Sedation Dentistry

Q: Who is a good candidate for sedation dentistry?

Patients with dental anxiety, strong gag reflexes, special healthcare needs, or those needing longer or complex procedures often benefit. We review your health history to recommend the safest option.

Q: What types of sedation do you offer?

We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral medications, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation administered by licensed anesthesiologists to match your comfort and treatment needs.

Q: Will I be awake during sedation?

With nitrous or mild oral sedation, you’re awake but relaxed. With oral conscious or IV sedation, you may get drowsy and remember little of the procedure. We’ll explain what to expect beforehand.

Q: Is sedation dentistry safe?

Yes—when performed by trained professionals. We review your medical history, explain each option, and monitor you continuously. Licensed anesthesiologists provide IV sedation for the highest safety.

Dentist in Creve Coeur, MO

Sedation dentistry is an invaluable tool that helps patients overcome anxiety, discomfort, or fear associated with dental procedures. At Creve Coeur Family & Sedation Dentistry, we understand that some patients may experience apprehension when it comes to dental treatments, which is why we are committed to offering a wide range of sedation options to ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience. Below we will explore the different types of sedation available, their benefits, and how they can enhance your dental treatment experience.

Sedation dentistry encompasses various techniques and medications that help patients achieve a relaxed and comfortable state during dental procedures. These options can be customized based on the patient’s needs, medical history, and the complexity of the treatment. Creve Coeur Family & Sedation Dentistry is proud to offer a variety of sedation options to help you feel at ease during your dental appointments, ensuring you receive the care you need for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Need To Schedule OR Have A Question?

Call (314) 991-1400 or send a message!

Types of Sedation Options

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a mild sedative that is inhaled through a mask placed over your nose. This provides a sense of relaxation and euphoria, allowing you to remain awake and responsive throughout the procedure. Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective option for patients with mild dental anxiety and is easily reversed, allowing you to resume normal activities shortly after your appointment. It is even safe for you to drive a vehicle when you leave an appointment where nitrous oxide was used.

Anxiolysis

Anxiolysis by definition means the reduction of anxiety. It can be achieved by taking a pill such as Xanax an hour before your appointment. Patients can expect to remain awake for the entire procedure and have full memory of the appointment. This can be done alone or in combination with nitrous oxide to help mild-moderately fearful patients tolerate dental treatment. A driver to and from the appointment is mandatory.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation involves taking a prescribed sedative pill called Triazolam 1 hour before your dental procedure. This type of sedation induces a moderate level of sedation, and although you will remain conscious and be able to respond to questions or commands, you may have limited and sometimes no memory of the treatment. Oral conscious sedation is ideal for patients with moderate dental anxiety or those undergoing more complex procedures or longer appointments. It is essential to arrange for a companion to drive you home and be with you after your appointment, as the sedative effects may take several hours to wear off.

Intravenous (IV) Sedation

IV sedation is administered directly into your bloodstream through a vein, allowing for a deeper level of sedation. With IV sedation patients have the option to go completely to sleep ensuring that they will have no memory of the procedures. This type of sedation is ideal for patients with severe dental anxiety, those with special needs, or those undergoing extensive dental procedures. We partner with Premier Dental Anesthesiology, a group of medically licensed anesthesiologists, to ensure that our IV sedation patients are receiving the safest and most efficient care possible. This allows the anesthesia team to keep you comfortable and monitor your vitals during the procedure while also allowing our dental experts to focus solely on giving you the best dental care possible. As with oral conscious sedation, you will need someone to drive you home and be with you following your appointment.

IV sedation is a wonderful tool for many people. Due to the fact that these procedures are being performed in a non hospital setting we follow strict guidelines to determine who can receive IV sedation in the dental office. Please see below for these general guidelines. These guidelines are in place for the safety and well being of our patients. Each patient is individually evaluated by both the anesthesia and dental team to determine if they are a candidate for IV sedation in this setting.

Who Is a Candidate For In Office IV Sedation?

See our Patient Guidelines.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

- Alleviates Dental Anxiety: Sedation dentistry helps patients overcome dental anxiety, ensuring they receive the necessary dental care to maintain a healthy smile.

- Increased Comfort: Sedation options can help alleviate discomfort during dental procedures, providing a more comfortable and pain-free experience.

- Enhanced Treatment Experience: By eliminating fear and anxiety, sedation dentistry allows patients to feel relaxed and at ease during their dental treatments.

- Time Efficiency: Sedation can enable us to perform complex or multiple dental procedures in a single appointment, saving you time and minimizing the number of visits required.

- Improved Patient Cooperation: Sedation can help patients with special needs or those who have difficulty sitting still for extended periods, ensuring they receive the dental care they need.

Conclusion

Sedation dentistry is a powerful tool that can transform your dental treatment experience by alleviating anxiety, ensuring comfort, and promoting a relaxed state. At Creve Coeur Family & Sedation Dentistry, our expert team is dedicated to providing exceptional care and helping you achieve a lifetime of healthy smiles. If you are interested in learning more about sedation options and how they can benefit your dental treatment plan, schedule a consultation with a member of our knowledgeable team.

FAQs

1. What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses safe medications to help patients feel calm and relaxed during dental procedures. Depending on your needs, this can range from mild options like nitrous oxide to deeper sedation administered by anesthesiologists. It makes dental care easier for patients with anxiety or complex treatments.

2. Who is a good candidate for sedation dentistry?
Sedation is helpful for patients with dental anxiety, strong gag reflexes, special healthcare needs, or those needing longer or more complex procedures. During your consultation, we’ll review your health history and comfort level to recommend the safest, most effective sedation option for you.

3. What types of sedation do you offer?
We provide multiple options: nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral medications, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation administered by licensed anesthesiologists. Each method offers a different level of relaxation, allowing us to tailor care to your comfort and treatment needs.

4. Will I be awake during sedation?
It depends on the type of sedation used. With nitrous oxide or mild oral medication, you’ll stay awake but relaxed. With oral conscious or IV sedation, many patients feel drowsy and may not remember much of the procedure. We’ll discuss what to expect beforehand.

5. Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes. Sedation dentistry is very safe when performed by trained professionals. We carefully review your medical history, explain each option, and continuously monitor you during treatment. For IV sedation, we partner with licensed anesthesiologists to ensure the highest level of safety and comfort.

What Patients Are Saying!

    
 
 
        
   Richard Price 
 8 October 2026
 
 
  Dr. Katz and team are A++. From reception/coordinator Shana, to hygienist Jennifer, to Dr. Katz himself, each one is a pleasure...and a professional.  The office environment is very nice and parking is easy.  My dental practice "for life".
  
 
       
   Andrea Sharp 
 6 October 2026
 
 
  The entire staff is so friendly. Mary is awesome. She made my teeth cleaning an enjoyable experience. Location is in an excellent area.
  
 
       
   Mike Leicht 
 6 October 2026
 
 
  I was a bit apprehensive since it had been an extremely long time since I visited a dentist.  They put me totally at ease.  They didn't chastise me, though I surely had a lot of tartar on my teeth.  However, I didn't have any cavities.  They didn't try to get me to do any additional work.  They did tell me about a bite guard, but they didn't pressure me to get one at all.  They didn't make me regret going to the dentist.  They made me glad I did.
  
 
       
   Thomas Heidotten 
 23 September 2026
 
 
  Friendly and professional
  
 
       
   Lina Wagner 
 18 September 2026
 
 
  I had a really good experience at this dentist office. Everyone was friendly, professional, and made me feel comfortable throughout my appointment. I was nervous about getting my tooth extracted, but they explained everything to me and made the process go smoothly. I really appreciate how patient and caring they were. I definitely recommend this dentist to anyone looking for a good experience!
  
 
       
   Margie H 
 17 September 2026
 
 
  Very nice staff Dr that was very nice explaining things well
I’m very nervous about going to the dentist and they made me feel comfortable
  
 
       
   Jasper Alpuerto 
 4 September 2026
 
 
  Professional and very accommodating for new patients. Definitely will recommend to other people looking for dentists.
  
 
       
   Karen Phillips 
 26 August 2026
 
 
  Very friendly, caring staff! Sabrina is an excellent hygienist, gentle but thorough. And Dr Kratz is awesome. Professional but very human!
  
 
       
   Colin Shreves 
 25 August 2026
 
 
  Sabrina is the best
  
 
       
   Rob Reynolds 
 20 August 2026
 
 
  I had a referral from a friend who loves this dental practice. This was my first visit and it was great. Setting up all my information on the website before I even got there was a breeze, and saved a lot of time when I arrived. I was greeted by Shanna who was extremely friendly and helpful as she was on the phone trying to find me a good appointment time. Everything ran right on time so there was no waiting. My hygienist Sabrina was also very friendly and thorough, and careful not to hurt me. She also explained exactly what she was doing at each step. When Dr Kratz came in, he too was very personable, checked everything very carefully and explained everything to me. My entire experience was great and worthy of more than 5 stars if I could give them. My thanks to Dr Kratz and the entire staff.
  
 
       
   Becky Kottmeyer 
 20 August 2026
 
 
  Brandon and his team (Mary dental hygienist) are totally awesome. They are so through and explain every process of what they are doing before they start putting things in your mouth and working. I have clean teeth and feel well educated about problem areas in my mouth. Super professional. Everyone I met was friendly and seemed to put people and patients first. Can’t say enough good things. This has contrasted every single other unpleasant dentist experience I’ve had as an adult.
  
 
       
   Todd Baker 
 11 August 2026
 
 
  Very nice staff and dentist.
  
 
       
   Lisa Bartnick 
 7 August 2026
 
 
  I had my 27 year old son with Autism there this morning for a cleaning & the experience was great! His hygienist Whitney was very patient & great with him! Everyone there is super friendly & i would highly recommend them.
  
 
       
   Athena McFerrin 
 4 August 2026
 
 
  I am under the strong belief that this practice this wonderful practice will go national!
  
 
       
   Liz Perkins 
 29 July 2026
 
 
  Truly the best new patient experience I've ever had. Sabrina the hygienist is the sweetest, and Dr. Kratz is wonderful. I've never looked forward to a dental visit in my life, and I am looking forward to my next appointment.
  
 
       
   Laura 
 27 July 2026
 
 
  I can’t say enough great things about Creve Coeur Family & Sedation Dentistry. From the moment we walked in, Sarah at the front desk was incredibly friendly and a clear communicator—she made sure everything was seamless and that every step was understood. She also took extra care to ensure my elderly mother was comfortable, could hear the information clearly, and fully understood what was happening.

Dr. Kratz was excellent as well. He explained the work that needed to be done with clear pros and cons, so we felt informed and confident in the plan. He was also able to fit my mother for a partial the same day, and the follow-up process is already underway to make sure it’s a perfect fit. On top of that, he’s genuinely funny—which helped put my mom at ease during what was an emergency appointment.

Sabrina, the hygienist, did a wonderful job measuring my mom’s gums and cleaning her teeth. She spoke loudly and clearly so my mother could hear and follow everything, and my mom did not experience any pain.

Kinanie helped with the partial mold and was incredibly friendly and skilled. We truly felt like everyone cared—not just about getting the job done, but about making my mother feel safe and comfortable.

This appointment meant even more because my mother had been mistreated by other dentists who didn’t understand how chemo was affecting the bone of her jaw. At Creve Coeur Family & Sedation Dentistry, we finally felt respected, understood, and in the hands of a team that knew how to care for her properly.

Highly recommend—this is the kind of care everyone deserves.
  
 
       
   Elena Perkins 
 27 July 2026
 
 
  Super friendly staff! No wait, very timely and knowledgeable!
  
 
       
   Jenny Bosworth 
 23 July 2026
 
 
  The most caring hygienists I have ever had. Dr. Katz is very personable and professional as well. Everyone does their absolute best to put you at ease and prioritize your comfort.
  
 
       
   Zari Kalo 
 21 July 2026
 
 
  Even as a new patient, I felt welcomed.
  
 
       
   Dee Levang 
 13 July 2026
 
 
  Each time I leave this office, I wish I had switched to them even earlier than I did. Dr. Kratz and his entire team are so personable and do excellent work! During my last visit, Heather M. immediately made me feel comfortable. She had me laughing so much that I was worried I’d giggle in the middle of my procedure.
  
 
       
   Susan Constantin 
 8 July 2026
 
 
  Excellent care as usual from Dr. Kratz & his team!
  
 
       
   The Henry's 
 23 June 2026
 
 
  Great!
  
 
       
   Peggy Frisella 
 19 June 2026
 
 
  Excellent care, professional, engaged and also reassuring. Perfect experience - painless. Both dentist and assistant did an amazing job taking care of me. Yesterday, on a second visit, I am equally, if not more, impressed with the entire office staff: I can’t name them all but what a team! Thank you for the service you provide.
  
 
       
   Mary Pecher 
 15 June 2026
 
 
  I would like to take this opportunity to compliment
Creve Coeur Family and Sedation Dentistry
Dr. Kratz and Staff.  Dr Kratz has built an amazing staff that exhibit professionalism and personal care and empathy  for their clients.
I would especially like to mention three staff members :Sarah, Shanna and Kinanie and of course Dr Kratz.. they have walked me through a dental procedure  with excellent before and after care which made this experience easy-whether it be expert immediate appointments (Sarah), expert aftercare (Kinani) or Financial
Knowledge and scheduling (Shanna) all my needs have been met as if I was a Family member!! Well done Dr Kratz in building such a Team!!
  
 
       
   Javi Turk 
 11 June 2026
 
 
  Excellent patient care. Sabrina got me in right away and did a great job with my oral hygiene. Dr. Kratz was throrough and great as always. The whole team is very friendly as well. The cancer screening they perform with my yearly checkups shows how this office goes the extra mile for the health of their patients. A+!
  
 
       
   Timothy Major 
 11 June 2026
 
 
  Awesome experience as always!!! I just LOVE Donna, we had a great conversation during my visit!
  
 
       
   Tom Beckring 
 7 June 2026
 
 
  excellent Dr. with the latest equipment. Dr. and staff are all very nice and professional. great job by Donna cleaning my teeth! Dr Kratz did great job explaining what work I needed done.
  
 
       
   BrianFawcett2001 
 4 June 2026
 
 
  The whole office has a good vibe! The manager, Sarah is friendly, inviting and knowledgeable. I felt really comfortable with Rachel, the dental assistant, in the sane way. I already had xrays from a previous dental office but Rachel took actual pictures of my teeth in addition. No office has ever done that for me. I feel like this office is more thorough and takes the extra step and effort. Dr. Kratz, the dentist, was just as wonderful, too. I felt at ease with him and he made me feel we were on the same level. He was honest and friendly and really took the time to examine and talk about my teeth. I am switching to this dental office starting today. The atmosphere at this office is warm and comforting. Thank you for a great experience! I look forward to my next appointment with them.
  
 
       
   Sandy Buffa 
 29 May 2026
 
 
  Welcoming, warm, professional, and kind.
  
 
       
   Lorna Li 
 29 May 2026
 
 
  I have a great experience with this dentist, he is very friendly, compassionate and professional, during this for the semi year checkup, my dental hygienist Mary is VERY kind manner of all combined with sincere care and concern throughout the whole time. I am definitely recommend.
  
 
       
   Debra Greenlee 
 26 May 2026
 
 
  Mary is an awesome dental hygienist very through; I would recommend her highly. Dr Kratz is a great dentist he really takes times to  fully exam your mouth & check for any issues.
  
 
       
   Ann 
 21 May 2026
 
 
  Had to get a crown at 8am this morning.

I can say, without a doubt, that every single 5 star review is well deserved.

Dr. Kratz is seriously just that good. His assistants (especially Kinanie who was with me this morning), are just that good. They know exactly what they’re doing.

I truly appreciated how they walked me through the entire process. I even got to see my crown being created - how cool is that?!

The vibes are comfortable and relaxed. The office is filled with laughter. Not something you’d expect at the dentist, but that’s how it is here.

If you like efficiency and dentists who actually know what they’re doing, this is the place to go. No doubt.
  
 
       
   Sherri Waxman 
 20 May 2026
 
 
  The assistant and dr were wonderful patient, perfectionist at work!!!!
  
 
       
   Katie Reed 
 20 May 2026
 
 
  I’ll start by saying I do NOT like going to the dentist. I barely slept the night before my first appointment because I was literally so nervous.

Turns out, I should’ve slept like a baby.

From the moment I scheduled my appointment, every single staff member was incredibly kind. They truly went out of their way to make the whole experience feel relaxed instead of stressful.

Rachel was especially wonderful - friendly, reassuring, and never once made me feel embarrassed/judged about my teeth.

Dr. Kratz also takes the time to explain everything thoroughly, so I always knew exactly what was going on and what the plan was. Nothing ever felt rushed or confusing.

Genuinely cannot recommend them enough. Absolutely worth the drive no matter where you live.
  
 
       
   Perla Esther Martinez Moreno 
 14 May 2026
 
 
  I love this office and the staff! The service is always great, and everyone is so friendly and professional. I recently moved farther away, but I still drive about 30 minutes for my appointments because I genuinely like coming here. The office is always clean and welcoming, and they’re very efficient . I’m usually in and out in an hour. Highly recommend!
  
 
 
 
  
 
   Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 215 reviews

Sedation Dentistry

Dentist in Creve Coeur, MO

Need To Schedule OR Have A Question?

Types of Sedation Options

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Anxiolysis

Oral Conscious Sedation

Intravenous (IV) Sedation

Who Is a Candidate For In Office IV Sedation?

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Conclusion

FAQs

What Patients Are Saying!

Phone Number:

Our Address:

Working Hours:

Navigation

Featured Services

Contact

Call

New Patients

About

Contact

Sedation Dentistry

Dentist in Creve Coeur, MO

Need To Schedule OR Have A Question?

Types of Sedation Options

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Anxiolysis

Oral Conscious Sedation

Intravenous (IV) Sedation

Who Is a Candidate For In Office IV Sedation?

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Conclusion

FAQs

What Patients Are Saying!

Navigation

Featured Services​

Contact

Call

New Patients

About

Contact

Featured Services