St. Louis Sedation & Sleep Dentist – Special Needs Dentistry

Schedule an appointment: Call (314) 862-7844. We are a state-of-the-art dental facility for patients who require general anesthesia, deep sedation, or oral sedation for their dental care.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we value our patient relationships, making it our priority to deliver gentle dental care that you deserve from sedation dentists in St. Louis. We work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere. We strive to develop lifelong relationships with our patients by combining the latest dental technology with a professional and compassionate team.

We also believe that patients should have sufficient information to make educated decisions about their oral health, treatment options, and choice of sedation dentists in Saint Louis.

Call to schedule an appointment at (314) 862-7844.

Are you trying to find a sedation dentist? Do you want to be completely asleep for your dental treatment? Is a dental phobia keeping you away from the dentist? If you have not been to the dentist because you suffer from moderate to severe dental phobia, Dr. Michael J. Hoffmann, Dr. Sean M. Thoms, and Dr. Behl are here to help you. The Dental Anesthesia Center is a state-of-the-art dental facility for patients who require general anesthesia, deep sedation, or oral sedation for their dental care. Young children unable to cooperate and individuals with mental or physical disabilities can benefit from these services.

The Levels of Sedation

There are different levels of sedation for each patient. The sedation method for an individual is determined on the patient’s medical history and current physical and mental health.

• Minimal Sedation :: an individual is conscious. This method is the lightest level of sedation. It involves a mild sedative. Using this kind of sedation requires no additional training for the dentist.
• Moderate Sedation (Sedation Dentistry) :: a person is conscious and is referred to as “Sedation Dentistry.” Moderate Sedation allows the patient to simply respond to your questions. You are not asleep for sedation dentistry. A dentist is required to receive two days of additional training when administering pills orally. Intravenous (IV) Sedation requires at least 60 hours of training or a dentist can be trained as part of a residency program.
• Deep Sedation (Sleep Dentistry) :: Deep sedation or general anesthesia is referred to as “Sleep Dentistry” (unconscious). Using this method, there is no memory of the procedure. Dentists who provide this method require a two-year Dental Anesthesiology Residency or an Oral Surgery Residency. This is the recommended level of sedation for individuals unable to tolerate dental treatment for mental or physical reasons.

When you come in for your appointment, Dr. Hoffmann, Dr.Thoms or Dr. Behl will decide which level is best for you. We look forward to meeting you!

Special Needs Dentistry

The reasons that keep a person away from the dentist are personal and unique to each individual. Our Sedation Dentistry and Sleep Dentistry St. Louis, MO dental office provides care to various patients for all of their dental needs and desires. Dentistry for:

• All Special Needs
• Developmental Disabilities
• Down’s Syndrome
• Autism
• Cerebral Palsy
• Alzheimer’s
• Huntington’s Disease
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Trigeminal Neuralgia
• Dental Phobia/ Dental Anxiety
• Sensitive Gag Reflex
• Inability to Become Numb
• Modified Behavior
• ADHD
• Medically Compromised (Allergies, Complications, etc.)

We offer a wide range of dental services. View a Complete List of Our Dental Services.

Meet Our Dental Anesthesiologists and Sedation Dentist at The Dental Anesthesia Center

The Dental Anesthesia Center is a state-of-the-art anesthesia and dental facility. Dr. Michael J. Hoffmann and Dr. Sean M. Thoms provide dental services accompanied by Deep Sedation and General Anesthesia. Dr. Behl provides oral sedation, as well as non-sedation services. Patients now have a choice in the way their dentistry is completed.

Dr. Hoffmann and Dr. Thoms completed residencies in hospital dentistry and dental anesthesiology. Both are currently the only two Dental Anesthesiologist board certified in Deep Sedation in the state of Missouri.

Dr. Behl, a general dentist, places an emphasis on dentistry with oral sedation as well as non-sedation services. She has a special interest in sleep-apnea treatment, Invisalign®, implants, veneers, and other cosmetic procedures.

Who Can Benefit From Sleep Dentistry and Sedation Dentistry?

Individuals with anxieties, phobias, severe gag reflex, or difficulty getting numb are candidates for the center’s general anesthesia services. In addition, young children or individuals with physical or mental disabilities who are unable to cooperate for dental treatment can benefit from these services.

Individuals With:

• Fear and Anxiety
• Low Pain Threshold
• Sensitive Gag Reflex
• In Need of Extensive Treatment
• Special Needs
• Young Children

Treatment may be completed in as little as one visit. All types of dental care—including fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, gum therapy, implant crowns and dentures, veneers, and cosmetic dentistry—are available.

Dentist of the Year

Dr. Michael J. Hoffmann was named the 2012 Missouri Dental Association (MDA) Dentist of the Year for his leadership, passion and outstanding service to the dental profession.

Dr. Hoffmann is an esteemed member and 2005 past president of the Greater St. Louis Dental Society (GSLDS) and has been a vigorous supporter of organized dentistry for 23 years. He is currently a member of the Greater St. Louis Dental Society Board of Directors; serves as Vendor Relations Chair of GSLDS Council on Scientific Sessions; is President of the Society’s Central District; is a member of the GSLDS Leadership Membership Committee; participated at the ADA Recruitment & Retention Meeting where GSLDS was awarded the Best Practice Award, and helped develop and implement the Dental Society’s Recycle Event, SIU Recruitment Event and Practice Match Up Event.

Twenty-five years of experience combining sleep dentistry and cutting-edge technology have enabled me to help my patients overcome fear, trust, and health issues that prevent them from seeking care,  Dr. Michael J Hoffmann.