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.

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How Type 1 Diabetes Can Affect Your Dental Health

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If you or your child have type 1 diabetes, managing your blood sugar level is key. The higher your blood sugar level, the higher your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.

Living with type 1 diabetes can complicate many things in your daily life. Your dental health can be negatively affected because high blood sugar can take a toll on your entire body, including your teeth and gums. The positive news is that good oral health is achievable. When you learn what you’re up against, you can prevent diabetes from hurting your mouth.

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic lifelong disease where the pancreas doesn’t produce insulin. Insulin is an essential hormone that controls our blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in childhood. When the body doesn’t have insulin, sugar builds up in the bloodstream and can cause life-threatening complications. Some common symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, thirst, frequent urination, and vision changes. High blood sugar levels can cause many oral health issues.

Type 1 Diabetes and Oral Health

If you or your child have type 1 diabetes, managing your blood sugar level is key. The higher your blood sugar level, the higher your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.

More than a fifth of people with diabetes develop some form of gum disease. It ranges from gingivitis all the way to periodontitis which can threaten the teeth, gums, and bone. In severe cases, if the bacteria reaches the bloodstream, the person’s overall health can be adversely affected.

Symptoms to watch for include:

  • Swollen or red gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Gum recession
  • Teeth feeling loose

Any of these symptoms can designate poor gum health. Type 1 diabetes can also increase the risk of developing other issues such as more frequent and severe infections, impaired healing ability, enlarged salivary glands, dry mouth, burning mouth syndrome, and fungal infections.

Maintaining Good Dental Health

While type 1 diabetes can complicate many things concerning daily life, it’s still possible to maintain good dental health. To do so, it’s essential to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day. Keeping up with regular dental checkups is a must, as is monitoring your sugar intake.

Talk to Your Dentist

If you or your child have type 1 diabetes, discuss your situation with your dentist. If you keep up with your regular dental exams, early signs of dental problems, which aren’t always obvious, can be caught sooner and will be easier to deal with. Your doctor can also work with your dentist to help manage both your diabetes and your oral health.

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 Care for Your Children’s Dental Health at Each Stage

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From infant to highschooler, we understand that your child’s oral health varies by age. Here is a basic breakdown of dental care for your child by age.

Raising children is hard and busy work! When a baby is small, parents know how easy it is to get caught up in the day-to-day routine of taking care of their baby. Parents of toddlers and preschoolers are constantly on the go, and it doesn’t slow down once they reach school age.

Parents do so many things to take care of their children, and the list is extensive. One thing that often gets pushed to the side is the emphasis on good oral health and regular dentist checkups. A parent may view going to the dentist as painful, even traumatizing, and doesn’t want to put their child through that. However, a trip to the dentist should never be scary!

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we want to help you take care of your children’s teeth at every stage. From infant to highschooler, we understand that your child’s oral health varies by age. Here is a basic breakdown of dental care for your child by age.

  • Birth – 6 Months – Oral health should begin before your baby’s first tooth erupts. At first, gently clean gums with a soft damp washcloth after each feeding. Not only does this reduce the bacteria in the mouth, but it also helps secure good oral hygiene habits. As your baby’s teeth come in, provide them with teething toys or a cold, damp washcloth to gnaw on.
  • 6 Months – 1 Year – Continue to develop those good cleaning habits by switching from a washcloth to a soft baby toothbrush. Brush only in the area where the little teeth have erupted. Toothpaste is not yet needed. You can schedule their first dental exam around their 1 year birthday.
  • 1-2 Years – Continue using the soft-bristled brush and water to brush. If you haven’t already scheduled their first dentist visit, you can do that now. The important thing is to get them used to getting their mouth looked at and get them comfortable going to the dentist. If they start with good experiences, they’ll be much more likely to keep up with their checkups as they get older.
  • 2-5 Years – Every child is different, but most children have all of their baby teeth between 2 and 3. Look at their teeth often as you continue to help them brush. That way, if you see any signs of decay, you can address it right away. Also, now is the time to introduce fluoridated toothpaste, just a pea-size amount. Begin showing them how to brush on their own, although you will still want to help them and supervise them while they do it on their own. Don’t forget to make brushing fun! Use fun songs or cute toothbrushes.
  • 5-10 Years – Again, each child is different, but at this stage, they will begin losing their baby teeth! The more you helped them with oral care before this stage, the easier it will be to continue good oral hygiene. Supervised brushing is still important. Help them learn how to floss and incorporate that into their routine. Keep up with their regular dental checkups and cleanings – twice a year. And continue to monitor their teeth for signs of decay.
  • Preteen Years – By the time your child is a preteen, they will likely have most of their adult teeth. They need an adult-sized toothbrush and regular fluoride toothpaste. You may still need to remind them to brush and floss, and they may want to add a fluoride rinse, if they haven’t already, to their routine.
  • Teenage Years – There are several hurdles your teen will have to overcome when it comes to oral health. They may have or be getting ready to get braces or spacers. They can make it more difficult for them to keep their teeth clean and free from decay. If they play sports, they may need a mouthguard to protect their teeth. They may also begin to get in their wisdom teeth, typically around 16 or 17. As long as they have regular checkups, they should continue to have a healthy mouth.

Pediatric Dentist in St. Louis

No matter what age your child is, we are here to help them maintain a beautiful and healthy smile! We also provide specialized dental care for children with special needs. We look forward to meeting you and your loved one!

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 Pregnancy Impacts Oral Health

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As many as 2 out of 5 pregnant women develop gum disease and cause their gums to be swollen and tender.

During pregnancy, an expectant mother goes through many changes, beyond the baby bump and funny cravings. One of the unexpected changes she may face is changes to oral health that are not especially pleasant.

Gingivitis During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is such an exciting and also hectic time. There are so many new things to learn about your changing body and developing baby. You may need to stop eating and drinking certain things, while there are other things you need to start or keep doing that will ultimately make you and your baby as healthy as you can be.

One of the things that you must take care of while pregnant is your oral health. Pregnancy is a time when the gums are particularly vulnerable to gingivitis. As many as 2 out of 5 pregnant women develop gum disease and cause their gums to be swollen and tender. Some studies have linked pregnancy gingivitis with lower birth weights and premature delivery. Therefore, brushing and flossing are essential.

Morning Sickness and Enamel Erosion

A prevalent symptom during pregnancy is morning sickness. Caused by a rise in hormones, some women experience morning sickness throughout all parts of the day. It’s an unpleasant symptom to deal with on its own, but it can have compounding effects on your teeth, making it even more unpleasant.

While tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, it is particularly vulnerable to acid erosion. Frequent vomiting due to morning sickness puts your teeth in contact with a lot of strong acids. It can result in enamel erosion and cause oral health problems. After a bout of morning sickness, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and brush your teeth as often as you can afterward.

Nutrition and Dental Health

Eating correctly during pregnancy is essential for the health of both mom and baby. Many expecting mothers have cravings, and sugar is often the go-to food. However, pregnant or not, sugar can be damaging to oral health. Pregnant or not, eating less sugar will go a long way towards protecting your teeth and gums. Also, focusing on eating more nutritious food will help in your baby’s development.

Schedule Your Dental Appointment

Keeping up with good oral care during your pregnancy also includes your regular dental appointments. Unless your doctor says otherwise, going to the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings is not only safe but essential to your overall health.

Schedule your appointment today at The Dental Anesthesia Center. We 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

Dental Care for Children with Emotional Disorders

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Children with emotional disorders may respond favorably to a dental environment or procedure until they are afraid or feel like they are in a situation out of their control.

If your child has an emotional disorder, you may be wondering what your options are regarding their dental treatment. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, our goal is to provide your child with the dental care they need without causing undue fear or anxiety.

Challenges for Children with Emotional Disorders

The challenges for children with emotional disorders are twofold. First, children with emotional and behavioral disorders are more likely to have poor oral health. Second, when they need dental treatment, it is much more difficult for them to get the treatment they need.

Children with emotional disorders may respond favorably to a dental environment or procedure until they are afraid or feel like they are in a situation out of their control. While there are many behavior guidance techniques that we can use to communicate to your child, we may recommend pediatric sedation dentistry.

Some common emotional and behavioral disorders include anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and PTSD. These disorders can be classified as either internalizing or externalizing. Both types can create difficult and challenging behaviors and impede the ability to receive dental treatment.

Special Needs Dentistry

Emotional disabilities, special needs, and medically compromised individuals suffer from various dental problems just like everyone else! From dental abscesses to throbbing pain, cavities, and gum disease, everyone requires individual attention and dental care. We are here to help you and your loved one here at The Dental Anesthesia Center.

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 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

How Long Will Your Dental Implants Last?

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The implant screw itself can last a lifetime with regular and good oral hygiene habits.

Dental implants are a great option for long-term tooth replacement. They look like natural teeth, and they only require a regular maintenance routine. So, how long will your dental implants last? Well, the answer depends largely on your choices and your overall dental hygiene.

It’s very rare for implants to fail due to rejection or functionality issues. This is due to how far the technology in dental implants has advanced over the last couple of decades. However, when an implant fails, the most likely culprits are a misuse of the implant, diseases, and pre-existing medical conditions.

What is a Dental Implant?

First, it’s important to understand what a dental implant is. This will help you understand why they last so long.

The implant is a titanium or zirconia post that is surgically implanted into the jawbone. This serves as the root for the crown. Then, the abutment is fastened to the implant, and this holds the crown in place. The crown is a ceramic false tooth positioned atop the abutment, which provides the look and function of a natural tooth.

The abutment and crown are more susceptible to damage than the implant itself because they are exposed and used in chewing and biting food.

How Long Do They Last?

The implant screw itself can last a lifetime with regular and good oral hygiene habits. It’s also important to have dental check-ups every 6 months. On the other hand, the crown typically only lasts 10-15 years before it needs to be replaced. Again, good oral hygiene habits could extend the life of the crown for more than 15 years.

How Could an Implant Fail?

There are a few situations or conditions that can cause an implant to fail. Patients who have diabetes or pre-existing medical conditions, like cancer, have an increased risk of implant failure. Dental implants must be regularly cleaned through brushing and flossing as the gums and adjacent teeth are still vulnerable. Gum disease can negatively impact the dental implant as well.

St. Louis Dental Implants

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient setting. We believe that patients should have sufficient information to make educated decisions about their oral health and treatment options.

Contact us by calling (314) 862-7844 to find out more information or schedule your implant consultation. We 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