Sedation dentistry is an excellent option for patients with anxiety, phobias, or medical conditions. Contact us today.
Sedation dentistry has revolutionized dental care, offering a stress-free and painless experience for patients who struggle with dental anxiety, special needs, or complex procedures. However, many people wonder: Does sedation dentistry have side effects? Understanding the potential after-effects of sedation and how to manage them can help you feel more confident about your upcoming dental visit.
If you have concerns about sedation or need a comfortable and pain-free dental visit, contact The Dental Anesthesia Center today to discuss the best sedation option.
I am happy to see dentists finding ways to make things easier for those who don't like to go to the dentist. I have even seen some dental offices that have been tricked out to make the little patients to think that he or she is in a much different place than the dentist office. Historically the building was built in the 1950s and the office used to belong to an opthamologist.
Absolutely highest quality service and staff! My son was treated so well and it made a scary appointment easier for him to handle. If I could, I’d give 10 ⭐️!
Christy and Dr. Behl spent a lot of time with me making sure I was comfortable and my anxiety was not ramping up. They both explained exactly what they were doing before they did it and gave me frequent breaks to catch my breath.
I've been with this group for about a decade & can't say enough good things about them. From the dentists to the hygienists to the desk staff, they are fabulous. I have incredibly high anxiety when it comes to dental work & they go out of their way to make me feel as comfortable as possible. I've never had a bad experience & if it wasn't for them I'd still be getting dental cleanings under real anesthesia due to the fear. They turned that around for me & while I still feel anxiety, I'm able to get cleanings without any anesthesia, pills, gas, etc. I've had both large scale & routine work done there & highly recommend them. Extremely helpful, professional & pleasant staff all around. Wonderful people.
I cannot express how grateful we are for Dr. Thoms and his team! Their sensitivity, expertise, and dedication made a potentially challenging dental experience for our daughter as comfortable and stress-free as possible (for her AND us!).
We were very impressed by Dr. Thoms' thoroughness in explaining the procedure and his willingness to answer all of our questions, alleviating any anxieties we had. The ability to be present by our daughter's side as she was falling asleep was a huge comfort factor.
We felt a sense of genuine care and compassion towards our daughter and felt that they treated her as if she was one of their own. Dr. Thoms and his team clearly go above and beyond to provide exceptional patient care and makes a complex dental procedure feel safe, comfortable, and even reassuring. A huge THANK YOU to Dr. Thoms and his team!
Always a great experience. Carrie does a wonderful job keeping my smile healthy and bright. Dr. Thoms is always very nice and professional. They make going to the dentist much less stressful!
The Dental Anesthesia Center (DAC) is truly unique. They provide all forms of anesthesia - and a wide range of dental treatments. I have been a patient there for 17 years - and I continue to be impressed with the legacy of expertise and kindness built by Dr. Hoffmann and his team.
If your dental phobia and dental issues have made you feel hopeless ... I encourage you to contact the DAC for a consultation. That's what I did 17 years ago - and it proved to be a very good decision and a true blessing.
I just had my first visit with Dr. Thoms. He took his time and thoroughly explained everything to me about sedation and dental procedures. He is extremely knowledgeable and very friendly. Comfort of their patients is utmost in their minds at this practice and Dr. Thoms, Emily and Robyn are outstanding! Highly recommended!
I just had my implant surgery 3/22 with Dr. Thoms.The patients Dr. Thoms has with me is simply INCREDIBLE!!!!! I know I’m a lot to deal with. I am so blessed to have crossed paths with Dr. Thoms.His entire staff goes above and beyond ANY dental office I’ve ever dealt with in the past. from the bottom of my heart, I am so glad that I made the decision to try the dental anesthesia center..
Dr. Hoffman and team are the most amazing dental team you will ever meet. Have been a patient for years and will continue to do so. If you have nerves about going to the dentist, they will eliminate those fears very quickly.
AS I SIT HERE THIS MORNING I AM GRATEFUL FOR GOD'S MERCY AND THE STAFF OF DOC. HOFFMAN !!! I AM HOWEVER STILL TO EMBARRASSED FOR THE WALK OF SHAME BRINGING HIS GIFT . I LOST TWO DAYS AND WAS CHOKING ON 19 STICHES EATING SUCKERS SAME DAY SEEMS TO BE WITH MYSELF !!! SO WITH MY SINCERE APPRECIATION, I APOLOGIZE TO ALL !!! EXCELLENT SKILLS IN ALL ASPECTS.
As a 73 year old man, I have been to several dentist’s and none compare to Dr. Thoms and Dr. Behl. The entire staff is very knowledgeable and accommodating. I have had some major work done and I/V sedation is definitely the way to go. Five stars to the entire team at DAC. I highly recommend their services.
I love my friends at the Dental Anesthesia Center! This place has the nicest clinical staff and they do such a wonderful job for any issue that arises. They are prompt and thorough. I love all the hygienists, but especially my personal hygienist, Carrie. My dentist, Dr. Biehl is knowledgeable, friendly, highly skilled and fun.
I started taking my kids here when they needed procedures under anesthesia. Once my former dentist retired (and I realized the DAC also does family dentistry), I switched the entire family to this office. Best decision I ever made.
I’m also so impressed with the experience this team has treating individuals with special needs.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for taking the time to post your kind review!
I went for a consultation at the center. I was terrified. I saw Dr.Sean Thoms he was so professional and caring. I have had five different consultations at other dentist offices trying to make a final decision on who I feel more comfortable with and no other doctor was as caring or attentive as Dr. Thoms. He called me a couple of days later with SEVERAL different ways he could give the results I wanted. I’m truly blessed to have found Dr Thoms. The entire staff was so professional and attentive. I have made the final decision to put my care in the hands of Dr Sean Thoms
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us, Juanita. Your positive words mean so much to us.
Cheers,
The Dental Anesthesia Center
Maris E. Behl DDS Is a wonderful dentist. She did extensive work including several dental crowns and fillings. There was little to no pain during all of her procedure’s. I am 86 years old and have been to more dentists than I can count. Dr Behl is by far the best of all. If you want a friendly disciplined and accomplished dentist, you will be glad you used her work.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words, James. We really appreciate you taking the time out to share your experience with us.
Cheers,
The Dental Anesthesia Center
I recently had fillings done by Dr. Thoms. His crew that was helping prep me to go under did an amazing job. I have really bad trauma (& anxiety) from previous dental work and permanent nerve damage from a surgery I had in 2021. The staff and Dr. Thoms made sure that I was calm and comfortable. This has probably been the best experience I have ever had, thanks to this dental clinic. The front end staff is patient and kind to their patients. I would most definitely recommend anyone to go here if they have dental anxiety. Dr. Thoms explained everything very thoroughly during our consult months prior and also the day of my fillings. After we were finished with my filings, I told him about my bottom teeth pushing too much on my 8 and 9 (another issue I had been dealing with after my last dental surgery), he was more than happy to help and filed down my bottom teeth. I am relieved that he was able to do that for me, even though it was not initially planned. The price of the fillings, anesthesia and odontoplasty/enameloplasty was reasonable. I wouldn't want to pay any less because the outcome was worth it.
The entire staff is always very compassionate and patient with my daughter who’s autistic😊 I am a patient as well the staff and the doctor are very knowledgeable and are capable of answering every question explaining in detail to my satisfaction. I am in the process of bringing my grandson to become a patient as well keep up the superb service 👏
I would highly recommend DAC to anyone. I brought our two boys (ages 6 & 3) in to have their routine cleaning. The moment we walked in we were greeted with smiles and warm hellos. The staff does a great job of talking to the boys, saying hello, and making them feel extra special. Carrie cleaned their teeth, and she is awesome. The boys were both so comfortable, she tells them exactly what she is doing, and makes sure they are ok the whole time. She talked with them about their summer plans, school, and fishing. Then Dr. Behl came in to check everything out. She was so personable, informative and positive with the little ones. She explained things very well, and she was so patient as they asked questions or had something to tell her. Thank you to all of the staff at DAC, for being so warm and making this a great experience for the little ones.
I skipped going to the dentist for 6 years and what a mistake that was. Everyone at this office is extremely nice and a pleasure to deal with.
Laina, their hygenist is awesome even though she is a Cubs fan. I actually look forward to my 3 month cleanings now and will not miss another.
Dr. Thoms and his team (I requested Julie as an assistant I would do the same :)) were amazing. As I said I skipped going for 6 years so I had some work to be done and chose to be put to sleep instead of 4 visits. They make sure you are as comfortable as possible and even take the time to check up on you after to make sure you are healing properly.
Last but not least, Marie and the entire front office are great. Always a pleasure to deal with and are very accommodating. They are the face of the operation and the tone of the visit is set with them. The amount of care and compassion they show the patients in the waiting room is beyond extraordinary.
I have a special needs son that needed some work done. The Dental Anesthesia Center is an amazing place I can't imagine Trevor being in any better hands. We love Dr. Thoms and his staff. So nice and caring. A little on the expensive side but very well worth the care he received. I would recommend to anyone that has special needs, fear of dentistry or just in need of a dentist.
It can be frightening to have to put a two-year-old under anesthesia. The staff and Dr. Thoms took the time to explain the treatment options. The process went well, and the services were outstanding. Everyone was polite and empathetic, from the front desk receptionist to the dentists. The customer service was excellent. I rarely post reviews, but I do so because I want others to know that they can trust and feel safe with their care. The Dental Anesthesia Center comes highly recommended from this mama bear.
My son has autism and a lot of anxiety around medical procedures. This is the most understanding and compassionate group of people, I am so grateful we found them. The doctor calls personally to check up on us after the appointment. Even though we only come once a year they remember my son's needs without me having to explain everything all over again. They are always on time, organized, and transparent about billing. I wish all of our medical appointments could go as smoothly as they do here.
Absolutely wonderful! My five year old had to have extensive dental work done and from start to finish the dental anesthesia center delivered five star work ! Going to the dentist is scary enough but having to take your own child to be put under was next level and the care he received from the nurses and dr was mind easing.
Very kind and compassionate staff. They took excellent care of my special needs kiddo and took extra time to make sure it was done right. I would highly recommend.
beyond pleased with our experience with Dr. Hoffman!! My son, Cameron, had work done and everything turned out way better than I could've ever expected. Dr Hoffman saved all of his teeth, where other dentist told me the only option for two of his teeth were to be pulled. His smile is so beautiful and I couldn't think them enough! They were sooo kind!! The dental hygienist were so sweet, and throughly explained everything to me. There was no judgement. They made this whole process so comfortable. Yes, it was pricey, but worth EVERY penny. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for taking the time to share. We are so appreciative.
Dr Sean Thoms and his staff were great! The office is very welcoming and they yook very great care of my 2year old. I would recommend them to the world!
Dr. Hoffman and his staff are amazing, friendly and caring. I have high anxiety and fear of dentists due to my past bad experiences, but the Dental Anesthesia Center made me feel at ease and comfortable. Had a lot of dental work done in one visit while sedated and recovered well. Now I have my smile back thanks to Dr. Hoffman and his team. If youre a person like me I definantly recommend you the Dental Anesthesia Center.
Response from the owner:Thank you Lejla, we are happy to help!
Sedation dentistry involves using medications to help patients relax during dental procedures. The level of sedation depends on the type used and the patient’s needs. There are four main types:
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) – A mild sedative inhaled through a mask that helps patients feel relaxed but awake.
Oral Sedation – A pill taken before the procedure, typically a benzodiazepine like Valium or Halcion, that induces a drowsy, relaxed state.
IV Sedation – Medication administered through an intravenous line, offering deeper sedation with adjustable levels.
General Anesthesia – The deepest level of sedation, rendering the patient completely unconscious; used for major surgeries or severe dental phobia.
Common Side Effects of Sedation Dentistry
While sedation dentistry is considered safe and effective, some patients may experience temporary side effects. The severity of side effects depends on the type of sedation used, the patient’s medical history, and individual sensitivity to the medications.
Drowsiness and Grogginess
Drowsiness is the most common after-effect of sedation, particularly with oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. Depending on the sedative, this effect can last a few hours to a full day. (American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), 2023)
Why It Happens: Sedatives depress the central nervous system, slowing brain activity.
How to Manage: Rest for the remainder of the day and avoid operating heavy machinery or driving.
Nausea and Vomiting
Some patients experience mild nausea after sedation, particularly with general anesthesia or IV sedation. This is more common in patients prone to motion sickness or with an empty stomach before the procedure. (National Institute of Health (NIH), 2023)
Why It Happens: Some sedative medications can affect the stomach and inner ear balance.
How to Manage: Drink small sips of water and eat light, bland foods after your procedure.
Dry Mouth
Sedation medications, particularly oral benzodiazepines, and IV sedatives can cause dry mouth by reducing saliva production. (American Dental Association (ADA), 2023)
Why It Happens: Sedatives affect the salivary glands and nervous system.
How to Manage: Drink plenty of water, chew sugar-free gum, and use a saliva substitute if needed.
Headache
Headaches can occur, especially after nitrous oxide sedation, when oxygen levels fluctuate. (Mayo Clinic, 2023)
Why It Happens: If nitrous oxide is not flushed out properly with oxygen, it can cause mild headaches.
How to Manage: Ensure your dentist administers oxygen for a few minutes post-procedure and stays hydrated.
Why It Happens: Sedatives like benzodiazepines can cause short-term memory loss as they inhibit brain activity.
How to Manage: Memory function typically returns to normal within a few hours.
Low Blood Pressure and Dizziness
Some sedation methods, particularly IV sedation and general anesthesia, can temporarily lower blood pressure, causing dizziness or lightheadedness. (American Heart Association (AHA), 2023)
Why It Happens: Sedation slows the heart rate and relaxes blood vessels.
How to Manage: Get up slowly from a lying position and drink fluids.
How Long Do Sedation Side Effects Last?
Nitrous Oxide: Wears off within 5–10 minutes after stopping the gas.
Oral Sedation: Effects can last 4–6 hours, with some residual drowsiness for up to 24 hours.
IV Sedation: Effects wear off in 6–12 hours, but full recovery can take 24 hours.
General Anesthesia: It can take 24–48 hours for full recovery.
When to Call Your Dentist
While most sedation side effects are mild and temporary, contact your dentist if you experience:
Severe nausea or vomiting lasting more than 24 hours.
Excessive bleeding, swelling, or pain.
Confusion or difficulty breathing.
Sedation Dentistry is Safe and Effective
Sedation dentistry is an excellent option for patients with anxiety, phobias, or medical conditions that make traditional dental care challenging. While side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, or dizziness can occur, they are temporary and manageable. Understanding what to expect can help you prepare for a smooth, stress-free dental experience.
If you have concerns about sedation or need a comfortable and pain-free dental visit, contact The Dental Anesthesia Center today to discuss the best sedation option.
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The only board-certified dental anesthesiologist in Missouri, including St. Louis.
