Dental appointments have a far-reaching impact on your overall well-being. Schedule an appointment today.
Many people think of dental checkups as routine visits that only address oral health, but the truth is that these appointments have a far-reaching impact on your overall well-being. Your mouth serves as a gateway to your body, and the condition of your teeth and gums can influence or reflect your general health. Regular dental checkups are about much more than brightening your smile—they’re critical to maintaining whole-body health.
Contact us today to schedule your next appointment and take the first step toward a healthier smile!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health
Your oral health and overall health are closely intertwined. Poor oral hygiene can lead to more than just cavities and gum disease; it can contribute to serious systemic issues such as:
Heart Disease: Research shows a strong link between gum disease (periodontitis) and cardiovascular problems. The bacteria from inflamed gums can enter the bloodstream and lead to arterial inflammation, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Diabetes: People with diabetes are more prone to gum disease, and untreated gum infections can make it harder to control blood sugar levels, creating a two-way relationship between these conditions.
Respiratory Infections: Oral bacteria can travel to the lungs, causing or worsening respiratory conditions such as pneumonia.
Pregnancy Complications: Gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight in babies.
What Happens During a Routine Dental Checkup?
A dental checkup is much more than a quick glance at your teeth. Here’s what a typical visit entails:
Professional Cleaning:
Removes plaque and tartar buildup that can’t be addressed with regular brushing and flossing.
Polishes teeth for a clean, smooth surface that resists bacteria.
Thorough Examination:
Checks for cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
Evaluate the alignment of your bite and the condition of restorations (fillings, crowns, etc.).
Oral Cancer Screening:
Dentists screen for early signs of oral cancer, such as unusual lumps, sores, or discolorations.
X-Rays (If Needed):
It provides a detailed view of your teeth and jawbone to detect problems like cavities, bone loss, or impacted teeth that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
These steps ensure that minor issues are addressed before they become major problems, saving you time, money, and discomfort.
The Risks of Skipping Dental Checkups
While it may seem tempting to skip a dental visit, doing so can lead to serious consequences:
Tooth Decay and Cavities: Left untreated, cavities can worsen, leading to infections or the need for more extensive treatments like root canals or extractions.
Gum Disease: Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) can progress to periodontitis, which can cause tooth loss and systemic health problems.
Pain and Discomfort: Dental issues often worsen without professional care, leading to pain and emergency treatments.
Increased Costs: Preventive care is far more affordable than dealing with advanced dental problems like root canals, implants, or dentures.
Oral Cancer: Early detection is crucial for successful treatment; skipping checkups could delay diagnosis.
Benefits of Regular Dental Checkups
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Routine dental visits focus on prevention. By catching issues early, dentists can address them before they escalate, saving you from pain and costly procedures.
Improved Oral Hygiene
Regular professional cleanings enhance your at-home oral care routine, removing stubborn plaque and tartar and lowering your gum disease and decay risk.
Boosted Confidence
A clean, healthy smile improves your appearance and boosts self-esteem, encouraging you to smile more often.
Early Detection of Health Issues
Dentists can identify signs of other health problems, such as nutritional deficiencies, infections, or oral cancer.
Better Quality of Life
Maintaining a healthy mouth helps you chew, speak, and smile comfortably, contributing to a higher overall quality of life.
How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?
For most people, a dental checkup every six months is recommended. However, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits if you have:
A history of gum disease.
Chronic conditions like diabetes.
A higher risk of cavities or tooth decay.
Consistency is key to reaping the full benefits of preventive dental care.
Tips for Maintaining Oral Health Between Checkups
While dental visits are crucial, maintaining good oral hygiene at home is equally important. Follow these tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy:
Brush Twice Daily: Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Floss Daily: Remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
Eat a Balanced Diet: Limit sugary foods and beverages that can lead to cavities.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking water helps rinse away food particles and bacteria.
Avoid Tobacco Products: Smoking and chewing tobacco increases the risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
The Role of Dental Checkups in Preventive Care
Preventive care is the cornerstone of modern dentistry, and regular checkups play a central role. By maintaining a consistent schedule, you can:
Prevent minor issues from becoming large problems.
Protect your teeth and gums for a lifetime of use.
Support your overall health by minimizing the risk of systemic conditions linked to poor oral health.
Final Thoughts
Regular dental checkups are an essential part of your overall healthcare routine. By visiting your dentist regularly, you’re not just protecting your teeth but investing in your long-term health and well-being. Remember, a healthy smile contributes to a healthy body.
Schedule Your Next Dental Checkup Today
At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we’re committed to providing comprehensive dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Whether it’s your first visit in years or you’re looking for preventive care, our experienced team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment and take the first step toward a healthier smile!