Sedation dentistry is a therapeutic medical procedure where dentists administer different sedative levels to help their patients relax.
Do you suffer from dental fear or anxiety? Or maybe you can’t stand dental clinic sounds? If so, you’re not alone; there are thousands of people like you. Lucky for you, sedation dentistry exists. Please keep reading to find out how sedation dentistry is helping patients feel relaxed and less anxious during their dental procedures.
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The only board-certified dental anesthesiologist in Missouri, including St. Louis.
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.
Dr. Hoffman is very skilled. Additionally everyone one on his team and in his office are great. Very compassionate and patient.
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.
Great staff, and great experience!
I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my son. Flawless experience and staff. Highly recommended.
Love these folks. They go above and beyond. So much so I am a regular dental patient! So gentle and caring, I could not say enough.
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.
A 10/10 Experience!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.
These folks are great!! Always very professional and personable and don't try to over sell you on what you need done!! I would highly recommend!!
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
Best dental office in St. Louis hands down! It’s a great place to go for sedation or just general dentistry! Highly recommend!
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.
5 Stars!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.
So caring, so nice, as others said, a little higher priced. But it is worth every penny. I can't describe how great everyone is
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for taking the time to share this positive review. It is very appreciated!
We love all the workers there. Their very welcoming staff, but very professional. We’ve been going there for about 15 years.
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!
My son is in need for oral surgery and Dr. Thoms was so kind and gentle with my son! We are so blessed to have found this team!
Response from the owner: Thanks Taylor!
Very professional and clean environment
Response from the owner: Thank you Alen!
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a therapeutic medical procedure where dentists administer different sedative levels to help their patients relax. The patients are usually sedated before a dental treatment or surgery to relieve pain and anxiety during the dental procedure.
Before sedating you, the dentist will check your medical background and consult widely to avoid health complications. This technique is suitable for patients who suffer moderate and severe dental anxiety. It’s also helpful for patients with special medical needs such as light and sound sensitivity.
Sedation Methods
Below are the different ways dentists sedate their patients:
Light Sedation/ Laughing Gas
Nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, is used to help patients relax during simple dental procedures. The gas goes through a nasal rod that patients use to inhale. It takes seconds for the gas to kick in.
You’ll be awake during the entire procedure but in a relaxed state. The best thing about laughing gas is that it has no post-treatment side effects.
Oral Sedatives/ Moderate Sedation
During oral sedation, you consume a prescribed pill or syrup a few hours before the dental procedure. This gives the medicine enough time to take effect. Once the sedatives are in action, you’ll feel drowsy and may even fall asleep during the dental treatment. However, you’ll still be conscious and may wake up with a slight nudge.
Because the sedatives can leave you with a drowsy feeling, oral sedation patients are usually advised to come accompanied by a friend or relative during their appointments.
IV Sedation
In IV sedation, the dentist administers the sedative through an IV line hooked to a vein in your arm. IV patients often fall into a deep sleep during a dental procedure, and it may take a while before they regain full consciousness. Like in moderate sedation, it’s advisable to bring a close friend or relative during an IV sedation to take you back home.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
The benefits of sedation dentistry include:
- Stress and anxiety-free dental experiences
- Extra comfort for light and sound sensitive people
- Quicker and painless dental procedures
- Appropriate for people of all ages
How to Select the Right Sedation Dentist for Your Procedure
Sedation dentistry is an excellent way to have lengthy procedures done without the pain and anxiety that can sometimes accompany them. It can also help to reduce the number of appointments you need to have the work done and allows you to save money if you can have it done in fewer sessions. When most people hear the word “sedation,” they think of highly risky and invasive methods, but there are many options for dental sedation that are completely safe and can really help to alleviate any negative feelings that can come with dental work.
How to Choose the Right Sedation Dentist
Since you and your dentist will be discussing what sedation options are available and coming up with a plan, finding the right dentist is imperative to feel comfortable and making the right decision for your individual needs. There are going to be many factors to help you decide which sedation dentist is right for you. Among them are:
- Education level – Before you find the right dentist, it is important to know what their education level is and where they were trained. There are very few schools for dental sedation, but there are continuing education programs that dentists can engage in to be certified to administer sedation methods. If you are dealing with IV sedation, then the dentist must be trained in anesthesia, which requires that they have a postgraduate degree.
- Ongoing education – Try to choose a dentist who regularly keeps up with training and industry changes. Since techniques continually evolve and become perfected, you will want to find someone who is well-trained by the American Society of Dental Anesthesiologists or the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. Before choosing your sedation dentist, look for someone who continually goes through training and education programs to stay current.
- Your own medical needs – If you have pre-existing conditions or take any medications, you will want to find a doctor who knows the complexity of mixing medicines to ensure that they understand the risks and can anticipate any potential problems that could arise due to your special needs. When interviewing sedation dentists, make them aware of any conditions that you have to ensure that they know how to manage them and are comfortable treating you in spite of them.
St. Louis Dental Anesthesia
Dr. Michael Hoffmann and Dr. Sean Thoms are general dentists, board-certified in general anesthesia and deep sedation by the Missouri Dental Board. Both are currently the only two Dental Anesthesiologist board certified in Deep Sedation in the state of Missouri.
Now that you know all about the advantages of sedation dentistry how to select the right sedation dentist for your procedure, it’s time to schedule your dental checkup. Be sure to work with dentists who offer quality dental care in a safe and comfortable setting. To get the best dental care in St. Louis, Missouri, contact The Dental Anesthesia Center today!
Call Us Today
The only board-certified dental anesthesiologist in Missouri, including St. Louis.
