The Dental Anesthesia Center is available for non-emergent anesthesia and dental procedures. We have always made patient safety our number one priority. Due to the seriousness of the COVID-19 virus, several new systems have been put in place to ensure your safety that include having multiple air purification systems installed throughout the office and new social distancing guidelines for our waiting areas. We look forward to seeing you at your next dental visit and appreciate your patience during this time. To read our full COVID-19 Guidelines, please click HERE.

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

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Autism

Dental Treatment for Patients with Asperger’s Syndrome

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At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we are a haven for all our patients, especially those needing extra attention and care.

It’s common for many patients to feel threatened when going to the dentist. Many people struggle to sit through a single visit. This is especially true for patients with Asperger’s Syndrome. They are generally unable to sit in the dental chair for long periods of time. However, they need dental cleanings and checkups just like everyone else.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we are a haven for all our patients, especially those needing extra attention and care. If you or a loved one have Asperger’s, you understand how difficult a dental visit can be. That’s why we offer a wide range of sedation dentistry options to make your visit easier and more comfortable.

Patients with Asperger’s Syndrome

Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) is one of a group of neurological disorders on the autism spectrum. AS is considered to be on the mild end of this spectrum as many with AS are classified as high-functioning. However, most people with AS may be socially awkward and have difficulty communicating.

Patients with AS may experience the following:

  • Compulsive behavior
  • Fidgeting
  • Repetitive movements
  • Social isolation
  • Poor coordination
  • Persistent repetition of words or actions

As a result, patients with AS often have a difficult time going to the dentist. Depending on the patient, it can be difficult for any number of reasons.

Helping Patients with AS

We treat each of our patients with the utmost care. No matter what your special needs is, we make sure your experience is safe and comfortable. We offer:

  • Comfortable Consultation – Your initial consultation will take place in a comfortable non-dental room. You can enjoy your first appointment with no commitments.
  • Customized and Gentle Dental Assessment – We will complete a full assessment of your current medical conditions and medical history so that we can get to know you better and understand your unique needs.
  • Personalized Plan – Our compassionate team will work with you to develop a personalized dental treatment plan, including your dental sedation options. We will determine the best way to make you feel safe and comfortable during your treatment.
  • Sedation Options – We offer a wide range of safe sedation options. The type of sedation best for you will be determined by what treatment you need to be done, your medical history, and your current medical needs. When you come in for your appointment, Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms, or Dr. Daugherty will decide which level is best for you.

The Dental Anesthesia Center

If you or your loved one needs a dentist who helps patients with Asperger’s syndrome, contact our office today. We specialize in special needs dentistry. We are happy to serve your unique needs and 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

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

Oral Care for Patients with Intellectual Disability

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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”

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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”.

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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

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

Special Need Dentist St. Louis

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?

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

Sedation Dentist St Louis

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

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!