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

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Why Are Restorative Dentistry Procedures Important?

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Restorative dentistry treatments can fix your teeth and help your mouth stay healthy.

Restorative dentistry is the term dentists use to explain how they replace and repair missing or damaged teeth. Crowns, fillings, implants, and bridges are conventional restorative dentistry treatments. So, why is restorative dentistry important?

How Restorative Dentistry is Beneficial

Restorative dentistry treatments can fix your teeth and help your mouth stay healthy. Probably the most common restorative procedure is filling cavities. This is essential to keeping your mouth healthy and for preventing more complicated and expensive issues down the road. When tooth decay is left untreated, more harm can be done to the tooth and surrounding teeth.

Types of Restorative Dentistry

The purpose of restorative dentistry is to treat diseases of the teeth and bring teeth back to a healthy state. Some of the issues for which restorative dentistry may be needed include:

  • Substitute the loss of a tooth
  • Improve your smile
  • Replace old, unappealing dental fillings
  • Fill in unpleasant spaces among teeth
  • Repair damaged and decayed teeth
  • Replace missing teeth
  • Reduce dental pain
  • Restore and correct your bite

Some of the restorative dentistry procedure options include:

Restorative Dentistry vs. Cosmetic Dentistry

As stated above, restorative dentistry focuses on fixing damage and keeping your mouth healthy. However, the main focus of cosmetic dentistry is to improve the look of your smile. In other words, restorative is necessary to maintain oral health, but cosmetic dentistry is not essential to oral health. Yet, the two areas can overlap because restorative dentistry can implement cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as dental implants. And restorative dentistry does make your smile look nice!

Restorative Dentistry St. Louis

If you have any questions regarding restorative dentistry or cosmetic dentistry, call The Dental Anesthesia Center today. 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

Dental Treatment for Patients with Complex Medical Histories

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At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we specialize in working with patients who have complex medical histories in St. Louis.

Dentists treat an ever-aging population, many of which have significant medical issues. Therapy, medications, and treatments for common diseases are continually changing. It is, therefore, essential for dentists to stay up-to-date with medical problems so that they can provide safe dental care for their patients.

Whether a patient has special needs or they’ve just grown older, as time goes on and patients live out their lives, their medical histories tend to become much more complicated. Unfortunately, many of these same patients have a difficult time finding dentists who are willing and able to provide the treatment in a safe environment.

What Are Complex Medical Histories

The term might seem a bit vague, though a patient with a complex medical history may have had cancer, cardiac concerns, organ failure, or an immune system that was compromised at one point or another. Before seeing a dentist and initiating treatment, whether a checkup or an extensive procedure, it may be necessary to have a medical consultation.

Some other examples of complex medical histories include:

  • Liver or kidney problems that may affect how medications are metabolized
  • Patients requiring antibiotic prophylaxis
  • Timing dental treatment with chemotherapy or radiation treatment
  • Epinephrine needs to be avoided due to cardiac history
  • Antibiotic premedication due to a weakened immune system or other comorbidities

Special Care Dentistry

Treating patients who have complex medical histories and disabilities requires empathy, skill, and willingness and ability to adjust to their changing needs. If you care for someone who requires special care dentistry, make sure to discuss any special accommodations, and any appointment preferences.

Sedation Dentistry and Medical History

Sedation dentistry is used based on the patient’s cooperation, their health history, and the extent of treatment they need. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we have the only board-certified dental anesthesiologists in the state of Missouri, including the St. Louis metro area.

When you come in for your appointment Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms, or Dr. Daugherty will decide which level is best for you. We look forward to meeting you. Call us at (314) 862-7844, and one of our friendly team members will be happy to speak with you or make an appointment online.

Call Us Today

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

Call (314) 862-7844

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

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Many cosmetic procedures are elective rather than essential. However, many of these treatments provide more than just restorative benefits.

Cosmetic dentistry covers a broad range of dental procedures. But it involves any dental process that improves the appearance, not necessarily the function, of the teeth, gums, and bite. The primary focus of cosmetic dentistry is aesthetics, such as the color, position, shape, size, and alignment of the teeth.

Types of Cosmetic Dentistry

There are many dental procedures that fall under cosmetic dentistry. Some of these include:

  • Teeth whitening – Having your teeth whitened is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to improve your smile. Professional whitening delivers optimum results in a relatively short time and is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments.
  • Dental veneers – Dental veneers are extremely thin, custom-made shells of porcelain or resin that cover the front surface of the teeth. To apply veneers, a dentist will remove about a half-millimeter of tooth enamel from the existing tooth and will bond, or cement, the veneer to the front of the tooth. Veneers can change the color, shape, size, or length of your front teeth.
  • Dental bonding – Bonding is a dental procedure that can repair chipped, cracked, decayed, or misshapen teeth. A dentist applies a tooth-colored, putty-like resin to the tooth, and it is then hardened with an ultra-violet or laser light.
  • Dental crowns – Also known as a cap, a crown is fitted over and replaces a tooth that is decayed or damaged above the gum line. This process restores a tooth’s shape, size, appearance, and strength. A crown can keep a weak tooth from breaking or can hold a cracked tooth together. A crown is made from either metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, ceramic, or resin.
  • Inlays and Onlays – Also known as indirect fillings, inlays and onlays can be made from porcelain, gold, or composite materials and fill damaged or decayed teeth. Fillings are molded into place at the dentist’s office, but they are created in a dental lab and then bonded into place by your dentist. It is called an inlay when the material is bonded within the center of the tooth. It is an onlay when the filling includes one or more locations of the tooth, or when it covers a biting surface.
  • Dental implants – A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that provides a permanent base for fixed, replacement teeth. Dental implants are an effective and long-term solution for a person who has a missing tooth. They fit, feel, and function just as your natural teeth.

There are as many reasons to have a cosmetic dental procedure as there are types. Many cosmetic procedures are elective rather than essential. However, many of these treatments provide more than just restorative benefits.

Sedation and Cosmetic Dentistry

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, comfortable 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 Importance of Geriatric Dentistry for Older Patients

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To provide older patients with the dental care they need, their dentist needs to have experience in geriatric dentistry.

No matter a person’s age, a healthy mouth is essential for good overall health and well-being. When our mouth is healthy, we can eat delicious and nutritious food, we look good, and we can speak clearly and with confidence.

What is Geriatric Dentistry?

Geriatric dentistry is the administration of oral care to elderly patients, many of whom require diagnosis, management, prevention, and treatment of dental issues connected with age-related diseases. Just as a person’s medical needs change as they get older, so do their dental needs.

There are several reasons why older people need specialized dental care from a dentist who has extensive experience and training working with geriatric patients. Some of these reasons include:

  • Potential drug interactions – Older patients often take several over-the-counter and prescription medications. These can make them more vulnerable to drug interactions and reactions.
  • Understanding and Compassion – Older patients tend to have sensory, cognitive, and physical impairments that can make communication and dental treatment difficult. They may get easily overwhelmed and need to be treated compassionately.
  • Understanding and Patience – If an older patient has dementia or has physical impairments, it may take longer to finish an exam.

The dental professionals at The Dental Anesthesia Center understand the unique circumstances that often come with age. We take special precautions to protect the safety and well-being of our older patients. We take great care to reduce distractions and noises during dental treatment. We communicate with our patients and help them feel relaxed and at ease.

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

Sedation Levels in Geriatric Dentistry

  • Deep Sedation: Deep sedation, otherwise known as general anesthesia, is when the patient is completely asleep. This method ensures that patients have no memories of the procedure, perfect for those who do not have the ability to mentally or physically tolerate dental treatment. Only dentists who have completed an oral surgery residency or a two-year dental anesthesiology residency may provide this sedation method.
  • Moderate Sedation: Moderate sedation is known as sedation dentistry, patients are able to respond to their dentist throughout treatment. Moderate sedation does not put the patient to sleep.
  • Minimal Sedation: Minimal sedation includes the use of a mild sedative. No additional training is necessary for a dentist to apply this method.

When you come in for your appointment Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms, or Dr. Daugherty will decide which level is best for you. We look forward to meeting you. Call us at (314) 862-7844 and one of our friendly team members will be happy to speak with 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

Ease Your Anxiety – Reasons Why a Tooth Needs to Be Extracted

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Learning the reasons for your recommended extraction and understanding what to expect can help ease your anxiety.

After our baby teeth fall out, and our adult teeth come in, they are meant to last a lifetime. However, there are several reasons why a permanent tooth may need to be extracted. If your dentist tells you that you need a tooth pulled, it may come as a shock or even alarm you. However, learning the reasons for your recommended extraction and understanding what to expect can help ease your anxiety.

Why Might You Need a Tooth Pulled?

There are many reasons why your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction. Some of these include:

  • Too many teeth – Having too many teeth in your mouth, also called hyperdontia, is a reason why you may need to have one or more teeth extracted to prevent chewing or biting issues.
  • Getting braces – Before a person gets braces, your dentist may suggest having one or more teeth pulled to make room in your mouth so that the braces can fit and work correctly.
  • Tooth infection – If tooth decay has reached the center of the tooth, known as the pulp, the bacteria produced by the decay can invade the area and cause infection. In severe cases, tooth extraction may be the only option.
  • Your tooth is impacted – When a tooth is impacted, it is blocked from being able to erupt fully. This is typical for wisdom teeth.
  • Damaged tooth – If tooth decay is so extensive that the tooth is unsalvageable, extraction is necessary. A tooth that is severely broken or cracked is considered damaged, and your dentist may opt to extract the damaged tooth.

How to Ease Your Anxiety

If you need one or more teeth pulled, you may feel anxiety or be apprehensive about having the procedure done. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we understand these feelings and work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere. We think that it is also essential that our patients are educated about their procedures, as this can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Sedation Dentistry

There are a variety of methods available to feel better and more relaxed during a tooth extraction. Sedation dentistry and sleep dentistry are two ways to relieve anxiety, fear, and discomfort.

If you suffer from mild to severe anxiety or phobia about going to the dentist, we are here to help! The Dental Anesthesia Center is a state-of-the-art dental facility for patients who require general anesthesia, deep sedation, or oral sedation for their dental care. When you come in for your appointment Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms, or Dr. Daugherty will decide which level is best for 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

What Are Dental Sealants and How Do They Work?

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Sealants are not a substitute for brushing and flossing, but they do help keep cavities from forming.

Brushing and flossing are indeed the best ways to prevent cavities, but it’s not always easy to get every little crevice and crack of your teeth. This is especially true of your molars. Our molars are uneven and rough and provide the perfect place for bits of food to hide, creating cavity-causing bacteria.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Thanks to modern dentistry, sealants can help keep those teeth clean. A sealant is a thin, protective coating that adheres to the top surface of your back teeth. Sealants are made from plastic or other types of dental materials. Sealants are not a substitute for brushing and flossing, but they do help keep cavities from forming. They may also even be able to stop the early stages of tooth decay from becoming a full-on cavity.

Dental Sealant FAQ

If you are a parent or guardian, you may have several questions about sealants and how they work. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we get asked regarding dental sealants:

  • How do dental sealants work – When it is raining outside, you put on a raincoat to stay dry. Dental sealants work the same way. A thin coating of sealant is applied to the teeth, and after it dries, it keeps cavity-causing bacteria from settling on your teeth.
  • Who can get sealants – Children, adults, and patients with special needs. We all can benefit from a little extra help. Patients with physical or mental disabilities, such as dementia or autism, often have difficulty with regular oral care routines. Sealants will add a barrier of protection to prevent cavities.
  • When should sealants be applied – While both children and adults can benefit from sealants, it’s suggested that the younger, the better. A child’s first molars appear around 6 years of age, and at about 12, the second molars break through. Sealing these teeth as soon as they emerge can prevent cavities from the start.
  • How are dental sealants applied – It is a very quick and pain-free process. The dentist will clean and dry your teeth and will then apply an acidic gel. The gel will set on your teeth for a few seconds, and then your dentist will rinse it off before applying the sealant. A special blue light will be used to harden the sealant.
  • Are there any side effects – Unless a patient has an existing allergy, there are no known side effects from dental sealants.
  • How long do dental sealants last – Sealants generally last for a few years before they need to be reapplied. At each dental visit, your dentist will check the condition of your sealant and will reapply it as needed.

Sealants are a Great Option for Kids

Studies give evidence that sealants reduce the risk of decay by almost 80%. This is especially important for your child’s oral health. According to the CDC, children between the ages of 6-11 have nearly three times more 1st molar cavities without sealants than those that have them.

Call Us Today

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

Call (314) 862-7844