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

You are here: Home / Archives for Blog

Blog

Why You Should Discuss Your Medical History with Your Dentist

by Leave a Comment

Having this information available and updated regularly will help your St. Louis sedation dentist paint a better picture of your overall health and give you the best treatment option for your oral health.

Sedation dentistry keeps patients calm enough to receive needed treatment safely and with no discomfort. Sedation is used during long and complex procedures, or when treating patients with dental anxiety, children, seniors or people with certain disabilities.

While sedation has certain associated risks, its benefits generally outweigh them in most cases. Moreover, the doctors are prepared to stabilize the patient in case something falls out of the expected parameters.

During preliminary talk, your St. Louis sedation dentist will want to hear about your medical history before deciding what type of sedation best fits your case best. Here is what your doctor needs to know.

Medications You Are on

Keep a list of all the medications you are on at the moment and present it to your doctor during your preliminary consultation. Even if you have recently interrupted a treatment, mention that to your dentist, as you might still have the active substance in your system.

Other Special Conditions

Besides the medication you are taking, it is important for the dentist to know if you have any condition that could interfere with the treatment. For example, if you are trying to have a baby, make sure to mention a possible pregnancy to your dentist, especially before getting sedation dentistry, as not all forms of sedation are safe for pregnant women.

Other conditions that are relevant to your dentist are related to major surgery, respiratory conditions, allergies, heart conditions, etc. If you are currently receiving treatment for something, it is not a bad idea to mention it to your dentist, especially if you are scheduled for a more complex dental procedure.

Other Mentions

If you think that any health mention would have an impact on your dental treatment, mention it. This may include medication you are taking (including plasters with active substances, ointments or inhaled substances,) chronic conditions like asthma or epilepsy, drugs you have taken recently, smoking, and so on. Some may seem irrelevant to a dentist visit, but oral health is connected to your overall health. Therefore, it is important for your dentist to have an updated medical archive.

Having this information available and updated regularly will help your St. Louis sedation dentist paint a better picture of your overall health and give you the best treatment option for your oral health. This practice can avoid dangerous combinations of medication, and can help your dentist diagnose you better.

Treating Gum Disease with Dental Sedation

by Leave a Comment

Dental sedation can be an excellent option for those with dental anxiety who have gum disease.

Oral health is linked to the general health of the body, influencing other big systems, like the cardiovascular, digestive or skeletal systems. Keeping your gums and teeth healthy and clean goes far beyond a pleasant appearance, as it directly advantages your other functions, preventing diseases like diabetes, stroke or bone infection.

If you do have gum problems, it is important to get the right treatment early in the development of the disease, as it will surely become worse if left unattended. Here are some of the basic things to know about periodontal disease.

sedation dentist for gum disease

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Unfortunately, gum disease is the sort of condition that can develop undetected until it is bad enough to show visible symptoms. Some of the obvious signs that you are dealing with periodontal disease include red, swollen gums, bleeding while brushing your teeth, flossing or eating hard food, bad breath, and receding gums.

Check your gums carefully in the mirror when doing your oral hygiene and look for any of these signs. If you think something should be checked, make an appointment with a dentist as soon as you can.

Not missing your dental check-ups will also help you prevent advanced gum disease. Your dentist can monitor your gum health and act when the first signs of trouble appear.

Causes for Gum Disease

Gingivitis, or gum disease, starts when food traces get stuck in between the teeth or in between the gums and teeth and solidify in a layer called dental plaque. If plaque is not removed soon after forming, by brushing and flossing your teeth, it becomes harder and harder, eventually getting so stuck that only a professional cleaning at the dentist will remove it. This hardened plaque is called tartar.

Your gums can and will be irritated by plaque and tartar and will react by swelling, getting red, bleeding, and eventually receding, leaving a big part of the tooth exposed. Gingivitis can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.

Effects of Periodontal Disease on the Body

Besides affecting your oral health, gum disease can have repercussions on the rest of the body too. Medical studies have found a link between untreated periodontal disease and systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular ones, diabetes or stroke.

Sedation Dentistry in Treating Gum Disease

Because it can go for a long time undetected, gum disease can easily be left untreated, becoming active and symptomatic when it is usually quite advanced. Many people don’t get the treatment they need because they fear the pain and discomfort caused by dental treatment.

For patients with dental anxiety, sedation dentistry could be an excellent solution, as it helps your dentist perform the cleaning and treatment needed.

Special Needs Dentistry

St. Louis Sedation Dentistry

Give us a call today to schedule an appointment!

Call (314) 862-7844

Contact Us

Do Cavity Fillings Make You Anxious? Sedation Might Be the Solution!

by Leave a Comment

Talk about your fears with your St. Louis sedation dentist. Don’t hesitate to let them know if certain dental procedures make you nervous.

Many people believe that only anxious people can ask for sedation dentistry or those who need extensive, complex surgery. Not everyone considers the possibility of being administered sedatives for getting a cavity filling. However, this common procedure can make some patients anxious and uncomfortable, forcing them to postpone the treatment. So, the question you may ask yourself now is: can I request dental sedation for my cavity filling?

The short answer is yes.

woman discussing anxiety with dentist

It’s OK to Be Afraid

Dental anxiety is not as uncommon as you may think. Most patients experience some level of anxiety when in the dentist’s chair either because they had a negative experience in the past or because of the scary anecdotes they heard from their friends and family.

Dentists nowadays are working hard to offer their patients a welcoming and safe environment where they can receive the treatment they need without feeling uncomfortable. Many dental offices offer extra services that alleviate anxiety, such as massages, TV programs or music, warm towels and other small perks that could make the patient feel more comfortable.

However, when it comes to the pain and various sensations one feels when getting a cavity filled, warm towels may not be enough to calm down the patient. Sedation dentistry could be the solution in this situation. Not only that it will target pain and nervousness, but it will also eliminate them.

What Sedation Option Should You Choose?

Talk about your fears with your St. Louis sedation dentist. Don’t hesitate to let them know if certain dental procedures make you nervous. That way you can choose the sedation option that best meets your needs.

Laughing Gas – Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is one of the mildest options for sedation. You will inhale the gas and feel tingling sensations, numbness, and grogginess. Its effect doesn’t last long, but a cavity filling shouldn’t need more time anyway.

Conscious Sedation – This form of sedation will leave you conscious and able to communicate with the doctor, but unable to feel pain. It also makes you feel calm and relaxed, and able to go on with the treatment.

IV Sedation – This type of sedation is rather strong and your doctor might recommend in case of a more complicated filling. This form of sedation is administered by an anesthesiologist who will monitor your vitals at all times.

These are the main types of sedation, each with their own particular advantages, associated risks, and recommendations. Discuss your medical history with your dentist and decide which sedation option is best for your procedure. Following your doctor’s orders will ensure a smooth and anxiety-free procedure.

Speak With a St. Louis Sedation Dentist

Even if you only have to get a cavity filling, being sedated can make the difference between receiving proper treatment and postponing it.

Call The Dental Anesthesia Center and schedule an appointment today at

(314) 862-7844

Schedule an Appointment

5 Sedation Options for Wisdom Tooth Removal

by Leave a Comment

Wisdom teeth are troublemakers for many people, as they can become painfully jammed between bone and the other teeth.

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about long and painful dental procedures? You are likely thinking about wisdom tooth removal.

wisdom teeth x-ray

Wisdom teeth are troublemakers for many people, as they can become painfully jammed between bone and the other teeth. They are often crooked and grow in a jaw that has become too small for them.

Removing wisdom teeth isn’t recommended in all cases, but if you do have decay or if they grow in the wrong direction, extraction might be the best option. If you are afraid about the procedure, then dental sedation might ease your anxiety. Talk with our St. Louis sedation dentists about it and see what the best course of treatment is for your case.

What to Expect from Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry includes all dental procedures that are done after the patient has been administered medication that numbs, calms and relaxes them. There are many types of substances that can be used and the concentration will be set by the anesthesia team in the least invasive way possible. In other words, you will be given the least amount of anesthetic needed for the procedure.

Because wisdom teeth removal is a more complicated extraction than other tooth removals, and because you may have two or even all wisdom teeth removed at once, sedation dentistry is a really good option for this procedure. You can be sedated mildly or even be under general anesthesia. It all depends on what your doctor recommends.

Sedation Options

Depending on how complex your extraction will be, your level of anxiety regarding the procedure and your medical record, your St. Louis sedation dentist can give you one or more options.

Local Anesthetic

If your wisdom teeth aren’t that hidden, you may get away only with some local anesthetic, which is normal anyway when you are getting a tooth extracted.

Conscious Sedation

During this type of sedation, you are conscious and can communicate with the doctor and the sedation team, giving them feedback about how you feel.

Laughing Gas

A slightly “old-school” method is the laughing gas (nitrous oxide), which has a very quick effect and wears off just as rapidly, making you relaxed and even cheerful – hence, the nickname. Ask if it is the only substance used to sedate you to make sure you can drive yourself right after the procedure. If there are others, you may need to be assisted.

IV Sedation

During IV sedation you will still be conscious, but groggy and even close to falling asleep. It will not let you remember much during the appointment, so it is a great solution for lengthy procedures such as multiple wisdom teeth removals.

General Anesthesia

In some cases, general anesthesia is required to perform the procedure safely. You will be administered medication that will get you to sleep. When you wake up, you won’t remember anything about the procedure.

St. Louis Wisdom Teeth Removal Dentist

If you are getting ready to have your wisdom tooth removed, talk about all the options with your doctor and ask them which one would be the best for you and why. Choose the one you are most comfortable with, but take the doctor’s advice into account.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, give us a call today at
(314) 862-7844

Contact Us


4 Mistakes To Avoid Making Before Dental Work

by Leave a Comment

The following are some of the most common mistakes patients make before getting dental work.

Many people get a lot of things wrong about dentistry. Some avoid going to the dentist because they are afraid of pain. Sure, some procedures might be uncomfortable, but we have the means to ease your pain and help you relax. A discussion with a St. Louis sedation dentist could help you understand better what most dental procedures entail. On the other hand, some patients postpone getting routine work on their teeth thinking that it’s too expensive.

The following are some of the most common mistakes patients make before getting dental work.

Avoiding the Dentist Because They Don’t Know What They Need

One of the most common reasons patients give us for postponing dental work is the idea that the treatment will take too long and they don’t have the time to accommodate it in their busy schedules. Yes, some procedures can take longer than others, but you can create a flexible plan with your dentist and a timeframe for each procedure so that you know what to expect.

Thinking That They Can’t Afford the Cost of Treatment

A lot of people avoid routine checks thinking that dental care is too expensive for them to afford it. But, think about it this way: if you postpone treating a small cavity and it turns into an abscess, then you will have to pay more for that procedure if you would have fixed the problem the moment you noticed it.

Routine checks and regular maintenance will not only help you keep your teeth healthy but also reduce the cost of treatment.

Avoiding the Dentist after a Bad Experience

Maybe you had a bad experience that determined your fear of the dentist or maybe you’ve heard about someone’s traumatic day in the dentist’s chair and now you are afraid that the same thing will happen to you. Regardless of the reason, know that the tools and options available today can make your visit as comfortable as possible. Talk with your St. Louis sedation dentist about your fear and learn how he can ease your anxiety and help you get the treatment you need.

Exaggerating the Risks of Dental Treatment

Some procedures come with a few risks, such as respiratory distress. However, if you were to weigh the risks versus the benefits these dental procedures entail, then you would see that avoiding treatment is unnecessary. Even if things go wrong, the medical staff is ready to intervene and take proper care of you. Make sure to discuss the benefits, risks, and implications of dental treatment with your dentist and make an educated decision.

St. Louis Dentistry

Not very many people would say they are comfortable in the dentist’s chair. However, being informed and understanding how the procedure will unfold might help you feel a bit in controlling and easing your anxiety. Make an appointment today to learn more about what you can expect. Give us a call at (314) 862-7844

Schedule an Appointment


4 Sedation Dentistry Myths Busted

by Leave a Comment

Although the number of patients that are treated through sedation dentistry is rising, some may still be relatively skeptical about this procedure.

Sedation Dentistry St Louis

Whether is an exaggeration of the risks involved or a lack of trust in the medical staff, some patients will refuse sedation dentistry even though it might help them receive the treatment they need.

While there are certain risks that certainly need to be taken into account by your St. Louis sedation dentist and the patient, many times all it takes is debunking some of the myths that have been circulating about sedation dentistry out of fear and lack of knowledge.

If you are about to have a lengthy procedure or if you have trouble dealing with anxiety when you go to the dentist, ask your doctor to tell you more about sedation dentistry, as it may be the best option for you. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have and mention your worries to your doctor.

Until you get to have a discussion with the dentist in person, here are some of the most common myths about sedation dentistry that you can dismiss.

MYTH: Sedation Dentistry Only Works For Lengthy Procedures

Many people have the wrong impression that sedation dentistry should only be reserved (or that it is only reserved) for big, complex operations. While this is indeed a type of situation where sedation comes in handy, it might be recommended by the dentist in other cases as well, such as patients with anxiety issues, children or patients with special needs and other conditions that make the dental procedures hard to perform.

MYTH: Anyone Can Get Sedation Dentistry

When you know that such a great help exists for patients with anxiety, you might be tempted to choose sedation dentistry for all the procedures you need, or at least the ones that make you nervous. Similarly, if you have a difficult patient in your care (such as a small child or a senior citizen), you think they should definitely be given sedatives to cope with the treatment. Unfortunately, not everyone is fit to be sedated, and the doctor will explain to you if it’s right for you or not.

MYTH: It Is Dangerous for Anyone to be Sedated

At the other end of the spectrum are the people who think sedation is really bad for anyone. While risks are not to be ignored in any case, they are most of the times controllable and don’t present a real danger for the patient. Trusting your St. Louis sedation dentist is crucial for the procedures to be as smooth as possible.

MYTH: You Will Always Be Knocked out and Unconscious

Many myths surrounding sedation dentistry involve knocked out patients and various scenarios beginning from that. The truth is, there are different levels of sedation. In many cases, you are kept conscious and capable of communicating. The level of sedation that is right for you is best discussed with your sedation dentist.

St. Louis Sedation Dentist

There are some other myths that we have encountered about sedation dentistry, but the ones above seem to be recurrent. If you have any doubts about sedation, asking your doctor about it is the best way of clearing things in your mind.

Give us a call today to learn more or schedule an appointment.


Call (314) 862-7844

Contact Us