Top Questions About Sedation Dentistry Answered

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The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis offers expert sedation care for anxiety-free dental visits. Contact us today.

Sedation dentistry has become an essential option for patients who experience dental anxiety, have special needs, or require complex dental procedures. At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we specialize in providing a comfortable and stress-free dental experience. Here are answers to the top questions patients have about sedation dentistry.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we prioritize patient comfort and safety, offering a range of sedation options to meet individual needs. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Sedation Dentist St. Louis
Great team who really takes care of our son.
Response from the owner:We appreciate your kind words! So glad your family feels well cared for.
This is a great dentist. Couldn’t recommend them enough. I had a huge fear of dentists before coming here and now I don’t
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re grateful for your trust and thrilled to hear that you’ve felt comfortable and supported in our care.
When we first visited The Dental Anesthesia Center, my child was experiencing severe tooth pain and multiple cavities. Dr. Sean M. Thoms and his team demonstrated excellent care, promptly assessing the situation and deciding to treat his teeth the next day. They came early in the morning, professionally addressing the cavities and placing a crown. They also followed up by phone to ensure my child was doing well. My baby is now pain-free,happy ,smiling, and sleeping soundly. This is truly a world-class dental center with an exceptional, caring team. Highly recommended.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and wonderful review! We’re truly grateful for your trust and so happy to hear your experience with our team was a positive one. It means a lot to know our care helped make things a little easier and brought smiles all around.
Carrie and the Dental Anesthesia Center have always been very professional and welcoming when having work done.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear you’ve had a positive experience with our team. We appreciate your trust and support!
I cannot say enough wonderful things about The Dental Anesthesia Center and Dr. Thoms. My 7-year-old, who has autism, recently had dental work done here and the experience exceeded expectations. The staff was incredibly kind, patient, and understanding of his needs. They took the time to make him and us feel comfortable, never rushed, and explained everything. I am so grateful for this office and the team that made my son's dental care possible. I would recommend The Dental Anesthesia Center and Dr Thoms to any parent, especially those with children who have special needs. They truly go above and beyond. ❤️
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words! We’re truly grateful for your trust in our team and Dr. Thoms. Knowing your visit was a positive and comfortable experience means the world to us — it’s exactly what we strive for with every patient and family. 💙

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry involves using medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It is often called “sleep dentistry,” though patients are usually awake unless general anesthesia is used. [American Dental Association]

What Types of Sedation Are Used in Dentistry?

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Yes, sedation dentistry is safe when performed by trained professionals. [American Society of Anesthesiologists]

Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?

  • Patients with dental anxiety or phobia
  • Individuals with special needs
  • Patients requiring extensive dental work
  • Children who have difficulty sitting still
    [Cleveland Clinic]

What Are the Risks of Sedation Dentistry?

While generally safe, sedation dentistry can have minor risks such as drowsiness, nausea, and low blood pressure. [WebMD]

How Do I Prepare for a Sedation Dentistry Appointment?

Preparation may include avoiding food before the procedure and arranging a ride home. [Colgate]

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Dental Sedation?

Recovery time depends on the type of sedation used. [Healthline]

Is Sedation Dentistry Covered by Insurance?

Many insurance plans cover sedation dentistry when medically necessary. [Delta Dental]

Updated: February 14, 2025