When a Child’s Dental Needs Are Too Complex for the Pediatric Office

When a pediatric dental office isn’t enough, The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis provides sedation and anesthesia care for children with complex needs.

Pediatric dentists are wonderful at what they do. The bright waiting rooms, the patient coaching, the tell-show-do approach- all of it works for most children. But some children need more than even the best pediatric office can offer, and if you are the parent of one of those children, you probably already know it.

Maybe your child has autism, a sensory processing disorder, or another special need that makes the sounds, lights, and touch of a dental visit overwhelming. Maybe your child’s anxiety is so severe that appointments end in tears before they begin. Maybe the dental work needed is simply too extensive to complete in short visits with a wide-awake child. Whatever brought you here, please hear this first: needing a different setting is not a failure, not yours and not your child’s.

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The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry4.9

Based on 243 reviews

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Lauren E.

Dr Thoms and his team are phenomenal. No question, the absolute best possible option for my child when he needed work done while sleeping (age based). While this option is not inexpensive, this set up of have anesthesiology in-house allowed us to get his mouth healthy when a traditional pediatric dentist could/would not. I am a parent that asks a lot of questions on behalf of my toddler’s care and at no point did I feel judged for this, nor was I rushed during my evaluation process during the consultation. Although the procedure is not one I would like to repeat for my child, my husband and I were both so pleased with how well Dr. Thoms communicated and how he clearly cared for our son’s wellbeing (both physical and emotional during a less than comfortable visit). Cannot recommend the back of house team more highly. My one detraction is the FOH staff (not everyone) were not nearly as pleasant. I would like to communicate that while their day-to-day is very routine for them, being in that office as a parent is very scary for some people in their office and a little bit of kindness goes along way. I do recall, having a very pleasant conversation with Rebecca, but otherwise everyone else was on the apathetic side, in my personal opinion. That said you’ll notice that I still am leaving a five star review because the dental staff really just knocked out of the park, but as a parent I want to encourage you to look past any rudeness you may experience over email or on the phone because Dr. Thom’s is really that excellent.

steven D.

Very nice very convenient for me great people working

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you had a positive experience with our team. We truly appreciate your 5-star review!

Curtis V.

The staff is always compassionate and explain all the steps of the procedure. This office has been a God send for me because otherwise I would have let my teeth fall into further disrepair. I highly recommend this office!!!!!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We’re so glad our team could help make your experience feel comfortable and supportive. We truly appreciate your 5-star review!

Cindy R.

Searching for a new dental clinic is challenging for someone who has dental anxiety, fear, and traumatic experiences in a dental chair. The staff and doctors at the Dental Anesthesia Center were immediately very welcoming. Dr. Thoms put together a very detailed plan to repair and replace the previous work that I had in the past that was now causing problems. Putting my faith in him was the best thing that I could have done for my situation. I am more than completely satisfied with all of the extensive dental work that I’ve had with Dr.Thoms. I had my fourth sleep dentistry experience yesterday and I’m very happy with my results. I highly recommend this practice and truly want to give them more than five stars! Thank you for giving me back my health and confidence. I adding to this post because of my visit today with the best dental hygienist Delaina and my exam with Dr. Biehl. I have truly never been to such a caring and supportive dental group. Everyone is always conscientious of my needs and knows that I have issues with anxiety. I am always calm when I am sitting in the chair because of their kindness. I am so pleased with the Dental anesthesia center. There needs to be more than five stars. Thank you, everyone.

Response from the owner:We know it isn’t always easy to find a dental office where you feel at ease, so your words mean the world to us. We’re so glad you feel comfortable with our team and truly appreciate your trust and recommendation!

Patricia R.

I am unusually tense about my appointments. However, from the moment I checked in I relaxed. The staff was welcoming and assuring, and helped me to relax completely. Dr. Hofmann is superb. He is by far the best dentist and dental surgeon I have ever ever experienced.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad our team helped create a welcoming and comforting experience. We appreciate you sharing your feedback!

Signs the Pediatric Office May Not Be Enough

Families usually arrive at this realization gradually. Some of the most common signs:

• Appointments repeatedly end incomplete. The team tries, your child cannot tolerate it, and everyone leaves exhausted with the work unfinished.
• Restraint or “papoose” options have been raised. Some families are uncomfortable with these approaches, and for many children they make future visits harder, not easier.
• Your child’s medical or behavioral needs require more support. Conditions that affect cooperation, communication, or airway safety may require a level of monitoring beyond that in a standard pediatric setting.
• The treatment plan keeps growing. Multiple cavities or extensive decay can mean many separate visits, each one a fresh ordeal for your child and for you.
• Your pediatric dentist has suggested a referral. Pediatric dentists refer children to us precisely because they recognize when a child needs care under deeper sedation or anesthesia. A referral is an act of good care, not a handoff.

What a Different Setting Makes Possible

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, our doctors, Dr. Michael J. Hoffmann, Dr. Sean M. Thoms, and Dr. Maris E. Behl, care for patients who cannot tolerate treatment in a traditional dental setting. For a child with complex needs, sedation or anesthesia changes what a dental visit is.

Instead of asking your child to hold still, stay calm, and cooperate through sounds and sensations they cannot process, treatment happens while your child rests comfortably. There is no struggle to endure and no traumatic memory to carry into the next appointment. Extensive treatment that might have meant many pediatric visits can often be completed in a single session, with your child monitored throughout.

Just as importantly, the day is planned around your child. At the consultation, we ask about triggers, communication styles, past experiences, and what has helped in the past. Parents and caregivers are part of the planning from the first phone call, and you will know exactly how the day will unfold before it arrives.

What Happens to Your Relationship with the Pediatric Dentist?

Nothing has to change. Many families use our office for the treatment their child cannot tolerate awake, then continue routine checkups with the pediatric dentist they know and trust. When your child is referred to us, we coordinate with the referring office and send a report back after treatment so your child’s ongoing care stays connected. Think of us as an extension of your child’s dental team, not a replacement for it.

You Are Not Overreacting

Parents often wait a long time to make this call, wondering whether they are making too much of it or should push their child through one more attempt at a regular visit. If dental care has become a source of dread for your child and for your family, that is reason enough. You know your child better than anyone, and trusting that knowledge is good parenting.