Down Syndrome Dentist

Dental Issues In People With Down Syndrome

There are many dental anomalies and anatomical soft tissue problems that one should be aware of that can occur in people with Down Syndrome. These problems can negatively impact one’s oral health.

The two main factors that contribute to the dental problems of those with Down Syndrome are the orofacial and skeletal development within a patient. The biggest changes in anatomical development are in the cranial base, the mid-third portion of the face, and the area between the mandible and maxilla. The most affected portion of soft tissue in the facial structure is the tongue, which is often protruded and enlarged. The reason for this protrusive appearance is the narrow dental arch in which the tongue is forced to rest. This can lead to mouth breathing and “dry mouth.”

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Rob G.

I went to nervous and 3 to 4 hours later, I essentially woke up in the car on my way home without realizing anything had happened. If you have trauma with previous dental issues, this is the place.

R V.

Amazing staff from entering to exiting! Thank you all for truly caring and taking the time to explain every step as you go. You are appreciated and I would highly recommend you to everyone!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We’re so glad you felt cared for and informed throughout your experience. Our team truly appreciates your support!

Cheryle

Extremely friendly and professional Liked the way everything was explained a b d was concerned about my comfort k rt

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! We’re so glad you felt comfortable and well informed during your visit. Our team truly appreciates your support!

Nancy K.

I have been a patient at the Dental Anesthesia Center for about 20 years! Dr. Hoffman and his team are the premier dental group in the St. Louis area. I believe they are the only location for Dental Anesthesia if you need that service. They are experts in the dental field and I cannot fathom ever going anywhere else. Great team, kind, caring, patient, and looking out for you and your dental needs!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and continued trust over the years! We’re truly grateful for your support and are honored to have such a caring team dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care.

Leslie C.

Dr. Hoffman and his staff treated our son who has a disability with respect and dignity. We appreciate what they do for the special needs community.❤️

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind feedback. We’re honored to support our community with compassionate care.

Beyond the tongue, the adenoids and tonsils are also enlarged. Some other dental anomalies include:

• Decreased tooth size
• Decreased crown-to-root ratio
• Delayed eruption
• Hypodontia

Going To The Dentist With Down Syndrome

Many patients with down syndrome find it difficult to communicate certain things when at the dentist, much of which has to do with how much pain they may be feeling. Unfortunately, even simple oral health issues can become major issues if they are not addressed appropriately or promptly.

Many of our St. Louis Down Syndrome patients, especially younger patients, have trouble understanding what is going on when they are at the dentist. If your loved one is a bit wary when they are around strangers, having a stranger with tools in their mouth can be quite a frightening situation for them to be in.

This is why we feel it is of the utmost importance that your loved one with Down Syndrome feels comfortable without fear or anxiety so that the dental visit goes as smoothly as it possibly can. Luckily, there are many ways in which we help Down Syndrome patients to cope with dental visits.

Sedation And Patients With Down Syndrome

Many patients benefit from sedation when they visit the dentist. If a patient cannot properly cooperate with a dentist during their appointments, sedation can sometimes be necessary to get the work done.

This is why many patients opt for sedation dentistry, which we offer here at The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis. With patients who have Down Syndrome, sedation dentistry is not uncommon at all. Sedation dentistry, or sleep dentistry, is one of the most utilized methods to keep patients calm and relaxed during their trips to the dentist. There are many different levels of sedation, which range from mild sedation, where the patient is still awake and conscious, to heavy sedation, where a patient is completely asleep.

Of course, there aren’t many people who enjoy having someone poke around in their mouths with various tools, and for someone who suffers from serious sensory problems, such as a person with Down Syndrome, sedation can be the best option.

Sedation is especially important if the patient is in for extensive dental work, such as a major surgery, where they must stay completely still throughout a long procedure.

Making Your Appointment

If you have a loved one with Down Syndrome, you probably know how difficult it can be to find the proper dentist. Fortunately, there are dentists who specialize in working with patients who have Special Needs and may require sedation. Dentists in this field require additional training to communicate with their patients and utilize sedation options to accommodate their special needs.

Unfortunately, finding these dentists can prove to be quite a chore. Here at The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we have worked with special needs patients, including those with Down Syndrome, for over 30 years.

We know how important it is to have oral health care for everyone, and we’re here to provide the best Down Syndrome dentistry in St. Louis. Give us a call at (314) 862-7844 to schedule an appointment with one of our top dentists. We look forward to meeting you!