad you had a positive experience with our team and services. Your trust means so much to us.

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!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and for trusting our team. We truly appreciate you sharing your experience and are grateful for the opportunity to provide care. Wishing you and your family all the best!

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.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax or sleep during dental procedures. This approach is particularly useful for patients who experience:

• Dental anxiety or fear
• A strong gag reflex
• Difficulty sitting still for long periods
• Low pain tolerance
• Sensitivity to dental instruments and procedures
• Special needs or medical conditions requiring extra care

Whether you need a routine cleaning, fillings, extractions, or complex dental work, sedation dentistry ensures a calm and pain-free experience.

Types of Sedation Dentistry Available in St. Louis

• Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
  • A mild sedative inhaled through a mask.
  • Helps patients feel relaxed but fully conscious.
  • Wears off quickly, allowing you to drive yourself home.
  • Ideal for mild anxiety and short procedures.
• Oral Sedation
  • A prescribed pill taken before the procedure.
  • Induces deeper relaxation, but you remain awake.
  • Often used for patients with moderate anxiety.
  • Requires a companion to drive you home.
• IV Sedation
  • Administered through an IV for a deeper state of relaxation.
  • Most patients have little to no memory of the procedure.
  • Ideal for longer treatments and severe dental anxiety.
  • Requires a ride home and some recovery time.
• General Anesthesia (Sleep Dentistry)
  • The patient is completely unconscious throughout the procedure.
  • Best for extreme dental fear, special needs patients, or complex surgeries.
  • Administered by a certified dental anesthesiologist.
  • Requires careful monitoring and post-procedure recovery.

Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is an excellent choice for:

• Patients with dental phobia who have avoided treatment for years.
• Children and adults with special needs who need extra support.
• People with severe gag reflexes that make dental work difficult.
• Those undergoing multiple procedures in a single visit.
• Patients who experience discomfort or pain easily.

If any of these situations sound familiar, sedation dentistry in St. Louis may be the perfect solution.

How to Prepare for Your Sedation Dentistry Appointment

Before Your Visit:

• Discuss any medical conditions or medications with your dentist.
• Follow fasting guidelines (typically no food or drink for 6-8 hours before IV or general anesthesia).
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
• Wear comfortable clothing to help you relax.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine the day before your appointment.

During the Procedure:

• Your dentist will administer the chosen sedation method.
• You will feel deeply relaxed or even unaware of the procedure.
• Your vital signs will be monitored for safety throughout treatment.

After Your Visit:

• If using nitrous oxide, you can resume normal activities.
• If using oral, IV, or general anesthesia, you’ll need rest for the remainder of the day.
• Stick to soft foods and stay hydrated after treatment.
• Follow any post-procedure instructions from your dentist.

Why Choose The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis?

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we are the leading sedation and sleep dentistry provider in St. Louis. Here’s why our patients trust us:

• Board-Certified Sedation & Anesthesia Experts: We have trained specialists who ensure safe and effective sedation.
• State-of-the-Art Facility: Our office is designed for comfort and relaxation.
• Personalized Sedation Plans: We tailor sedation levels based on your individual needs.
• Experience with Special Needs Patients: We provide gentle, expert care for children and adults with autism, sensory issues, and other conditions.
• Compassionate, Pain-Free Dentistry: Everyone deserves a stress-free dental experience.

If you’ve been avoiding dental visits due to fear, discomfort, or special needs, we’re here to help.