Autism

Oral Care for Patients with Intellectual Disability

June 4, 2020 by DAC Leave a Comment

With perseverance, patience, and determination, many of the challenges associated with intellectual disabilities can be overcome when it comes to oral health.

Providing oral care to children or adults with intellectual disabilities requires adaptation of your everyday skills. Intellectual disability is a disorder of mental and adaptive functioning; it is not a disease or a mental illness. Instead, it is a developmental disability that varies in severity and is generally associated with physical issues.

Oral health is a vital component of healthy living. But for patients with intellectual disabilities, establishing and maintaining a routine of good oral hygiene can be challenging. However, with perseverance, patience, and determination, many of these challenges can be overcome.

Challenges for Patients with Intellectual Disability

A person with an intellectual disability may experience more dental problems due to sensitivities around the mouth, difficulty with brushing, diet, and trouble receiving dental care. They may not be able to verbalize complaints about any dental problems they may be experiencing.

When it comes to going to the dentist, people with an intellectual disability frequently have anxiety about dental treatment. Some react to their fear or anxiety with uncooperative behavior, such as crying, kicking, wiggling, aggressive language, or anything that will help the avoid getting treatment.

For this reason, establishing good oral health habits at home as well as taking them to the dentist for regular check-ups are essential. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we utilize several techniques to help children and adults with special needs.

Dental Care for Those with Intellectual Disabilities

When it comes to treating patients with intellectual disabilities in St. Louis, The Dental Anesthesia Center is one of the top facilities in the state. We use cutting-edge technology alongside sleep and sedation dentistry in many cases. Our team of dentists is well-trained and equipped to handle any patient, especially those with intellectual disabilities.

Dr. Hoffmann and Dr. Thoms are able to complete dental procedures for patients with special needs requiring general anesthesia or sedation. Individuals with special physical or mental needs can receive complete dental care in a comfortable setting. Patients with special needs can have a thorough exam that includes taking x-rays and receiving dental cleaning with general anesthesia. Our team is compassionate and here to help patients accomplish dental care that they may have never had before.

Call Us Today

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

Call (314) 862-7844

“Dr. Hoffmann and the Entire Team Are ALWAYS So Kind, Gentle, Caring and Understanding”

March 6, 2019 by DAC Leave a Comment

Each of our patients come to us with their own unique dental story. We listen. It enables us the ability to provide everything it takes for each of them to have a “wow” experience. Our reward is the gratitude expressed by our patients. Today Cooper’s mom shared his unique “story”.

Meet our “gentle giant” Cooper. He was diagnosed with autism at 22 months of age and is now about to turn 21 years old. No matter what age he is, he will always be our “forever baby!”

Dr. Hoffmann and his team of professionals have helped us care for our Cooper for many years now. When having regular dental visits with our pediatric dentist became too difficult for Cooper to manage, she (Dr. Dunagan) referred us to Dr. Hoffmann for general anesthesia. Our neurologist (Dr. Mantovani) even refers patients to Dr. Hoffmann because of his reputation for excellent care for special needs family members.

I want to say that over the years not only has Dr. Hoffmann taken care of Cooper’s dental needs, wisdom teeth extractions, but so much more. We need blood draws and lab work taken regularly to help Coop’s team of doctors (neurologist, psychiatrist, pediatrician) maintain appropriate levels of medication (behavior meds, seizure meds, etc.) and Dr. Hoffmann does this while Cooper is under anesthesia! We seriously don’t know how we would accomplish this without him…look at the pictures…Coop’s strong and big and would not sit still for labs!

Dr. Hoffmann and the entire team are ALWAYS so kind, gentle, caring and understanding of individuals with special needs AND extremely reassuring to the family members who are always a little stressed from the situation. He is willing to help you through anything, trimming fingernails, taking off bandaids, removing skin tags! Those “crazy” things that parents think “how in the world can we do this” but just by communicating with Dr. Hoffmann, he can maybe do “that too” while your special person is under anesthesia!

Again, Cooper will be “our forever baby”, as well as a ”forever patient” of Dr. Hoffmann’s and The Dental Anesthesia Center.

Sincerely,

Anna Hyland (Mom)

Dental Anesthesia for Patients with Special Needs

April 20, 2018 by DAC 1 Comment

Sleep dentistry provides a safe and effective way for special needs patients to receive the dental treatment they need.

A special needs patient may require a special needs dentist. Patients who suffer from paralysis, stroke, Down Syndrome, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and genetic disorders may need a little extra dental care to ensure they maintain optimal dental health. Everyone requires individual attention and dental care.

Choosing the right level of sedation can be overwhelming for a parent or caretaker of a person with special needs. We are here to help you and your loved one here at The Dental Anesthesia Center. We work hard to make our patients feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.

There are different levels of sedation for each patient. The sedation method for an individual is determined on the patient’s medical history and current physical and mental health:

Nitrous oxide – If your dentist has recommended the use of nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” for a patient, then it is probably a good idea. Laughing gas is an odorless gas that is used to take away the anxiety that children can sometimes experience when they are in the dentist’s chair. There are very few side effects and low risk of using nitrous oxide, and the pros of having a good experience is a major advantage and can affect a patient’s oral habits in the future. When taking nitrous oxide, they never lose consciousness; they are awake and alert the whole time.
Oral sedation – If you are considering oral sedation, then there might be slightly more risk involved – but it is still minimal. Oral sedation is achieved by giving a patient medication before they come to the office. The medication is meant to relax them, take away any anxiety, and to make them calmer when the procedure is happening. Oral sedation typically will aid them in falling asleep, so that they sleep through the procedure. That means that they won’t have any negative memories and also they won’t be moving around and making it harder for the dentist to finish the procedure.
IV Sedation – IV sedation involves administering a sedative through a vein which allows the medication to work very quickly. Since it administered this way, a dentist is able to adjust the level of sedation as needed for the dental procedure. Being able to tailor the amount of sedative reduces the risk of complications and side effects. A patient is not asleep during IV sedation, they are in a semi-awake state and may be able to communicate a little with the dentist. Typically, a patient will have little or no memory of the procedure and are able to relax during any kind of treatment.

Sleep dentistry provides a safe and effective way for special need patients to receive the dental treatment they need. Patients will have a complete exam, full mouth series of x-rays (pictures of teeth), and a thorough cleaning while under general anesthesia.

The Dental Anesthesia Center

When you come in for your appointment, Dr. Hoffmann, Dr.Thoms or Dr. Daugherty will decide which level is best for you or your loved one.

Your initial oral examination includes a visual examination, charting, diagnosis and treatment recommendations. We will also take x-rays, which includes the panoramic x-ray for proper diagnosis of the anterior (front) and posterior (back) teeth as well as the bite-wing x-ray series for proper diagnosis of proximal decay of posterior teeth.

Call us today to schedule your appointment at (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you!

Will You Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?

April 5, 2018 by DAC Leave a Comment

Patients with physical or mental disabilities who are unable to cooperate for dental treatment are able to benefit from sedation dentistry.

Many people fear to have a dental procedure. They often worry about the pain they might feel as well as their potential discomfort and vulnerability. These feelings can bring on overwhelming anxiety.

The good news is that regardless of what you have to have done in the dentist’s chair, sedation dentistry can definitely help patients feel more relaxed and comfortable during dental work, but is it the right choice for you? Consider the following information to see if you can benefit from sedation dentistry.

There are Different Types of Sedation

There are different types of sedation procedures that can range from mild to deep. The type that is recommended, depends on what the patient is having done and the complexity of the procedure itself. Other factors that play into what type of oral sedation is recommended are things like the health of the patient, their age, and other factors that might make them more vulnerable or make sedation more necessary.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” is the most noninvasive form of sedation that you can have. It is fairly safe for everyone. An odorless gas, it is used to calm a patient and to take away any anxiety that they have. With very little downside or cost to use, it is a good choice for younger patients who might be fearful of having their teeth worked on.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation is slightly more invasive. It consists of having the patient take oral drugs that will relax them, and will likely allow them to sleep when the procedure is taking place. With very little risk involved in its use, it is also a great overall sedation method for those who are a little anxious.

When is Sedation Necessary?

There are times when a dentist will not perform a procedure without the use of sedation. IV sedation might sometimes be required for long surgical procedures or ones that come with complications. If it involves working close to nerve endings or bones, getting the patient to sit still and not move is not only critical for their own pain levels, but also for the long-term success of the procedure itself.

In addition, patients with physical or mental disabilities who are unable to cooperate for dental treatment can benefit from these services. The use of sedation dentistry may be the only way a special needs patient can get dental treatment.

If your child is having a major dental procedure, then sedation may be necessary to ensure that they don’t awake in the middle and overreact. It also allows the dentist to do as much work as possible in one sitting instead of stretching the treatment plan out over many different appointments, which may not be emotionally beneficial to the child.

The choice of sedation is generally in the hands of the patient. But there are times when a dentist will suggest that sedation be a part of the treatment or that treatment cannot be done for the safety of the patient overall.

St. Louis Sedation Dentist

Call us today to schedule your appointment at (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you!

Is Dental Sedation Right for Your Child?

November 24, 2017 by DAC Leave a Comment

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

When your youngster is having a dental procedure done, you might be struggling with the choice of whether or not to sedate them. You want to prevent them from feeling any trauma and pain from the dental procedure, but you also don’t want to put their safety into question. That can leave you questioning whether dental sedation is right for your child.

The good news is that sedating a patient is almost always a safe procedure. There are ways to sedate your little one that are completely effective and come with very minimal risk. If you use the lowest level of sedation, then you can both save your little one the anxiety of sitting in the dentist chair and you can also relax, knowing that they are completely safe.

What Type is Right for Your Child?

The major types of sedation used for dental procedures are oral sedation, the use of nitrous oxide and IV sedation. Oral sedation is a type of sedation procedure where a child takes medicine by mouth (orally) before the procedure. It takes about 20 minutes to work, and it allows the child to relax and usually fall asleep; they can easily be awakened, and there is very little risk involved.

Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is used to keep children quiet and calm during a dental procedure. A mask is placed over their mouths, and they breathe in a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide. While it gives your child a feeling of euphoria, it also means they will not remember the procedure or feel anything as the procedure is happening. Towards the end of the treatment, the mask will deliver just oxygen, and your child will be good to go home without any residual effects.

To sedate a patient with IV sedation, they must have an IV line inserted, and an anesthesiologist must be present throughout the entire procedure. Once the IV line is placed the child is delivered medication intravenously and then monitored throughout the procedure.

Depending on what your child is having done and how extensive the treatment is, your dentist will make a recommendation about which type of sedation is best. A good rule to go by is to weigh the benefits of sedation against the risks. It is always best to use the least risky sedation method possible for the biggest benefit.

Although choosing sedation might seem scary, many methods are completely safe and put your child at very little risk. The benefit to their psyche and to establishing a positive experience with the dentist is imperative to establishing good oral hygiene and health for a lifetime.

St. Louis Anesthesia Dentistry

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we are the Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area. When you and your child come in for your appointment, Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms, or Dr. Daugherty will decide which option is the best for your child depending on their anxiety level and cooperation.

Call Us Today to Schedule Your Appointment at (314) 862-7844 We Look Forward to Meeting You!

Dental Treatment for Patients with Special Needs

October 4, 2017 by DAC Leave a Comment

Our sedation dentists understand their needs and provide the most congenial environment for their treatment.

Everyone has a dental complaint at some point in time. People with special needs too may need dental treatment at some point in life. Actually, they can even be are more vulnerable to dental problems because they may take a lot of medication. People with Parkinson’s disease, Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Alzheimer’s disease, or those who are medically or mentally compromised, may not find it very comfortable to undergo dental treatment.

It is estimated that almost 13 million children suffer from a chronic disability. Nearly 20% of the population has some special need which restricts them from receiving proper dental care.

Dental diseases are preventable to some extent. They are not like the other health problems that especially challenged people face. Therefore, it is essential to provide them excellent dental care in the most convenient way. Our sedation dentists understand their needs and provide the most congenial environment for their treatment. We make an effort to ensure that people with special needs also have healthy teeth and gums like everyone else.

Sedation Dentistry – An Easy Way Out

Most people do not like the idea of visiting a dentist. Patients with special needs may find it to be even more difficult. They may be very sensitive to new surroundings and may not like any changes in their daily routine.

Sedation dentistry can be very helpful for them. It can help them to undergo the treatment without anxiety and pain.

The person who is taking care of them can tell them that the sedation dentist is there to relieve them from their dental troubles. The dentist can schedule the treatment to be taken up at a time when the patient is most calm. Moreover, a person can stay with the patient in the room when the dental treatment is done.

Types Of Sedation

The sleep dentist may administer different levels of sedation to the patients on the basis of their needs.

He may decide to use oral sedation for the special needs patient who is nervous when he comes for the dental check-up and treatment. This will make him calm.
The sedation dentist may prefer to use conscious sedation for the patient with special needs, who becomes restless during the dental treatment. He will administer this through IV.
In a case where the patient needs to undergo extensive treatment, the dentist may choose to use general anesthesia for him. This will have a deeper impact and make the patient more relaxed.

We are here to help you and your loved one here at The Dental Anesthesia Center.

St. Louis Special Needs Dentistry

The reasons that keep a person away from the dentist are personal and unique to each individual. We are a full-service dental practice providing care to various patients for all of their dental needs and desires. Call us today to schedule your initial appointment at (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you!

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