Down syndrome dentistry · St. Louis
Down Syndrome Dentist in St. Louis
People with Down syndrome face a unique set of dental challenges, and a traditional dental setting is not always built for their care. The Dental Anesthesia Center provides complete dental care under sedation or general anesthesia in a calm, welcoming office in Clayton.
Our doctors are dentist anesthesiologists who have cared for patients with special needs, including Down syndrome, for over 30 years. This care is part of our broader special needs dentistry.
Oral health and Down syndrome
Dental issues in people with Down syndrome
Several developmental differences can affect oral health. Knowing what to watch for helps you stay ahead of problems.
The two main factors behind dental problems in people with Down syndrome are orofacial and skeletal development. The biggest differences appear in the cranial base, the middle third of the face, and the area between the mandible and maxilla. The most affected soft tissue is the tongue, which often rests protruded because the dental arch is narrow. That can lead to mouth breathing and dry mouth.
Beyond the tongue, the adenoids and tonsils are often enlarged. Other common dental differences include:
- Decreased tooth size
- Decreased crown-to-root ratio
- Delayed eruption
- Hypodontia (missing teeth)
Going to the dentist
A visit built around comfort and communication
Many patients with Down syndrome find it hard to communicate how much pain they are feeling, so small problems can grow if they are not addressed promptly.
Younger patients especially may have trouble understanding what is happening at the dentist, and a stranger with tools can be a frightening experience. We take the time to help every patient feel comfortable, without fear or anxiety, so the visit goes as smoothly as possible. We move at each patient’s pace, explain each step clearly, and adapt how we communicate to each patient.
We care for both children and adults, including pediatric patients who need anesthesia for dental care.
Sedation options
Sedation and patients with Down syndrome
Sedation dentistry is common for patients with Down syndrome, and it is the heart of our practice.
Sedation ranges from mild, where the patient stays awake and relaxed, to general anesthesia, where the patient is completely asleep. For someone with significant sensory sensitivities, sedation can make care possible that would otherwise be overwhelming.
Sedation matters most for extensive dental work, where a patient must stay still through a long procedure. Every level of sedation is administered in our office by our doctors, and treatment that would take several appointments elsewhere can often be completed in a single visit.
Academic partnerships
Where other dentists come to learn.
Our doctors train other doctors. Residents in graduate periodontics and dental anesthesiology rotate through our Clayton office to learn sedation and anesthesia care.
Residency rotation
Saint Louis University
Center for Advanced Dental Education
Graduate periodontics residents from SLU rotate through our office for a month of hands-on sedation training with our doctors.
Residency program
University of Pittsburgh
School of Dental Medicine
We partner with the University of Pittsburgh’s Dental Anesthesiology Residency Program, helping train the next generation of dentist anesthesiologists.
Questions answered
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from patients, parents, and caregivers. If yours is not here, call us. We are happy to talk it through.
What dental problems are common in people with Down syndrome?
Smaller teeth, a decreased crown-to-root ratio, delayed eruption, and hypodontia (missing teeth) are common, and a narrow dental arch can lead to mouth breathing and dry mouth. Regular checkups help catch problems early.
Does my loved one need sedation for dental care?
Not always. Sedation ranges from mild relaxation to general anesthesia, and the right choice depends on the patient’s needs, medical history, and the treatment planned. We review the options together before any care begins.
How experienced is your team with Down syndrome?
Our doctors have cared for patients with special needs, including Down syndrome, for over 30 years, and our office is designed around patients who cannot be treated comfortably in a traditional dental setting.
Schedule a visit for your loved one
Finding the right dentist for a loved one with Down syndrome can be a chore. Our team will listen, answer your questions, and plan a comfortable visit. We are happy to discuss insurance and financing options for your care.