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

You are here: Home / Archives for Blog

Blog

Sedation Dentistry to Ease Feelings of Anxiety

by Leave a Comment

Sedation dentistry is used to help patients undergo their dental procedures comfortably.

Sedation Dentistry St Louis

A large number of people suffer from dental anxiety. The fear of sitting in a vulnerable position in the dental chair is quite common and is found in people of all age groups. But it is so disturbing for some people that they become panicky even when they have to make a routine visit to the dentist.

Modern medicine and techniques have been developed to free the people from the anxiety associated with dental procedures. Sedation dentistry is used to help the patients to undergo the dental procedures comfortably.

Different Methods Used in Sedation Dentistry

The sedation dentist uses some medications to make the patient feel relaxed and drowsy while they perform the dental procedure. But sedation and pain medication are not the same, sometimes the patient may need local anesthesia as well.

Some of the most common methods of sedation are as follows:

  • Inhaled Sedation – The patient inhales a mixture of nitrous oxide or laughing gas and oxygen. Within a few minutes, he becomes relaxed and does not feel any pain during the treatment.
  • Oral Conscious Sedation – The patient is given oral medicines one hour prior to the procedure so that he feels numbed but remains conscious.
  • Intravenous Sedation – It is a very strong type of sedation which is suitable for patients who are extremely nervous.

Common Concerns Which Can be Overcome by Using Sedation Dentistry

Our dentists are specially trained to administer different levels of sedation to relieve the patient from anxiety. It is a very effective and safe technique which can be used for fearful patients. Here are some situations in which sedation dentistry is very suitable.

  • When the patient is scared of needles and dental injections – If the person is given a sedative he will not be so anxious about it. He may not even be aware that needles are being used.
  • If a patient cannot bear the sight, sound, and smell of the dentist’s office – Such a person can be given oral conscious sedation on the previous night so that his mind is calm and relaxed when he goes to the dentist’s office and does not find these things to be repulsive.
  • In case, a patient experiences gagging and choking – Sedation can make him feel comfortable so that he does not have an urge to gag or choke when the dentist works in his mouth.
  • The patient who has a panic attack cries or shakes uncontrollably – Oral sedation given on the previous night can help such a patient and eliminate his anxiety.
  • The patient who is restless – Sedation can help such a person to feel relaxed so that he can sit peacefully in the dentist’s chair.

Dental Anesthesia St. Louis

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

To schedule an appointment, call us at (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you!

Save

How to Avoid Oral Injuries – Special Needs Dentistry

by Leave a Comment

There are some steps you can take for your child to help prevent oral injuries.

oral injury st louis

Good oral health and a strong set of teeth are very important for all age groups. So it is essential to avoid dental injuries. Here are some tips on avoiding dental injuries.

For Small Children

There are a number of things you can do to prevent dental injuries for small children. Firs, be careful while feeding your baby. Use only gentle utensils which will not tear the baby’s skin between the gums and the lips. Also, making sure your young child is properly buckled in the car, carrier, swing, walker, stroller and other seated toys, will help prevent dental injuries. Finally, do not leave your baby unattended on a tabletop or any other tall surface. He may fall and sustain oral injuries. Falls are a major cause of injuries from birth until the age of 19. According to official records, every day around 8,000 children are admitted in emergency wards for fall-related injuries in the US.

Children between 18 months to 4 years of age experience dental trauma due to falls. This is mainly because they learn to walk and run during this time. Parents can prevent falls by keeping an eye on the children. Moreover, they can ask a toddler to sit down while drinking from a bottle or a sippy cup. They can see to it that the baby does not roam about with things in its mouth because the child may bump into something and get injured.

If your child falls and a baby tooth is knocked out visit a pediatric dentist. The baby teeth maintain the space and create a path for the adult teeth to grow. If a baby tooth is lost prematurely the dentist will take measures to maintain the space for the adult tooth to grow in its place.

For Older Children

Official records show that children in the age group of 8-12 years are susceptible to dental injuries. Fractured teeth are very common among them. Boys are more likely to get hurt than girls. Typically, injuries occur due to playing sports. Sports accidents cause around 10% to 39% of dental injuries in children.

Sports like baseball, soccer, basketball, softball, volleyball, gymnastics, and wrestling can cause dental injuries. Statistics show that the highest number of injuries in 7-17-year-olds occur while playing baseball and basketball. The highest number of children between 7-12 years sustain oral injuries in baseball. Those between 13-17 years sustain the highest number of dental injuries in basketball. So children who play these games should wear protective face gear.

Besides this, children may get hurt while skateboarding, skating or bicycling. They should wear mouth guards to save them from orofacial trauma caused due to a fall, contact with some hard surface, contact with sports equipment or a collision.

Pediatric Dentist St. Louis

Your child’s initial oral examination will include a visual examination, charting, diagnosis and treatment recommendations. We work hard to make your child feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.

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

3 Cosmetic Dentistry Options to Brighten Up Your Smile

by Leave a Comment

Cosmetic Dentistry has become a vital and important part of the dental profession.

cosmetic dentist in st louis

Many people avoid the camera because they do not like to smile. They are hesitant to smile to show their unattractive set of teeth or the unpleasant gaps between them. However, cosmetic dentistry has certain dental procedures to help overcome these issues.

If you are not happy with the appearance of your teeth, consult a cosmetic dentist as soon as possible. They can analyze your situation and suggest the best treatment to rectify the problem.

Cosmetic Dentistry

They will be able to show you the results of the dental procedures before actually implementing them. You will be astonished to see the changes in your smile, which will be brought about after the procedure, even before the treatment is commenced. All this is possible due to the modern scanning technology and the 3D cad-cam.

Some of the corrective procedures our St. Louis sedation dentist use for transforming the appearance of the teeth and improve your smile are:

1. Porcelain Crowns or Porcelain Veneers

Many people hesitate to smile and show the unpleasant gaps between their teeth. The gaps may be due to genetic reasons. They may indicate that there is a need for orthodontia. Or else, they could be there because some teeth have been damaged or lost. Whatever may be the reason for the gaps, they can easily be minimized by filling the space with porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns.

2. Dental Implants

People do not like to exhibit the big, unsightly spaces in their mouth when they smile. So they avoid smiling. These spaces are generally created when some teeth are missing. Cosmetic dentists can rectify the issue by using some type of dental implants. They can also use a bridge to fill up the unattractive space.

3. Teeth Whitening and Treatment of Tooth Decay

Common problems of tooth decay and the yellowing of teeth can make a smile unattractive. They can take away the charm of a smile. These issues can be solved easily by making a few visits to the St. Louis sedation dentist.

Teeth whitening is a simple procedure which is popularly used to transform the appearance of the teeth quickly. It can be performed at home or in the dental clinic according to your condition.

The problem of tooth decay is caused due to a bacterial infection. It leads to bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.

Cosmetic Dentist St Louis

It is not always possible to hide a smile or stay away from the camera. So it is better to consult a cosmetic dentistry expert and get rid of the dental problem which restrains you from smiling. Explore the various options available to obtain a perfect smile. Modern technology has made the impossible possible. You will be surprised to see the digital smile preview which shows the way you will smile after the treatment.

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

Contact us today at (314) 862-7844 to schedule an appointment.

Save

Should You Take Your Child to a Sedation Dentist?

by Leave a Comment

Young children unable to cooperate and individuals with mental or physical disabilities may benefit from sedation dentistry.

St. Louis child at dentist

Children can suffer from a number of dental problems. The fear of visiting a dentist adds to their suffering. Fortunately, modern techniques and medicines have put forth a wide array of options for dental treatment. Sedation dentistry provides a very easy way to solve their dental problems and get their smile back.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for a Child

A visit to the dentist is usually not a very comfortable experience for children or their parents. Children tend to have dental anxiety in general. However, if a child is physically or intellectually challenged the situation may be even worse.

Sedation dentistry involves giving dental treatment to a person under sedation. Sedatives have been used in dentistry for a long time. They provide a sense of relaxation to the patients. They provide relief from anxiety and fear. This can help calm the nerves of a child and make it possible to administer dental care in a more comfortable manner.

Different Levels of Sedation

As there is a huge assortment of dental therapies, parents are often confused as to which one is best for their child. Here is a brief explanation of some sedation therapies which may help you to make the right choice for your child.

  • Oral Sedation – The patient is given a very light anesthetic like nitrous oxide and a mask is put on the jaws to make the patient feel relaxed. Under the influence of this sedative, the patient is conscious during the dental treatment but he does not feel the pain and is not anxious. The effect of the sedative wears off very fast. The patient just feels a little drowsy after the treatment but gets back to normal soon.
  • IV Sedation – IV sedation is generally used for people with severe anxiety. It is suitable for people with special needs but may not be appropriate for children. The dentist can perform a number of dental procedures while the patient is in a relaxed position under the impact of this type of sedation. The best part is that the patient does not remember the dental treatment he underwent. This may be very helpful.
  • General Anesthesia – If your child is absolutely against the idea of visiting a dentist and resists all sorts of dental treatment, you may opt for general anesthesia. This technique is often suitable for children who do not sit quietly in the dental chair. It is also useful for patients with special needs who have uncontrolled movements. Patients who undergo treatment under general anesthesia need to be escorted to the dentist’s clinic and brought back after the treatment.

Not sure if dental sedation is right for your child?

The Dental Anesthesia Center is a state-of-the-art dental facility for patients who require general anesthesia, deep sedation, or oral sedation for their dental care. Young children unable to cooperate and individuals with mental or physical disabilities can benefit from these services. Our staff would be happy to answer any questions you may have! Give us a call today at (314) 852-7844.

Contact or schedule an appointment

Special Needs Dentistry: Dental First Aid Checklist for Your Babysitter

by Leave a Comment

Here is a dental first aid checklist that is helpful for parents to go over with their babysitter.

St Louis Pediatric Dentist

For most of us having a reliable and efficient babysitter is a huge asset. However, even the best of babysitters may not know the basics of first aid particularly when it comes to dental injuries.

In this article, we will share a first aid checklist for the babysitter. Make sure you go over the following points with your babysitter before you leave your little ones with them.

Avoid Giving Aspirin

If there is pain or swelling associated with a dental emergency, make sure you do not administer aspirin or any other medications that contain aspirin. Aspirin can cause bleeding. Seek a doctor’s advice before giving any medications.

Tongue or Lip Abrasions

Clean the injured area with a clean and moist cloth, and apply pressure with a cold compress. Give the child a popsicle to gently suck on. It will reduce swelling. If the bleeding does not stop, seek medical attention immediately.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

Rinse the mouth with warm water, and use a cold compress. Keep the broken piece of tooth in milk, and take it to the dentist’s office.

Object Stuck Between Teeth

If there is something stuck between the teeth, do not try too hard to remove it. Use dental floss to gently remove it. If that does work, call the dentist.

Toothache

Toothaches are often caused by a tooth infection, decay or a combination of both. If the child is complaining of tooth pain, rinse their mouth with warm water and gently floss between teeth. If pain still persists, call a dentist.

Knocked Out Tooth

Hold the broken tooth by the crown (chewing surface) and if the root is soiled, rinse it with warm water. If there are any tissue fragments, leave them intact. Just place the tooth back into its socket if it is not too painful, and hold it in its right place. If you cannot do it, keep the tooth in a container of saliva or milk. Take the injured child to a St. Louis pediatric dentist immediately.

Broken Jaw

If a child suffers a broken jaw, he/she will likely suffer pain and facial swelling. Some other symptoms of a broken jaw include difficulty opening the jaw, jaw tightness, abnormality the cheek or jaw, and bleeding. To control swelling, you should apply a cold compress. You can use a bag of frozen vegetables for this. To stabilize the injury, take a towel and wrap it under the jaw, and tie it on the top of the head. Take the child to the emergency room immediately.

St. Louis Pediatric Dentist

There are various other dental injuries that can occur, and it is best to take the child to a St. Louis pediatric dentist immediately. The dentist will discuss all treatment options and provide the best possible care for the child’s injuries.

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

Four Reasons to Chose Sedation Dentistry

by Leave a Comment

When you come in for your appointment, Dr. Hoffmann or Dr. Daugherty will decide which level of sedation is best for you.

st louis sedation dentistry

Going to the dentist is one of the scariest and most dreaded experiences for many people. This is because dentists typically don’t sedate you unless you are undergoing some kind of major procedure, and even then it might not be very strong sedation. What many people don’t realize, however, is that you don’t have to go to a regular dentist, you can go to a sedation dentist.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

At a sedation dentist, you will be sedated with a special medication that both lowers your levels of pain and your level of anxiety. This allows you to remain awake during the procedure, but with zero worries of what’s going on, and with the ability to still respond to verbal cues from the dentist. Obviously, this is a far more effective method of dentistry for those with anxiety issues related to dentist visits.

Let’s take a look at 4 reasons why you should use a sedation dentist if you have dental anxiety:

  1. Safety -One of the main benefits of sedation dentistry is that it is extremely safe. you are still conscious and able to breathe on your own, while also retaining the ability to follow commands that the dentist gives you. Your natural reflexes are unaffected so you can let the dentist know if anything is causing you pain. Because of the lowered amount of stress you will feel during a visit to the sedation dentist, you are also less likely to experience any stress-related health issues, especially heart problems.
  2. Comfort -Dentist visits often last a long time with much of it being spent in a chair. If you are prone to feeling stiff and uncomfortable, sedation can help prevent this. Because of the sedative, you won’t likely feel any soreness in your neck or back from sitting for a long time, and your mental and emotional state will also be much more relaxed than normal.
  3. Quality Care -Just like a barber can’t cut your hair right if you keep jerking around, a dentist can’t work on your teeth right if you keep moving around. Sedation will keep you much more still which will allow your dentist to work much more efficiently.
  4. Efficiency – Procedures are often put off by patients because they don’t have the time to sit in the office for hours. With sedation dentistry, you can block your sessions together and set aside one or 2 full days to sit down and get it done. The sedatives allow you to sit much longer than you normally would be able to and you might even feel like it took mere minutes to complete an hours-long procedure.

Sedation Dentistry St. Louis

Sedation dentistry is far superior to normal dentistry for many reasons. If you are someone who can handle the sedatives with no health problems, you will benefit from less pain, more efficiency, fewer dentist visits, and more comfort during your dentist appointments.

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 at (314) 862-7844 and one of our friendly team members will be happy to speak with you or simply make an appointment online.

Save

Save