Dental Care for Patients with Cerebral Palsy

Learn how we provide safe dental care for patients with cerebral palsy in St. Louis. Contact us today for sedation and special needs dentistry.

The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis specializes in sedation and special needs dentistry, offering a safe, compassionate environment for patients with cerebral palsy and other complex medical conditions.

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The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry

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Mandy Z.

I have NEVER had a positive experience with dentist…until now!! I was mind blown how kind the staff was, not just to me but to everyone! I have debilitating anxiety when it comes to dentists because of bad previous experiences, so I was very nervous. But, all the staff, including Dr. Thom, were very gentle, kind, and understanding. They took time to listen to all my concerns and address them, helping to put me at ease. I was also amazed how professional the whole office ran and how completely reliable they were. They easily guided me through the process and everything went so smoothly, including my sedation. I have never been treated so kindly by any dental office before, I was struggling to believe I wasn’t in some kind of dream. But. They really were that nice.

My recovery from sedation and all
The dental work they did to save my tooth was amazing, not a single issue! Dr. Thom even called personally to check on me a day later.

Coming back to put my permanent crown in was the same experience. They were all so kind,
Good about explaining everything they were doing and make the experience light and dare I say…fun.

I would drive 2.5 hours again in a heartbeat to do my work here. Best dental experience I’ve ever
had hands down!!!!!!! Thank you Dr. Thom for giving my life and tooth back. I’m so excited to not be in so much excruciating pain anymore!

Response from the owner:We can’t thank you enough for your kind and heartfelt words. Our entire team is dedicated to creating a gentle, supportive, and positive experience for every patient, so it means the world to hear your visit felt that way. We’re so glad you felt cared for and comfortable throughout the process, and we truly appreciate you making the trip to see us. Thank you for trusting us—it’s an honor to care for patients like you!

Dianne B.

Dr. Hoffmann and his team takes great care of my special needs daughter. We have been coming here for over 20 years. The staff is so kind and patient with her and explains everything to help her stay calm.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your kind words and for trusting our team for so many years. We’re honored to care for your family and appreciate the opportunity to make each visit a positive experience.

Anna C.

I have had the best experience with Dr Behl and her staff! I have awful dental anxiety from some past experiences and they are so kind and supportive. Rebecca is incredible to work with. I highly recommend them to everyone I know!!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your kind words! We’re happy to know you felt supported and comfortable during your visit. Our team strives to create a welcoming environment for everyone, and we truly appreciate your recommendation.

Jana A.

We always receive excellent care at the Dental Anesthesia Center.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We truly appreciate your trust in our team and are grateful for the opportunity to provide care.

pnkldy74

Our adult daughter has cerebral palsy and requires being fully sedated when having anything done. The DAC was such a positive experience. Dr Hoffmann and his staff were kind and did great explaining things. As a mom, I had a lot of questions about how certain things would be done as usually she’s in her chair when getting examined at her local dentist and they had everything under control including transferring from her chair to the dentist chair and keeping her secured in the dentist chair as well as keeping her neck and legs comfortable. Many thanks to them!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words. We’re grateful for your trust and happy to hear that you had such a positive experience with our team. Our goal is always to provide compassionate, attentive care in a safe and comfortable environment. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

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Understanding the Unique Dental Needs of Cerebral Palsy Patients

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder affecting movement, muscle tone, and motor skills. It’s the most common motor disability in children, and many individuals with CP require lifelong dental support due to the physical and neurological challenges the condition presents.

Common Oral Health Challenges in Individuals with Cerebral Palsy

Because cerebral palsy can affect muscle coordination and mobility, many individuals face a higher risk of some dental issues:

• Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Often caused by muscle spasticity or stress, bruxism can wear down enamel and lead to jaw pain.
• Malocclusion: Misaligned teeth or bite issues are common due to abnormal jaw development or muscle tone.
• Gag Reflex Sensitivity: Heightened gag reflexes can make routine dental cleanings and home hygiene difficult.
• Drooling and Dry Mouth: Poor muscle control may cause excessive drooling, and certain medications may cause dry mouth, both of which increase the risk of cavities.
• Difficulty with At-Home Oral Care: Limited mobility and coordination can make brushing and flossing challenging without assistance.
• Increased Risk of Periodontal Disease: Gum disease is a significant concern due to inconsistent oral hygiene and difficulty accessing care.

How We Adapt Dental Care for Patients with Cerebral Palsy

Providing effective dental care for patients with CP involves more than just clinical expertise — it requires a tailored, compassionate approach. Here’s how our team supports these patients:

1. Pre-Visit Planning

We work closely with caregivers and healthcare providers to understand patients’ medical histories, medications, and specific needs. This ensures we can accommodate mobility devices, communication preferences, or medical equipment.

2. Special Positioning and Comfort Tools

We offer padded supports, adjustable chairs, and alternative positioning techniques to ensure physical comfort during exams or procedures. For some patients, treatment may be easier with side-lying or semi-reclined positioning.

3. Use of Sedation or General Anesthesia

Many patients with cerebral palsy benefit from IV sedation or general anesthesia, especially for extensive procedures or if they have a severe gag reflex, involuntary movements, or dental anxiety. Our facility is fully equipped to provide safe, hospital-grade sedation dentistry.

4. Sensory and Communication Accommodations

We minimize bright lights and loud sounds and use gentle communication, social stories, or caregiver input to create a calm experience. For non-verbal patients, we adapt with visual cues or assistive communication methods.

Tips for At-Home Oral Care

While professional cleanings are vital, daily at-home oral hygiene is equally important. Here are some tips for caregivers:

• Use adaptive toothbrushes with larger grips or electric models for easier control.
• Brush at an angle from behind the patient for more stability.
• Use a fluoride mouth rinse if swallowing is not an issue (check with the dentist first).
• Maintain a consistent routine to reduce stress and resistance.
• Keep up with regular checkups, even if teeth appear healthy — many issues can go unnoticed.

Why Specialized Dental Care Matters

General dental offices often lack the training, equipment, or sedation options necessary to safely and effectively care for patients with cerebral palsy. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, our team is trained in special needs and hospital dentistry, offering the expertise and compassion your family deserves. Our goal is simple: to make dental care accessible, safe, and stress-free for every patient.