Dental Anesthesia for Patients with Special Needs

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

A special needs patient may require a special needs dentist. Patients who have 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.

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The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry4.9

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Ken C.

I want to thank everyone at the Dental Anesthesia Center for taking care of me yesterday—Meaghan helped me get the forms filled out correctly and in on time, Daisy for guiding me in and getting me out safely, Dr. Hoffman for taking care of my teeth and dealing with my really terrible gag reflex, and EVERYONE who helps make this happen. I don't know all of your names, but I do know that it takes all of you working together to make my dental care possible and have good results.

I'm always nervous when I first arrive, even though every procedure has had a good outcome. I've never had any pain or excessive bleeding as a result. The one thing I realized yesterday is that all of you are warm, friendly, positive, you have what is called a good vibe, which helps me a great deal.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We’re so glad our team could help you feel comfortable and supported throughout your visit. Providing a safe, positive environment is very important to us, and your feedback means a great deal. We truly appreciate your trust in our care!

A K.

Dr. Thoms and his entire staff at The Dental Anesthesia Center have been absolutely wonderful!! They're all so kind and knowledgeable. I would give them 10 stars if I could!!!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It means a lot to hear this feedback.

Peggy Mulvihill L.

Dr Mike Hoffman is the best dentist I’ve ever been to. His whole practice focuses on the patient’s needs. He is the consumate professional with expertise across the dental spectrum and in anesthesia. I highly recommend him and his practice.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review and recommendation! We’re grateful for your kind words and are proud to provide patient-centered care with a focus on comfort and safety.

Gloria C.

Yes, my grandson has nonverbal autism and they took very good care of him.. He had to have some extra extractions which I was concerned about, but everything went very well. Very happy and I thank you all for all the work you did.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words. We’re so glad to hear you had a positive experience and that everything went smoothly. We truly appreciate your trust in us.

Danita S.

I took my son to an appointment today with Dr. Hoffman. We had a great experience from the time we arrived until we departed. The receptionist was very friendly and helpful. The dental assistants were very helpful and polite with my son. The doctor is very kind and patient. They explain everything as we went through the process. We were aware of the cost from the beginning to the end and we're allowed to make decisions about how to handle my child's care and not shocked with additional charges after the fact. My child does not resist going to this office. Great experience.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear your experience was positive from start to finish. Our team works hard to create a comfortable, transparent, and supportive environment for every patient and family. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback!

We at The Dental Anesthesia Center are here to help you and your loved one. We work hard to make our patients feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.

Understanding the Different Levels of Sedation

There are different levels of sedation for each patient. The sedation method for an individual is determined by the patient’s medical history and current physical and mental health:

• Nitrous oxide – If your dentist has recommended nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” for a patient, it is probably a good idea. Laughing gas is an odorless gas used to take away the anxiety children can sometimes experience when they are in the dentist’s chair. There are very few side effects and a low risk of using nitrous oxide. The pros of having a good experience are a significant 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 patients medication before they visit the office. The medication is meant to relax them, take away any anxiety, and make them calmer when the procedure is happening. Oral sedation typically will aid them in falling asleep so they can sleep through the procedure. That means they won’t have any negative memories and won’t be moving around, 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 is administered this way, a dentist can 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. Patients are not asleep during IV sedation; they are semi-awake and may be able to communicate a little with the dentist. Typically, a patient will have little or no memory of the procedure and be able to relax during any treatment.

Sleep dentistry provides a safe and effective way for special needs patients to receive the dental treatment they need. Patients will have a complete exam, an entire 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. Behl 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, including the panoramic x-ray, for proper diagnosis of the anterior (front) and posterior (back) teeth and the bite-wing x-ray series for accurate diagnosis of proximal decay of posterior teeth.