Top 5 Benefits of Sedation Dentistry for Patients with Autism

The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis specializes in sedation dentistry for patients with special needs, including autism.

Dental visits can be particularly challenging for patients with autism due to sensory sensitivities, communication barriers, and anxiety. Sedation dentistry offers a safe and effective solution, ensuring that patients with autism receive essential dental care in a comfortable and stress-free environment.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we are dedicated to providing expert sedation care for patients with special needs. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Call (314) 862-7844

Schedule Appointment

Excellent

The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry4.9

Based on 258 reviews

See all reviews

review us on

cupcakegirl137 J.

I came here with my 18 year old daughter who has an immense fear of Doctors and Dentist , The kindness and understanding without any judgement we received from Dr.Thom was just unbelievable. The work he did on my daughter was life changing for her . I would recommend him to anyone . Just amazing, kind talented Doctor.

anissa F.

We met Dr. Shawn in Sept 2023 and in December, he removed our adult nonverbal son's wisdom teeth. Not gonna hold you, general anesthesia is billed incrementally (by the minute/quarter-hour) and is a heavy financial investment. I love this clinic because it really is a safe space for special needs families. There's a huge calm that accompanies knowing your dependent person is getting healthy. Dr. Shawn is exceptional. We drove 6 hours to get here so we'll choose a local practice for routine sedation cleanings down the road. I hope to see more neurodivergent acceptance built locally in our state's dentistry like this team has here. Meanwhile we are so grateful for this practice and grateful our son was in Dr. Shawn's care.

Joanie M.

Dr. Thoms and Robin are excellent in their care, concern, and support. Dr. Thoms explains everything and takes his time. If I have questions or concerns, he is easy to talk to and listens well.Robin is right there by my side throughout procedures. Her technical skills and professionalism are impressive. She is terrific!

Susan S.

Individualized care, expertise in general anesthesia, and attention to detail are why we keep returning for our son.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and continued trust in our team! We’re grateful to be part of your family’s care and truly appreciate your confidence in us.

Leslie L.

Omg!! This place is Amazing! The people who work here are so very nice and understanding. I love this team

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We truly appreciate your support and are grateful to have such wonderful patients.

1. Reduces Sensory Overload

Patients with autism often have heightened sensitivities to light, sound, and touch, making dental visits overwhelming. Sedation helps reduce sensory input, allowing patients to relax and minimizing their stress during procedures. [Autism Speaks]

2. Minimizes Anxiety and Fear

Dental anxiety is common, but it can be more intense for individuals with autism. Sedation helps calm anxious patients, making them feel more at ease before and during dental procedures. [Cleveland Clinic]

3. Enhances Safety for Patients and Dentists

Involuntary movements during dental procedures can pose risks. Sedation minimizes these movements, ensuring the safety of both the patient and the dental team while allowing the procedure to be completed efficiently. [American Dental Association]

4. Allows for Comprehensive Dental Care in One Visit

Sedation enables dentists to perform multiple procedures in a single visit, reducing the need for frequent appointments. This is particularly beneficial for patients with autism, who may find repeated visits stressful. [Mayo Clinic]

5. Improves Overall Dental Experience

A positive dental experience encourages better oral health habits and reduces fear of future visits. Sedation dentistry ensures that patients with autism have a calm, comfortable, and positive experience at the dentist. [WebMD]