Advantages of Pediatric Oral Sedation

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The best part about oral sedation for dental treatment is that it has few side effects.

Sedation dentistry is one of the best tools that pediatric dentists have at their disposal. For kids who are very anxious and either don’t want to open their mouths or can’t sit still when required, oral sedation is an excellent and low-risk option. The best part about oral sedation is that it differs from IV and other forms of sedation because your child is awake the entire time.

Pediatric Oral Sedation
Dr. Thoms and staff are Amazing!
My son is Autistic and he loves it there.
It’s always scary to put your child with disabilities under anesthesia. So it’s a relief to have such compassionate professionals to rely upon They are so sweet and kind to him it’s so nice to have people who genuinely care.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! Our team is dedicated to creating a comfortable and supportive experience for everyone who visits our office. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and for trusting us with your family’s care.
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!
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.
The entire team at The Dental Anesthesia Center is exceptional.

Not only is Dr. Hoffmann a 10/10 dentist, but he is very trustworthy and only recommends procedures when necessary.

The dental hygienists are uniformly wonderful. During cleanings, they are gentle but are still able to carry on a conversation as they work.

If i moved an hour away, I would still drive my family here for any dental needs.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so grateful for your trust in our team and are glad your experience with our doctors and hygienists has been a positive one. We truly appreciate your support!
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.

Few Side Effects

The best part about oral sedation is that it has very few side effects. Dizziness, headache, nausea, and sometimes mouth dryness are about as complex as symptoms get for some children. As with any medication, an allergic reaction may occur, but oral sedation is a nearly side-effect-free alternative to other dental sedation methods.

Oral sedation usually lasts long enough to get through simple procedures. Once the medication wears off, your child will be ready to go home.

Safe and Problem-Free

Even though oral sedation is, for most children, problem-free, your pediatric dentist will be trained to know what signs to look for to spot trouble. Throughout the procedure, your child will be closely watched for any signs of issues.

The most common medications for children are Chloral Hydrate, Triclofos Sodium, and Midazolam. The medications are just enough to take the edge off and allow your little one to sleep but not enough to cause genuine concern.

There is no such thing as sedation that doesn’t come with any side effects or risks, but oral sedation for kids is about as safe as possible. Except for rare allergic reactions, your child will be comfortable throughout their procedure and ready to go home without any negative recollection of their dental procedure.

Oral Sedation for Your Child

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere. We believe patients should have sufficient information to make educated decisions about their oral health, treatment options, and choice of sedation dentists in St. Louis.

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The first two board-certified Dentist Anesthesiologists in the state of Missouri.

Updated: December 2, 2025

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