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 Eating Disorders Affect Oral Health

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We are here to help our patients keep their teeth and gums healthy through any physical and mental health challenges they face.

Our teeth and gums require vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to stay healthy. Eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa can be very hard on the oral health of those who struggle with them. A person suffering from an eating disorder either doesn’t eat well or enough, which can cause serious problems.

If you or a loved one suffers from an eating disorder, you are not alone. There are many resources for help and support. There are several signs and symptoms to watch for if you are worried that a friend or loved one might be developing an eating disorder. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, our dental health professionals are here to help patients keep their teeth and gums healthy through any physical and mental health challenges they face.

How Malnutrition Harms Oral Health

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an extremely limited intake of food, often paired with compulsive purging, exercising, or both. Anorexia harms oral health through malnutrition. Without sufficient nutrients, the jawbones can develop osteoporosis, which increases the risk of tooth loss.

Those struggling with anorexia often experience dry mouth. This is caused by not taking in enough fluids. A dry mouth makes tooth decay and gum disease more likely because saliva is essential to neutralize acids and wash away food particles. Gums can also be vulnerable to bleeding without nutrients to keep the immune system healthy.

How Acid Erosion Affects the Teeth

Bulimia is another eating disorder characterized by overeating, then forcibly purging food through laxatives or vomiting. When a person vomits, it puts strong stomach acid in repeated contact with tooth enamel. While enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, it is extremely vulnerable to erosion when exposed to acid. Someone struggling with bulimia often experiences tooth decay, discoloration, and even tooth loss.

How to Protect Your Oral Health

Everyone needs good oral hygiene routines to keep their teeth and gums healthy. But it is especially the case for those struggling with or recovering from an eating disorder.

An eating disorder is a mental illness, and recovery involves much help and support. This help may come from family members, close friends, or a psychiatrist. Another beneficial resource is the National Eating Disorders helpline. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, our dental health professionals are here to help patients keep their teeth and gums healthy through any physical and mental health challenges they face.

Call Us Today

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

Call (314) 862-7844

What Causes Dry Mouth and How Can it Affect Your Teeth?

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A decrease in saliva and dry mouth can range from being a mild annoyance to something that has a major impact on your general and oral health.

Have you ever experienced a dry mouth? Almost everyone has, and it can be an uncomfortable feeling. However, a constant dry mouth is a common problem for many people. In fact, dry mouth affects approximately 10% of all people and is often more prevalent for women than men.

If you or a loved one suffers from a dry mouth, it can be due to certain health conditions, medications, or other factors. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we can help you determine what is causing your dry mouth and can then work to improve your situation.

What is Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth is a condition in which the salivary glands in your mouth don’t produce enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. Saliva is essential to prevent tooth decay because it neutralizes the acids produced by bacteria, limits bacterial growth, and washes away particles of food. Saliva also helps in making food taste better and makes it easier to chew and swallow. Finally, saliva aids digestion.

A decrease in saliva and dry mouth can range from being a mild annoyance to something that has a major impact on your general and oral health. It can also affect your appetite and being able to enjoy the food you eat.

Symptoms of Dry Mouth

If you suffer from a decrease in saliva or dry mouth, you may notice some of these signs and symptoms:

  • Bad breath
  • Dryness or stickiness in your mouth
  • Saliva that is thick or stringy
  • Trouble chewing and swallowing
  • Trouble talking
  • Dry or sore throat
  • Dry or grooved tongue
  • A change in the sense of taste
  • Issues wearing dentures

If you notice some of these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor.

Causes of Dry Mouth

As mentioned, dry mouth is caused when the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. The reasons why these glands may not be working correctly can vary greatly. Some of the most common causes of dry mouth include:

  • Medications – There are hundreds of both prescription and over-the-counter medications that cause dry mouth as a side effect. Some of the more common medications that cause this are those used to treat high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression. Drugs such as decongestants, antihistamines, muscle relaxers, and pain relievers can also cause dry mouth.
  • Cancer therapy – Chemotherapy drugs wreak havoc on the body. They can change the nature of saliva and the amount produced. Once the chemo is over, normal saliva production may return. Radiation treatment can also disrupt salivary gland production. Again, this may be temporary or permanent, depending on the does and area of the body treated.
  • Aging – Changes in the salivary glands can change as a person ages. Many older persons are on medications that commonly cause dry mouth. Also, health problems, inadequate nutrition, and other body changes can contribute to dry mouth.
  • Eating disorders – Many struggling with anorexia and bulimia experience dry mouth. It can be caused by not taking in enough fluids, poor nutrition, and dehydration due to vomiting.
  • Other health conditions – People who have diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, autoimmune diseases, and stroke often experience dry mouth. Snoring and constantly breathing with your mouth open also contribute to dry mouth.
  • Habits – Overdrinking alcohol, smoking, chewing tobacco, and recreational drug use can cause severe dry mouth and damage teeth, gums, and jawbone.

Schedule an Appointment

If you or a loved one experiences dry mouth and the many side effects that it can cause, contact The Dental Anesthesia Center to schedule an appointment. We will examine your mouth to determine the cause of your dry mouth and review your medical history and all the medications you are taking. We will then discuss your options, which may include a special mouthwash, artificial saliva, or moisturizers to lubricate your mouth.

Call Us Today

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

Call (314) 862-7844

What Is a Dental Bone Graft and Why Would You Need It?

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Bone grafting goes hand-in-hand with dental implants. If you have lost an adult tooth and plan on getting a dental implant, it is normal to need a bone graft.

Bone grafting is a procedure that has been around for a very long time. It has several useful medical applications, including dental bone grafting. But what is a dental bone graft, and why might you need one?

What is Bone Grafting?

A bone graft is a surgical procedure to rebuild bone through the transplantation of bone tissue. It is typically a minor procedure. Your dentist will make an incision in your gum to expose the bone of your jaw. Then graft new bone material to it. By transplanting healthy bone tissue, your dentist can recreate the missing bone and supporting tissues.

Reasons You May Need a Bone Graft

There are only a few reasons why a person would need a dental bone graft. It’s a necessary technique when a patient doesn’t have a sufficient amount of healthy natural bones in his or her mouth. If you have lost an adult tooth or had gum disease, there’s a chance you’ll need a bone graft.

When one of your adult teeth is missing, the bone in that empty area of your jaw bone begins to disappear. Having gum disease can also cause the jaw bone to recede.

Bone grafting goes hand-in-hand with dental implants. If you have lost an adult tooth and plan on getting a dental implant, it is normal to need a bone graft. It ensures that the implant will stay in place.

There are a few types of dental bone grafting. Some of these varieties include:

  • Block Bone Graft – With this type, your dentist will use bone from the back of your jawbone.
  • Socket Graft – This graft is done at the same time as you get a tooth extracted. It prevents bone loss generally associated with adult tooth loss. It gets your jaw ready for the dental implants you’ll have put in at another time.
  • Sinus Lift – This type is used when a person has lost some of their molars on their upper row of teeth. A sinus lift will restore the sinus to normal while also repairing the gap with a graft.

Dental Sedation Bone Grafting

If you need a bone graft but are putting it off because you are afraid that it will be painful, we are here to help. Dental sedation is the best way to make sure that your implant will be a success and that you won’t have to go through any major trauma or pain in the process.

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.

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 During Pregnancy – What You Should Know

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Getting a checkup during pregnancy is safe and important to your dental health.

From the moment you find out that you’re pregnant to giving birth, you are busy with trips to the doctor, hospital tours, setting up the nursery, and much more. It’s an exciting time that can also seem overwhelming. There’s so much to do in a relatively short period of time.

One thing that should be on your to-do list is visiting the dentist. Getting a checkup during pregnancy is safe and important to your dental health. You can take care of teeth cleanings and procedures such as cavity fillings before your baby is born. Your dentist can also help you with any pregnancy-related dental symptoms you may be experiencing.

Dental Care While Pregnant

You must take good care of your teeth and gums while pregnant. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of developing gum disease, which could affect your developing baby’s health.

There are several tips for maintaining good oral health while pregnant. Some of these tips include:

  • Tell your dentist if you are pregnant – Even if you only suspect that you are pregnant, tell your dentist. Routine and urgent dental care can be done any time during pregnancy, but all elective dental procedures should be postponed until after your baby is born. Before your dental appointment, check with your obstetrician to see about any special instructions or restrictions. Be sure to communicate any important information with your dentist.
  • Tell your dentist about medications and the dosages you’re taking – This includes prenatal vitamins prescribed by your doctor as well as any medical advice your doctor has given to you.
  • Dental X-rays are safe – If you have to have an X-ray taken while pregnant, your dentist will use extreme care, such as shielding your abdomen and thyroid. Modern technology has made X-rays much safer.
  • Don’t skip your teeth cleaning and routine exam – Having an exam during pregnancy is essential. Hormonal changes while pregnant can put you at higher risk of developing periodontal disease. Pregnancy gingivitis can also occur. This is a condition where a woman has tender gums that bleed more easily.
  • Morning sickness can make it hard to brush your teeth – Many women have a hard time brushing their teeth while pregnant because they develop a more sensitive gag reflex. Or the taste of toothpaste may make them feel nauseous. Talk to your dentist or hygienist. They can recommend a toothpaste that may be easier for you to brush with.
  • Rinse your mouth – If you experience a lot of morning sickness and often vomit, be sure to rinse your mouth with water. This will help wash away any bacteria.

Schedule Your Appointment

If you are pregnant, don’t skip your routine dental visit. Keeping your teeth healthy is an essential part of your overall health. Talk to your doctor and dentist if you have any concerns. Remember, a small issue can turn into a larger one that’s more involved to fix.

Call Us Today

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

Call (314) 862-7844

Has a Bad Experience at the Dentist Left You Anxious or Afraid?

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If you have had a bad dental experience in the past, it doesn’t mean it has to be repeated. We can help!

Many patients tell us that they had a bad or painful dental experience in the past. It’s sad when we hear this because it shouldn’t be like that. If you have had a bad dental experience in the past, it doesn’t mean it has to be repeated!

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we value our patient relationships, making it our priority to deliver the gentle dental care you deserve from sedation dentists. We work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.

Dental Anxiety and Dental Phobia

As many as 8% of Americans avoid going to the dentist out of fear. Approximately 20% experience so much anxiety that they won’t go to the dentist until it is absolutely necessary, often when it has become a dental emergency. The cause? Often a past dental experience that was bad.

People who have had a bad dental experience often neglect future dental care because they are too afraid or anxious. Unfortunately, dental problems don’t fix themselves, and so over time, a small issue that could have been easily fixed will develop into a more serious problem. Then it becomes more complex and more expensive to fix.

A Comfortable Solution

If you or a loved one experiences extreme levels of stress and anxiety about dental treatment, The Dental Anesthesia Center understands the fear you experience, and we have a comfortable solution. Modern, safe anesthesia techniques allow the fearful patient to have dental procedures accomplished without the anxiety associated with dentistry.

Dr. Michael Hoffmann and Dr. Sean Thoms are general dentists certified by the Missouri Dental Board in General Anesthesia and Deep Sedation. Dr. Victoria Daugherty is a general dentist who has completed a residency in Hospital Dentistry with additional training in sedation.

The methods of sedation can be achieved by:

  • Administrating oral medications
  • Intravenous medications
  • Nitrous Oxide “laughing gas”

When you come in for your appointment Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms, or Dr. Daugherty will decide which level is best for you. 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
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“Anything that they can do to accommodate people with special needs, they do.”

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“If it was not for them, I don’t think I would be able to make it through a normal dental appointment.”

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“They do anything they can to make you feel comfortable.”

5 Medical Conditions That Can Affect Oral Health

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Your dentist may be able to detect a health problem just by examining your mouth. And if you already have a medical condition that affects your mouth, be sure to schedule regular appointments.

There is a strong link between our oral health and our overall health. When we brush our teeth twice a day, floss, and have regular dental check-ups, we are doing our part to contribute to a healthy mouth. However, certain medical conditions can negatively impact our oral health, no matter how well we take care of our mouth.

When you go to the dentist for a check-up, your dentist does more than look for cavities. This is because your mouth can signal that there is a problem in another part of your body. Several medical conditions are linked to tooth and gum disease.

There are many medical conditions that can cause oral health problems. Below are 5 diseases that can negatively impact your oral health.

1. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that typically only affects older men and women. It occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or in some cases, both. A person’s bones become weak and may break easily from a fall, or in severe cases, from something minor like sneezing.

Several studies have discovered a link between bone loss associated with osteoporosis and an increase in loose teeth and tooth loss. According to the National Institute of Health, women with osteoporosis are three times more likely to have tooth loss than women who do not have the disease.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects many joints in the body. It causes painful swelling, and over long periods of time, RA can cause bone erosion and joint deformity.

Patients with RA have an increased risk of developing gum disease. Studies indicate that the more teeth a person loses, the more severe your RA is likely to be.

3. Anemia

A person with anemia lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry sufficient oxygen to their body’s tissues. There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause. Anemia can prevent nutrients from getting to the teeth and are more prone to tooth decay and gum disease. This can increase the risk of infection and has been known to lead to ulcers and tongue problems.

4. Chronic Kidney Disease

There is a link between people with long-term kidney disease and severe gum issues. Chronic kidney disease can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and poor bone health. All three of these things have a connection to gum disease. Chronic gum infections can cause inflammation in other parts of the body, further hurting the kidneys.

If you or a loved one have chronic kidney disease, a small infection in the mouth needs to be addressed quickly as it could develop into something more serious.

5. Lung Disease

Several lung diseases are linked to gum disease, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). All of these increase the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth. Bacteria can travel to your lungs and could even trigger lung disease. Smoking can make these problems worse.

Talk to Your Dentist

Regular check-ups with your dentist are essential to your oral and overall health. Don’t neglect these visits! Your dentist may be able to detect a health problem just by examining your mouth. And if you already have a medical condition that affects your mouth, be sure to schedule regular appointments.

Call Us Today

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

Call (314) 862-7844