St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center

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Do You Have Difficulty Getting Numb at the Dentist?

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Whatever your situation or concern, we work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.

If you have difficulty getting numb for a dental procedure, you are not alone. We often encounter patients who have difficulty getting numb, and we are here to help. At our dental office, we want to ensure your comfort. Whatever your situation or concern, we work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.

Do not let a past unpleasant dental experience keep you from getting the dental care you need.

Why You Can’t Get Numb

There are a few reasons why a patient may have had a past experience of not being able to get numb. Some of the possibilities include:

  • Hot Tooth – A “hot tooth” is a term used to describe a painful tooth that can’t get numb. If you have a tooth that is in a lot of pain, your nerves can change. They can become overactive and may need more anesthetic to calm it down. Or, a painful tooth can develop additional pain receptors which can mean they need more numbing agents.
  • Movement during the injection – It is hard to get a shot because let’s face it, it isn’t very pleasant. But it is really important to stay as still as you possibly can when getting a shot for a dental treatment. If you squirm or jerk away, your dentist may miss the nerve which will require additional injections to get properly numb.
  • Missed the Nerve – While it would be nice to hit the bullseye 100% of the time, the truth is, it isn’t always humanly possible. Dentists are trained so well that they do hit the target a majority of the time. But if you didn’t get numb on your last visit, it was likely just bad luck, and you should give it another try.
  • Everyone is different – It’s similar to how some people react differently to certain medications. There are cases where a person’s body removes the numbing agent too quickly from their system, making the numbness wear off faster than anticipated.

If you have had trouble in the past getting numb, don’t give up. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we provide care to individuals who are severely anxious, have difficulty getting numb, have a severe gag reflex, have special needs, and patients who are unable to cooperate, such as young children.

Call Us Today

The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844

Protect Your Teeth During the Halloween Season

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The average kid will consume approximately 675 grams of sugar on Halloween day. That is the equivalent of eating 170 sugar cubes!

Did you know that Americans purchase nearly 600 million pounds of candy each year for Halloween? During the week of Halloween, 90 million pounds of chocolate is sold, and almost 2 billion dollars is made on the sale of candy just days before the holiday. Another staggering statistic is that the average kid will consume approximately 675 grams of sugar on Halloween day. That is the equivalent of eating 170 sugar cubes!

Whether at school or at work, we are bombarded with candy everywhere we look during this time of year. So, how can you protect your teeth? Here are a few tricks!

What Should You Avoid?

There are several tricks to protecting your teeth during this time of year. One is to remember that not all candies are equal. There are some types of candy that are worse than others. For instance, the stickier the candy, the higher the risk is for tooth decay. Gummy bears, skittles, starbursts, and tootsie rolls are examples of candies that take more time to chew and, therefore, stick to and in between your teeth. The longer it takes for the saliva in your mouth to wash away the candy, the easier it is for the bacteria-causing sugars to cause tooth decay and cavities.

Another candy to watch out for is sour candy. For instance, Sour Patch Kids are not only full of sugar, but they are also acidic and can actually dissolve tooth enamel on contact. Finally, hard candies such as Jolly Ranchers or lollypops are even worse because they sit in your mouth for long periods of time; therefore, the sugar lingers, creating more cavity-causing bacteria to build up in your mouth. They can also break fillings and teeth because they are so hard.

How to Protect Your Teeth?

So, we’ve discussed what’s bad for your teeth, but what’s actually good for them? Well here are some suggestions.

  • Try to avoid harmful candies
  • Get a fluoride boost treatment
  • Eat candy around mealtimes
  • Drink water after eating candy
  • Brush and floss your teeth – the sooner after eating candy, the better
  • Have a designated treat time rather than continuously snacking on candy
  • Schedule a teeth cleaning

It is really difficult to completely avoid sugar during this time of year. So rather than swearing off all candy, try to incorporate some of the above tips. Discuss these with your kids and try to maintain balance during the Halloween season.

Call Us Today

The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844

Are You A Good Candidate For Invisalign Clear Braces?

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All Invisalign treatment begins with a proper dental examination. It is through this examination that we can find out if you are a good Invisalign candidate.

Invisalign clear braces have become a very popular way to straighten teeth. Many patients choose Invisalign over traditional braces because of their comfortable and discreet qualities. However, because many people aren’t as familiar with this treatment, they don’t know if they’re good candidates.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we are one of St. Louis’ Premier Invisalign Clear Braces providers. We will help you determine whether or not Invisalign is right for you.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses transparent aligners made of clear plastic to straighten your teeth. They are removable, comfortable, and virtually invisible.

The aligners are designed to wear two weeks at a time before switching out to a different pair. This method helps move your teeth gradually into the desired position. Aligners are made to be worn for at least 22 hours per day, and patients only remove them when they are eating or cleaning their teeth.

Are You a Candidate?

The best way to find out is to come in for a consultation so that our dentists can examine your mouth. All Invisalign treatment begins with a proper dental examination. It is through this examination that we can find out if you are a good Invisalign candidate. However, Invisalign can typically be used for patients who:

  • Have a mild to moderate alignment issues
  • Are worried about the hassle and appearance of metal braces
  • Are 15 years or older
  • Have a good oral hygiene routine already established
  • Have only slight bite issues
  • Have all of their permanent teeth
  • Are looking to have a shorter treatment time than braces
  • Are willing to wear the aligners for at least 20 hours a day

Invisalign is generally suggested for adults because they typically are more responsible and are committed to their treatment. Teens can still receive Invisalign if they are prepared to keep up with it to get the desired results. If you have any questions regarding Invisalign, it’s important to schedule a consultation with your dentist.

Call to Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re looking to get your Invisalign Clear Braces in St. Louis, make sure to give us a call at (314) 862-7844 so that we can talk about possible Invisalign treatment. We look forward to meeting you!

Call Us Today

The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844

Why Choosing Water is the Best Drink for a Healthy Mouth

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There is no drink like water as it is by far the healthiest drink you can choose to drink. Our amazing bodies are made of 60% water. Therefore, staying hydrated helps our bodies get rid of waste, distributes healthy nutrients, keeps our muscles moving, and improves the quality of our skin. And, drinking water, especially water with fluoride, helps keep our teeth healthy!

Why Drink Water?

There are many health benefits associated with drinking water. But some of the benefits include:

  • Strengthens teeth – It is essential to drink water with fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens our teeth. We often hear controversy regarding fluoride, but when we get the right amount, it prevents tooth decay. Most bottled water does not contain fluoride. If it has been added, it will say so on the label.
  • Washes away the bad stuff – Water is perfect because it can wash away residue and leftover food without leaving anything harmful on your teeth. Water also dilutes the acids produced by the bacteria in your mouth.
  • Prevents dry mouth – Our saliva is 99% water! So when we are not well-hydrated, we become low on saliva and can experience dry mouth. But saliva is our mouth’s first defense against tooth decay. It helps us swallow, washes away leftover food, and keeps our teeth healthy by washing them with phosphate, calcium, and fluoride. By drinking enough water, we can prevent dry mouth and make sure our mouth is producing enough saliva.
  • Healthy for the rest of our body – A significant contributor to the increasing rate of obesity in the U.S. is sugary drinks. People who drink 1-2 sugary beverages every day are 26% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. However, water contains no sugar and has zero calories, making it an incredibly healthy drink.

Choose Water for Your Family

While occasionally having a sugary beverage may be ok, having too many on any kind of regular basis definitely has its health drawbacks. Encouraging your family members, especially children, to choose water instead of soda or juice, will benefit them greatly.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Another way to maintain good oral health is by having routine dental check-ups and cleanings. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we value our patient relationships, making it our priority to deliver gentle dental care that you deserve from sedation dentists in St. Louis. We work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.

Call Us Today

The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844

The Benefits of Having a Teeth Cleaning

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We work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.

Yes, brushing and flossing your teeth at home is essential. But to ensure that your teeth are healthy and thoroughly cleaned, it’s also important to schedule regular check-ups with your dentist and routine teeth cleanings with your hygienist. But why is this really necessary?

The Purpose of Dental Cleanings

Having your teeth cleaned isn’t just for maintaining a bright smile, but dental cleanings can have a significant impact on your overall health. Inadequate oral hygiene has been linked to serious illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, cancers, strokes, bone loss, and many other problems.

Some of the benefits having your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year include:

  • Whiter, brighter smile because the hygienist can remove most of the stains on your teeth.
  • Prevents gum disease, which contributes to early tooth loss.
  • Oral cancer can be detected at an early stage during routine cleaning.
  • Teeth cleaning can prevent gum disease, which has been linked to heart attacks and strokes.
  • Early signs of problems can be detected, such as broken fillings or tooth fractures.

During a dental cleaning, it allows the dentist or hygienist to compare your health to previous visits. If something needs to be addressed, immediate intervention can put you back on track. Another advantage of teeth cleanings is that they help prevent and resolve bad breath issues.

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?

To begin your dental cleaning, a hygienist or dentist will perform a physical examination of your mouth. During your cleaning, they will look for cavities and issues such as inflammation of the gum.

During a teeth cleaning, your hygienist will remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth. Plaque is a sticky bacteria that covers the surface of your teeth after you eat. It wears down tooth enamel causing decay and other possible complications. If it is not removed quickly, plaque can harden and become tartar and eventually lead to gum disease.

Once your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, your hygienist will polish your teeth. They will be brushed with a textured and flavored toothpaste. Finally, the last step is thorough flossing.

Schedule Your Teeth Cleaning

It’s never too late to have your teeth cleaned. Even if it’s been years, schedule your appointment today. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we value our patient relationships, making it our priority to deliver gentle dental care that you deserve from sedation dentists in St. Louis. We work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.

Call Us Today

The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844

Helping Children with Autism Get the Best Dental Care

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For a child with autism, sedation dentistry may be the only way he or she can have their needed dental treatments.

Oral care for children with autism is not much different from that of other children. However, children with autism often have a difficult time communicating, which can make cooperation when visiting the dentist challenging.

As a parent of a child with autism, you understand that a visit to the dentist can be complicated. The thought of taking your child to the dentist may even make you nervous, and this is something we understand. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we specialize in working with patients with special needs thanks to our years of experience and cutting-edge sedation and sleep dentistry procedures.

Sedation Dentistry and Autism

Dental sedation involves the use of medications to create a state of relaxation. There are three levels of sedation – minimal, moderate, and deep. The level that is right for a patient is determined based on their medical history, current physical condition, and mental health.

For a child with autism, sedation dentistry may be the only way he or she can have their needed dental treatments. In fact, sedation has become an accepted standard of care. According to the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry), conscious sedation is recommended for:

  • Patients in need of dental care who are unable to cooperate due to lack of emotional or psychological maturity
  • Preschool children who are unable to understand or cooperate for treatment
  • Patients that cannot receive dental treatment due to a physical, cognitive, or medical disability
  • Patients who require dental care but have extreme anxiety or phobia and cannot cooperate for treatment

The AAPD recommends deep sedation or general anesthesia for:

  • Patients with specific mental, physical, or medically compromising conditions
  • Patients who need dental restorative or surgical treatments for whom conscious sedation is ineffective
  • For patients who are extremely fearful, uncooperative, anxious, or physically resistant who need substantial dental treatment and no expectation that the behavior will improve soon
  • Patients who have sustained extensive dental or orofacial trauma
  • Patients who would otherwise not be able to receive comprehensive dental care

Sedation dentistry provides a safe and effective way for patients with special needs to receive the dental treatment they need. Patients can have a complete exam, full mouth series of x-rays, and thorough cleaning while under sedation or general anesthesia.

Sedation Dentistry in St. Louis

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we have the only two general dentists certified in Deep Sedation and General Anesthesiology in the state of Missouri. We work hard to make our patients feel at ease by providing them with exceptional patient care in a relaxed and convenient atmosphere. We are a state-of-the-art dental facility for patients who require general anesthesia for their dental care.

Call Us Today

The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844