The type of sedation used for dental implants depends on the patient and their medical history. When you come in for your appointment, Dr. Hoffmann or Dr. Behl will decide which level is best for you.
I have NEVER had a positive experience with dentist…until now!! I was mind blown how kind the staff was, not just to me but to everyone! I have debilitating anxiety when it comes to dentists because of bad previous experiences, so I was very nervous. But, all the staff, including Dr. Thom, were very gentle, kind, and understanding. They took time to listen to all my concerns and address them, helping to put me at ease. I was also amazed how professional the whole office ran and how completely reliable they were. They easily guided me through the process and everything went so smoothly, including my sedation. I have never been treated so kindly by any dental office before, I was struggling to believe I wasn’t in some kind of dream. But. They really were that nice.
My recovery from sedation and all
The dental work they did to save my tooth was amazing, not a single issue! Dr. Thom even called personally to check on me a day later.
Coming back to put my permanent crown in was the same experience. They were all so kind,
Good about explaining everything they were doing and make the experience light and dare I say…fun.
I would drive 2.5 hours again in a heartbeat to do my work here. Best dental experience I’ve ever
had hands down!!!!!!! Thank you Dr. Thom for giving my life and tooth back. I’m so excited to not be in so much excruciating pain anymore!
Response from the owner:We can’t thank you enough for your kind and heartfelt words. Our entire team is dedicated to creating a gentle, supportive, and positive experience for every patient, so it means the world to hear your visit felt that way. We’re so glad you felt cared for and comfortable throughout the process, and we truly appreciate you making the trip to see us. Thank you for trusting us—it’s an honor to care for patients like you!
Dr. Hoffmann and his team takes great care of my special needs daughter. We have been coming here for over 20 years. The staff is so kind and patient with her and explains everything to help her stay calm.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your kind words and for trusting our team for so many years. We’re honored to care for your family and appreciate the opportunity to make each visit a positive experience.
I have had the best experience with Dr Behl and her staff! I have awful dental anxiety from some past experiences and they are so kind and supportive. Rebecca is incredible to work with. I highly recommend them to everyone I know!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your kind words! We’re happy to know you felt supported and comfortable during your visit. Our team strives to create a welcoming environment for everyone, and we truly appreciate your recommendation.
We always receive excellent care at the Dental Anesthesia Center.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We truly appreciate your trust in our team and are grateful for the opportunity to provide care.
Our adult daughter has cerebral palsy and requires being fully sedated when having anything done. The DAC was such a positive experience. Dr Hoffmann and his staff were kind and did great explaining things. As a mom, I had a lot of questions about how certain things would be done as usually she’s in her chair when getting examined at her local dentist and they had everything under control including transferring from her chair to the dentist chair and keeping her secured in the dentist chair as well as keeping her neck and legs comfortable. Many thanks to them!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words. We’re grateful for your trust and happy to hear that you had such a positive experience with our team. Our goal is always to provide compassionate, attentive care in a safe and comfortable environment. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

A dental implant is one way that a dentist can replace a bridge or lost tooth. Since it’s placed into your jaw it is a pretty invasive procedure, but it’s also one that is lasting and offers patients a more permanent fix than other options. There are many reasons why someone might need a dental implant, such as an injury or periodontal disease. But for whatever reason they are needed, dental implants have come a long way and are a natural way to fix a missing tooth.
Types of Dental Implants
There are two different types of dental implants. The first is an Endosteal implant. This implant is placed into the bone. The dental surgeon will use cylinders, blades, and screws to place the implant directly into the jawbone. It is the most commonly used type of implant for people who have removable dentures or bridges. The sub-periosteal, or on-the-bone dental implant, is fixed on the top of the jaw with metal posts to hold the prosthesis. These are usually used for people who have limited bone height, and for those for whom Endosteal dental implants are not an option.
What are the Best Sedation Methods for Dental Implants?
Because dental implants are highly invasive, dental sedation is recommended. There are various levels of dental sedation from laughing gas (or nitrous oxide) to IV sedation. Determining which type is right for you depends on the extent of the procedure and your comfort level. IV sedation is generally the preferred method, as long as you are in good physical health. Due to the length of time and extensiveness involved in placing dental implants, IV sedation is an excellent way to minimize pain and anxiety and to get more done at one time, rather than having to come back for a series of appointments – which can not only be time-consuming but more expensive.
What is IV Sedation?
IV sedation is a type of sedation that requires having an anesthesiologist present. During IV sedation, a drug, usually an anti-anxiety medication, is administered into the blood system during dental treatment. The patient is administered sedation drugs under the direction and observation of a doctor, and a breathing tube is placed to ensure that the patient is getting the proper amount of oxygen. Although there are always risks to IV sedation, as the patient is monitored throughout the procedure, those risks can be minimized if the guidelines are followed.
If you are going to have dental IV sedation, make sure that you make the proper arrangements for afterward. You are going to need someone to take you home from the appointment and to help you out once you get home. As it’s a more complex sedation method, anticipating some downtime is the best way to ensure that you are prepared after the procedure is complete.
Dental Sedation in St. Louis
If you are considering having a dental implant placed, it is important to understand the various forms of sedation and their advantages and disadvantages and to choose the one that is best for you and that you are most comfortable with. A St. Louis dental sedation specialist can help you to make the best choice for your particular situation.
Schedule an appointment with us today by calling (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you!
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The first two board-certified Dentist Anesthesiologists in the state of Missouri.