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

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What are Wisdom Teeth and Why Do They Need to Be Removed?

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The problem that most people have is that there is not enough room for their wisdom teeth to erupt through the gums correctly.

Wisdom teeth, also known as “third molars,” are the last adult teeth to grow in the mouth. Typically, most people have four wisdom teeth in the back of the mouth, two on top and two on the bottom. But why are they called wisdom teeth, what purpose do they serve, and why do they need to be removed?

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Somewhere between the ages of 17 and 21, most people will begin to develop a third set of molars. Our molars are in the back of our mouth. They are flatter teeth that grind down our food.

When we are born, and then through our adolescence, we develop our first set of teeth, lose them, and then grow a whole new set. Then in early adulthood, our final set of teeth comes through. The reason our final set, or third molars, are called “wisdom teeth” is because they are the last teeth to emerge, and a person is older when they get them, you are presumably “wiser” when those teeth appear.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

The problem that most people have is that there is not enough room for their wisdom teeth to erupt through the gums correctly. In some cases, they grow in sideways, or not at all. When wisdom teeth don’t grow in properly, they can cause a variety of issues. Some of the most common problems that occur with wisdom teeth include:

  • Infection
  • Cyst formation
  • Crowding of teeth
  • Damage to adjacent teeth

Some people have what’s known as impacted wisdom teeth. This occurs when the tooth gets stuck under the gum or doesn’t have enough room to emerge. Impacted wisdom teeth are more prone to tooth decay, disease, and other dental problems and can be extremely painful.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we will begin with an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth to evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth and predict present or future complications. Studies indicate that early evaluation and treatment often result in a better outcome for the patient.

All outpatient surgery is performed under the appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. We are the only board-certified dental anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area. However, depending on the type of extraction you may need, Dr. Hoffmann or Dr. Daugherty may refer you to an Oral Surgeon for your wisdom teeth removal.

Call Us Today

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

Call (314) 862-7844

How to Get Dental Treatment if You Have Gag Reflex

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From x-rays and impressions to having a routine tooth cleaning, a severe gag reflex can present an obstacle when going to the dentist.

Also called the pharyngeal reflex, the gag reflex is part of your body’s natural defense and is triggered when your body wants to protect itself from swallowing something foreign. However, this natural response can be problematic if it is overly sensitive.

For some people, their gag reflex may be easily triggered when visiting the dentist or doctor for a routine checkup or procedure. For others, their gag reflex may be so sensitive that they can’t even swallow a pill. If you are in this situation, don’t worry, there are several methods you can try to prevent your gag reflex from interfering with your oral and physical health.

Why Do Some People Have Severe Gag Reflex?

Gagging is a normal response that nearly half of the patients who visit the dentist say they’ve experienced. For people with a healthy gag reflex, they can control gagging, but for others, they may have little or no control over it.

There doesn’t seem to be a particular cause of severe or hyperactive gag reflex. It may be an aversion to certain textures that induces an unrelenting urge to gag. Anything that brushes up against the soft palate in the mouth results in gagging. Some people feel this when they experience anxiety, have acid reflux or postnasal drip.

For patients with an overly sensitive gag reflex, nearly everything about going to the dentist is difficult. From x-rays and impressions to having a routine tooth cleaning, a severe gag reflex can present an obstacle when going to the dentist.

Controlling a Sensitive Gag Reflex

Regardless of if your gag reflex is the effect of physiological or psychological factors, several techniques can help control a sensitive gag reflex. Some of these include:

  • Concentrate on something else
  • Breathe through your nose
  • Refrain from swallowing your saliva
  • Distract yourself
  • Employ sedation or sleep dentistry

How to Get Dental Treatment

Here at The Dental Anesthesia Center, we want to make sure that your visit to the dentist is comfortable and painless. This is why we offer sedation dentistry for patients who have severe and sensitive gag reflex in the St. Louis area.

Regular dental visits are necessary to maintain proper oral health, and not visiting the dentist because of a severe gag reflex is not the solution.

Call Us Today

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

Call (314) 862-7844

Your Child is Afraid of Going to the Dentist – How to Ease Their Fear

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Our pediatric dental anesthesia specialists have advanced training that allows them to interact positively with children who have anxiety and special needs.

Going to the dentist is an essential part of keeping your kid’s mouth healthy. However, it generally doesn’t rank high on the list of things your child, or you as a parent, want to do. For some children, they truly fear going to the dentist. They may experience anxiety just at the thought of sitting in the dentist’s chair.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we understand that fear and anxiety are real feelings that can be difficult to control, especially for a child. We strive to make your child’s dental experience comfortable and positive. Yet, there are several things you as a parent can do to help ease their fear.

Ways to Ease their Fears

To help your child’s visit to the dentist go more smoothly, try these suggestions:

  • When talking about the dentist, avoid using words such as shot, hurt, or painful.
  • Tell your child about the upcoming appointment but limit the number of details you give. Answer their questions with simple answers. Let the dentist explain the more intricate details. Pediatric dentists have the training necessary to describe things to children in an easy-to-understand, nonthreatening way.
  • When talking about your dental experiences, don’t tell your child about any unpleasant or painful experiences you’ve had.
  • From an early age, explain to your child how important it is to take care of their oral health and that going to the dentist is a positive thing.
  • Read children’s books about going to the dentist.
  • Tell your child how friendly the dentist and staff are and that they will be in excellent care.
  • They may be scared to be separated from you. Let your child know that you can be with them the entire time.
  • Let them take their favorite doll or teddy bear to the appointment.

Reasons for Their Fears

Keep in mind that it’s entirely reasonable for your child to be fearful or nervous. They may be afraid of the unknown; others may be scared of being hurt or injured. If your child has special needs, this can add to their fear and apprehension. Some other reasons your child may fear going to the dentist include:

Whatever your child’s reasons, at The Dental Anesthesia Center, our pediatric dental anesthesia specialists have advanced training that allows them to interact positively with children who have anxiety and special needs. Our office is fully equipped to accommodate patients with special needs, allowing us to deliver care in an environment that is relaxed and comfortable for you and your child.

Call Us Today

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

Call (314) 862-7844

Medications that Cause Dry Mouth and What Can Help

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Whether prescribed by your doctor or bought over the counter, many medications can affect your oral health.

If you are experiencing problems with your oral health, you may want to look at the medications you are taking to see if one of them may be causing an underlying issue. Talk to your dentist if you are uncertain about what may be causing your dental problem.

There are prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, vitamins, and minerals that can contribute to and cause oral health problems, such as dry mouth.

Side Effects of Certain Medications

Medications contribute to many oral health issues. Some of the most common side effects of certain types of medications that affect a persons oral health include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Altered taste
  • Abnormal bleeding
  • Enlarged gums
  • Swelling or discoloration of soft tissue
  • Mouth sores
  • Cavities
  • Color changes in teeth and gums
  • Bone loss
  • Thrush

Medications which Cause Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a typical side effect of many medications. There are as many as 400 medications known to cause this condition. Saliva keeps food from collecting on your teeth and neutralizes the acids that are produced by plaque. Acids can damage the enamel on your teeth and can increase your risk for gum infections and tooth decay. Therefore, saliva is an essential part of your oral health.

The most common medications that contribute to dry mouth include:

  • Blood pressure medications, including diuretics
  • Antihistamines
  • Decongestants
  • Sedatives
  • Pain medications
  • Antidepressants
  • Antacids
  • Medicines for Parkinson’s disease
  • Cancer treatment medications

What to Do About Dry Mouth

There are many things you can do to combat dry mouth. If your problem is severe, you may want to talk to your doctor and see if it’s possible to change your medication. If that is not an option, or if the issue still persists, here are some helpful tips to help alleviate dry mouth symptoms:

  • Sip water or another type of sugarless drink throughout the day
  • Ask your dentist about using an artificial saliva product
  • Cut down or stop smoking, drinking alcohol or caffeinated drinks
  • Drink water or another sugarless drink while eating
  • Chew or suck on sugarless gum or candy to promote the production of saliva
  • Avoid spicy and salty foods
  • Use a humidifier when sleeping

It is important that your dentist is aware of the medications you are taking so that he or she can provide you with the best 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

Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for Sensitive Teeth

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If you have sensitive teeth, it can be treated. The type of treatment you need will depend on the cause of your sensitivity.

Do you feel pain or discomfort occasionally after you take a bite of ice cream or a drink of hot coffee? Does brushing your teeth or flossing make you wince from time to time? If so, you are not alone. Pain caused by hot or cold foods could be a sign that you have a cavity but could also indicate that you have sensitive teeth.

Tooth sensitivity is what it sounds like; it is discomfort or pain in the teeth in response to certain stimuli, like cold or hot temperatures. It can be a temporary or chronic issue. It can affect only one or two teeth or all of the teeth. If you are experiencing sensitive teeth, there can be many different causes. However, in most cases, sensitive teeth can be treated by changing your oral hygiene routine.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

There is a layer of enamel that protects the area above the gum line. Under the gum line, there is a layer called cementum, which protects the root. Underneath both of these is dentin. When the dentin loses its protective coatings, it allows hot, cold, acidic, and sticky foods to reach the nerves in the teeth.

The enamel is the outer layer that protects the teeth. Some people have thinner enamel, which makes them naturally more prone to having sensitive teeth. However, in many cases, the enamel is worn down due to:

  • Brushing teeth too hard
  • Grinding teeth at night
  • Using a hard toothbrush
  • Eating or drinking acidic foods or drinks regularly

However, there are certain conditions that can lead to tooth sensitivity. Some of these conditions include:

  • Gum recession – This condition can leave sections of a tooth exposed and unprotected and cause sensitivity.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) – This is a condition where stomach acid moves up into the esophagus. Over time, this can wear down teeth. Also, any situation that causes frequent vomiting can cause acid to wear down tooth enamel.
  • Broken teeth and tooth decay – When teeth are broken, chipped, have worn-down fillings and crowns, these situations can leave the dentin exposed, causing sensitivity. Typically, sensitivity will only be felt in one particular tooth or region of the mouth.

How Sensitive Teeth are Diagnosed

Make an appointment with your dentist if you are experiencing tooth sensitivity for the first time. Your dentist will look at the health of your teeth and check for potential issues such as loose fillings, cavities, gum disease, or recessed gums.

Treatment for Sensitive Teeth

If you have sensitive teeth, it can be treated. The type of treatment you need will depend on the cause of your sensitivity. There are several treatments your dentist may suggest, depending on your situation. Some of these include:

  • Fluoride gel – This is a technique performed at the dentist, which strengthens the enamel and reduces the transmission of sensitivity.
  • Desensitizing toothpaste – This type of toothpaste contains compounds that block the delivery of sensation from the surface of the tooth to the nerve.
  • Crown, bonding, or inlay – Any one of these may be used to correct a defect or decay that results in sensitivity to the teeth.
  • Surgical gum graft – If the gum tissue has been lost from the root, a surgical gum graft will protect the root, thus reducing sensitivity.
  • Root canal – If tooth decay is causing your sensitivity, your dentist may recommend a root canal to eliminate the problem.

If your sensitivity is caused by one of the other conditions mentioned above, there may be other medical treatments needed to treat your sensitivity correctly.

Call Us Today

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

Call (314) 862-7844

Providing Sedation Dentistry for Patients with Alzheimers and Dementia

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Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way for your loved one to receive the dental care they may not otherwise be able to get.

Going to the dentist can be both scary and painful for geriatric patients, especially when the patient has Alzheimer’s or dementia preventing their ability to understand or remember what is happening to them.

When an Alzheimer’s patient also has arthritis or fibromyalgia, it can be even more difficult for them to sit still in the dentist’s chair for long periods. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we offer oral sedation dentistry to make your loved one’s dental experience less stressful.

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia

To safely and effectively provide dental care to patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia, it is essential to understand what they are. The terms “Alzheimer’s” and “dementia” are often used as though they are the same thing. While they are related, there are notable differences between the two. Dementia is a broad term for a person’s changes in memory, reasoning, or thinking. There are several possible causes of dementia and Alzheimer’s is one.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other essential mental functions. It is the most common cause of dementia, making up 60% to 80% of all dementia cases. It is not a normal part of the aging process; instead, it is a brain disease and will progressively get worse.

Difficulty with Daily Oral Care

As a person with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia progresses, they may forget how to maintain their daily oral care routine. They may forget how to brush their teeth or forget why it’s important. During the early stages, it’s essential to focus on prevention. Getting checkups and brushing and flossing regularly can prevent the need for more extensive procedures later on.

Dental Sedation

Dental care for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia presents a challenge as these patients are typically unable to follow directions or cooperate with simple instructions. However, at The Dental Anesthesia Center, individuals with physical or mental disabilities can achieve complete dental care in a comfortable setting. Sedation dentistry provides a safe and effective way for special needs patients to receive the dental treatment they need. Patients can have a complete exam, full mouth series of x-rays, and thorough cleaning while under general anesthesia.

If you are a caretaker for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia, our experienced and compassionate dental team can help you get them the dental care they need. We work hard to make our patients 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