The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation Dentistry in St. Louis

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we offer a range of sedation options to suit different patient needs and procedures:

• Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide): Administered through a breathing mask, this mild form of sedation wears off quickly, allowing patients to drive themselves home after the procedure.
• Oral Sedation: Administered in pill form, this option keeps patients conscious but relaxed. Patients can interact with the dentist but will need someone to drive them home afterward.
• IV Sedation: Administered intravenously, this provides maximum comfort and typically results in little to no memory of the procedure.
• General Anesthesia: Reserved for more serious cases; this option leaves the patient unconscious during the procedure.

As your St. Louis sedation dentist, we will thoroughly discuss your medical history and the details of your procedure to determine the most appropriate type of sedation for your individual case. Our goal is to ensure your comfort and safety throughout your dental treatment.

Sedation dentistry can benefit a wide range of patients, including:

• Patients with Fear and Anxiety: Nearly half of people with dental problems avoid care due to fears and anxiety. Our safe anesthesia techniques allow these patients to receive necessary treatments without anxiety.
• Individuals with Low Pain Thresholds: Some people have difficulty getting numb or perceive pain more intensely. Sedation can alter this perception, making the procedure virtually pain-free.
• Those with Sensitive Gag Reflexes: Sedation can help patients who struggle with severe gag reflexes that make dental work challenging under local anesthetic alone.
• Patients Needing Extensive Treatment: Sedation allows for the completion of multiple procedures in a single visit, reducing the need for multiple appointments.
• Special Needs Patients: Individuals with physical or mental disabilities can receive comprehensive dental care comfortably and safely under sedation.
• Young Children: Children experiencing anxiety or unable to cooperate for necessary dental treatment can benefit from sedation services.
• Patients with Difficulty Getting Numb: General anesthesia and sedation techniques can help those who have trouble achieving adequate numbness with local anesthetics alone.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we assess each patient’s needs and medical history to determine whether sedation dentistry is appropriate and which type would be most beneficial.

Yes, sedation dentistry is generally very safe when administered by qualified professionals like those at The Dental Anesthesia Center. Here’s why:

• Thorough Evaluation: Before any sedation, we conduct a comprehensive review of your medical history and current health status to ensure you’re a good candidate for sedation.
• Customized Approach: We tailor the type and level of sedation to each patient’s needs and health conditions.
• Continuous Monitoring: Throughout your procedure, our team constantly monitors your vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.
• Specialized Training: Our dentists have extensive training and experience in sedation techniques.
• Modern Equipment: We use state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and follow strict safety protocols.
• Regulated Practice: Sedation dentistry is regulated by dental boards to ensure patient safety.
• Emergency Preparedness: Our team is trained to handle any potential complications, though they are extremely rare.

While all medical procedures carry some risk, sedation dentistry has a long track record of safety. We prioritize your well-being and comfort, making sedation dentistry a safe option for many patients who might otherwise avoid necessary dental care.

Remember, following all pre- and post-sedation instructions carefully is important to ensure the safest possible experience.

Yes, The Dental Anesthesia Center specializes in providing comprehensive dental care for patients with special needs. Our team, led by Dr. Hoffmann and Dr. Thoms, is highly experienced and equipped to treat a wide range of patients with various conditions, including:

• Developmental disabilities (e.g., Down Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy)
• Neurological disorders (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease)
• Behavioral disorders (e.g., ADHD, ADD)
• Sensory sensitivities (e.g., sensitive gag reflex)
• Dental phobias and anxiety
• Patients with complex medical histories

We understand that individuals with special needs may require additional care and attention during dental procedures. Our practice offers:

• A compassionate and understanding environment
• Customized treatment plans to accommodate individual needs
• Advanced sedation options, including general anesthesia, for those who need it
• Specialized equipment and techniques for comprehensive care
• Experienced staff trained in working with special needs patients

We strive to make dental care accessible and comfortable for all patients, regardless of their unique challenges. Our goal is to provide a positive dental experience and maintain the oral health of our special needs patients in a safe, caring environment.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we offer a comprehensive range of pediatric dental services tailored to meet the unique needs of children, including those with special needs. Our pediatric dental services include:

• Routine Dental Cleanings: We provide thorough, gentle cleanings for children of all ages, including those with difficulty cooperating during dental procedures.
• Dental Examinations: Our experienced dentists perform comprehensive dental exams, including taking X-rays when necessary.
• Sedation Dentistry: We offer various levels of sedation, including general anesthesia, to help anxious children or those with special needs receive the required dental care.
• Pediatric Anesthesia: We provide safe and effective anesthesia options for more complex procedures or for children who cannot tolerate traditional dental visits.
• Preventive Care: We offer treatments such as dental sealants and fluoride applications to help protect children’s teeth from decay.
• Restorative Treatments: We provide fillings, crowns, and other restorative procedures as needed.
• Special Needs Dentistry: Our team is specially trained to work with children with developmental, physical, or behavioral challenges.
• Emergency Dental Care: We’re equipped to handle dental emergencies for children.
• Education: We teach children and parents about proper oral hygiene and preventive care.
• Customized Treatment Plans: We develop individualized treatment plans based on each child’s needs and circumstances.

Our pediatric dental services are designed to create a positive, comfortable experience for children, helping to establish good oral health habits that will last a lifetime. We strive to make each visit as stress-free as possible for children and their parents.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we specialize in helping patients overcome dental anxiety through:

• Compassionate, non-judgmental care
• Various sedation options (laughing gas, oral sedation, IV sedation, general anesthesia)
• Personalized treatment plans
• Clear explanations of procedures
• Comfort-focused amenities
• Gradual approach for severe anxiety cases
• Anxiety-reducing techniques
• Post-procedure follow-ups
• Patient education
• Calming office environment

We aim to make quality dental care accessible to all patients, regardless of their anxiety levels. We believe everyone deserves comfortable, fear-free dental experiences.

Yes. The Dental Anesthesia Center accepts many dental insurance plans, though we may be out-of-network for some providers. We submit claims on your behalf and offer various payment options, including cash, checks, credit cards, CareCredit, and Lending Club. Financing plans are available, with 0% interest options for 6-12 months and extended plans up to 60 months. Our team is ready to assist with any billing or insurance questions. We recommend verifying your coverage and discussing financial concerns before your appointment to ensure you understand all options for managing your dental care costs.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we’ve designed your first visit to be comprehensive and informative. We ask that you arrive 30 minutes early and bring your completed patient forms, which can be found below, along with a list of all your current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and vitamins. During your visit, you’ll meet with one of our dentists for an initial consultation and examination. We’ll review your medical history, discuss your concerns, and develop a personalized treatment plan. We’ll also explain any recommended treatments, answer your questions, and discuss payment options and insurance coverage. Before you leave, we’ll schedule any necessary follow-up appointments. Our goal is to make you feel comfortable and well-informed throughout your visit, so please don’t hesitate to ask questions.

We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve optimal oral health!

Dr. Michael J. Hoffmann has been practicing sedation dentistry for over 35 years. After receiving his dental degree in 1988 from The University of Texas Health and Science Center in San Antonio, he completed specialized residencies in Hospital Dentistry and Dental Anesthesiology. In 1991, Dr. Hoffmann established a state-of-the-art dental facility offering deep sedation and general anesthesia services. As one of only two general dentists in the St. Louis area certified in deep sedation and general anesthesiology by the Missouri Dental Board, he has dedicated his career to serving patients with dental phobias, gag reflexes, numbness issues, and various disabilities. His expertise was recognized in 2012 when he was named the Missouri Dental Association Dentist of the Year. Throughout his career, Dr. Hoffmann has continued to educate colleagues on safe oral sedation practices, cementing his position as a leader in the field of sedation dentistry.

Yes, The Dental Anesthesia Center offers both general dentistry services and sedation dentistry. While the practice specializes in sedation and sleep dentistry, they provide a comprehensive range of dental services to meet diverse patient needs. Their service offerings include:

• General Dentistry: Routine dental care, check-ups, and cleanings
• Pediatric Dentistry: Dental care tailored for children
• Geriatric Dentistry: Specialized care for older adults
• Cosmetic Dentistry: Procedures to enhance the appearance of teeth and smiles
• Restorative Dentistry: Treatments to repair damaged or missing teeth
• Dental Implants: Permanent tooth replacement solutions
• Snoring & Sleep Apnea Treatment: Dental solutions for sleep-related breathing disorders
• Perio Protect: Treatment for gum disease

These services are available with various sedation options, from mild sedation to general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s needs and preferences. The practice is equipped to handle everything from routine dental care to complex procedures, all while offering sedation options to ensure patient comfort. This combination of general dentistry and sedation expertise allows The Dental Anesthesia Center to provide comprehensive care for a wide range of patients, including those with dental anxiety, special needs, or complex medical histories.

You might benefit from sedation for your dental procedure if you:

1. Have severe dental anxiety or phobia
2. Experience a sensitive gag reflex
3. Have difficulty getting numb with local anesthetics
4. Need complex or lengthy procedures
5. Have special needs (physical, mental, or behavioral)
6. Have a low pain threshold
7. Have had traumatic dental experiences in the past
8. Need multiple procedures done in one visit
9. Have a movement disorder
10. Suffer from severe dental problems requiring extensive treatment

The best way to determine if sedation is right for you is to discuss your concerns and medical history with our team at The Dental Anesthesia Center. We’ll work with you to choose the most appropriate sedation option for your specific needs and procedure.

Sleep dentistry uses general anesthesia, rendering patients fully unconscious. Sedation dentistry offers varying levels of consciousness, from minimal relaxation to near-unconsciousness. The Dental Anesthesia Center provides both options, recommending the most suitable based on individual needs and procedure complexity.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we specialize in treating patients with complex medical histories. Our approach involves thorough evaluations, tailored treatment plans, and a specialized team trained to handle complex cases safely and comfortably. We conduct comprehensive health history reviews, ensure accessibility for all patients, and collaborate closely with healthcare providers. Our facilities and procedures are adaptable to accommodate various medical needs and cooperation levels. Our ultimate goal is to provide high-quality dental care to all patients, ensuring that oral health is not compromised due to underlying health conditions.