Intellectual Disabilities Dentistry
Oral Care For Patients With Intellectual Disabilities
Many people with intellectual disabilities are put at risk when it comes to their oral health, as there tends to be a lack of communication with dentists, as well as a lack of understanding about the needs of that patient.
For many patients with intellectual disabilities in St. Louis, not being able to understand the importance of prioritization of oral care can lead to difficulties down the road. For parents or caregivers, trying to get someone to maintain a healthy daily routine, or even co-operate when it comes to oral care, can be incredibly painstaking.
People with special needs and intellectual disabilities tend to become much more anxious when they know that they need to go to the dentist. For many of those patients, it can be as simple as knowing how to provide the correct reassurance to get them here safely and willingly.
Of course, there are also those who have more severe disabilities or medical problems, and many of those people require a bit of extra care or precaution.
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The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.
Providing Better Oral Care For People With Intellectual Disabilities
Though it is a dentist’s job to provide the ultimate form of oral care, the path to a healthy mouth starts at home. As a parent or caregiver of someone with intellectual disabilities, there are several things that you can do to jumpstart that path.
As a parent or caregiver, you probably understand that people with intellectual learning disabilities often have a hard time expressing pain or discomfort in a way we understand. As a parent or caregiver to an individual, you must be aware of those changes in behavior that indicate illness, pain, or discomfort, and be willing to share them with your dental provider.
Some patients may need to be seen during specific times of the day depending on their needs. For patients that tend to tire or have strong anxiety, appointments in the evening may not be the best choice. Many patients with intellectual disabilities rely heavily on having routines, and those who are planning on having regular appointments may need them all to be at the same time.
In many cases, people with intellectual disabilities have trouble getting proper oral health care when compared to the rest of the population. Because they don’t see the dentist as often, these oral health problems can begin to affect their overall health and wellness.
This is why it is so important for caregivers to prioritize oral health, as well as learn how to adapt and create good routines for oral health so that bigger problems down the road can be avoided.
Making Your Appointment
When it comes to treating patients with intellectual disabilities in St. Louis, MO, the Dental Anesthesia Center is one of the top facilities around. We use cutting-edge technology alongside sleep and sedation dentistry in many cases. Our team of dentists is well-trained and equipped to handle any patient, especially those with intellectual disabilities.
Putting off one’s oral care due to the fear or anxiety of visiting the dentist will only be detrimental to that individual in the end. Having a healthy mouth is so vital to the well-being of an individual, and having routine checkups is important for maintaining that.
Make sure to give us a call at (314) 862-7844 to schedule your first appointment. We look forward to meeting you!
Call Us Today
The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.
I highly recommend the Dental Anesthesia Center. The best dental care, knowledgeable, efficient, state of the art facilities, friendly, painless, AWESOME!
Ann Rafferty
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2015-10-15T17:13:49-05:00
Ann Rafferty
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5648
We are so thankful that another dentist recommended The Dental Anesthesia Center to us. Our little boy needed special care due to his MTHFR mutation. Dr. Thoms was very thorough during our initial consultation, answering every question we could think of. When our son had his dental procedure under general anesthesia, Dr. Thoms and everyone else we encountered there served us with compassion and great concern for our son's well-being. We could not have asked for a better experience! Now our son is looking forward to his 6 month check-up, and we will recommend Dr. Thoms any opportunity we have to do so.
Rebekah Ellsworth
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-07-17T17:23:42-05:00
Rebekah Ellsworth
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5658
Last visit was 14 years ago. I need to make appointment soon. Bad tooth, not sure what else. These guys understand my anxiety and will put me out..wake up..all done!! These are The Only Staff I trust, 100% !!
Mary Melito
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-02-20T17:20:23-05:00
Mary Melito
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5655
Dr. Daugherty is fantastic!
Dr. Daugherty is fantastic! I had a buildup & crown done this morning and didn’t even feel a pinch when she numbed me! Taylor did a great job assisting! Dr. Daugherty has numbed my upper front area for crowns and I didn’t feel a thing - that’s a sensitive area. She does great work! The entire team is warm, welcoming and professional! I dread dental work but enjoy coming here!" - via Facebook
Vicky Pearl
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-02T09:22:33-05:00
Vicky Pearl
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/dr-daugherty-is-fantastic
My son is in need for oral surgery and Dr. Thoms was so kind and gentle with my son! We are so blessed to have found this team!
Taylor Kauffman
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-08-30T17:28:41-05:00
Taylor Kauffman
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5664
So caring, so nice, as others said, a little higher priced. But it is worth every penny. I can't describe how great everyone is
josephclint williams
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-29T17:47:21-05:00
josephclint williams
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5669
Best dental office for all your dental needs! Highly recommend!
haile miller
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-07-26T17:24:18-05:00
haile miller
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5659
5 STAR SLEEP DENTIST! Dental implants are the way to go if you're like me needle phobic, have missing teeth and do not want dentures or even partials. First came to their office wanting oral sedation but Dr. Hoffmann chose what level of sedation I would be the most comfortable with my VERY HIGH DENTAL PHOBIA, not to say NEEDLE PHOBIC!!!!
Samantha Chesnut
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2016-05-19T17:19:06-05:00
Samantha Chesnut
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5654
Very kind and compassionate staff. They took excellent care of my special needs kiddo and took extra time to make sure it was done right. I would highly recommend.
User ShiningStar0428 on Google Reviews
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2020-09-02T17:51:13-05:00
User ShiningStar0428 on Google Reviews
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5671
Great practice, I've been going there for 20+ years!!!
Chris Cimarolli
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2015-04-02T17:13:20-05:00
Chris Cimarolli
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5647
They are great with nervous kids AND parents.
This place is incredible! The staff is great with my 8 year old son with autism. He's had some pretty major dental issues and I wouldn't take him anywhere else. They are great with nervous kids AND parents. They go above and beyond for their patients." - via Facebook
Kati Pape Ross
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-02T09:25:33-05:00
Kati Pape Ross
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/they-are-great-with-nervous-kids-and-parents
I actually Love everyone at the Dental Anesthesia Center. I have been going there for many years. But Dianna Dieffenbach Is my Hygienist. I Love how gentle and caring she is and yet how thorough she is. I hope I never have to go to a different place. Thanks to Dr. Hoffman I can smile and Thanks to Dianna for keeping it that way.
Sherry Cushman
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2015-12-03T17:14:18-05:00
Sherry Cushman
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5649
The office felt welcoming, and the staff cordial. My wait time was short and the staff treated my husband as if he had no disability at all. Dr. Thoms explained everything in detail and was very personable which made us comfortable. I will be taking Dr. Thoms card back to my current dentist office and also my job at the doctor's off I work at as a reference for others who might need their services.
kellye tyler
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-07-09T17:22:21-05:00
kellye tyler
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5657
We love all the workers there. Their very welcoming staff, but very professional. We’ve been going there for about 15 years.
Regina Johnson
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2018-10-01T17:44:46-05:00
Regina Johnson
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5668
The best dental experience I've ever had! Dr. Victoria Daugherty (now Mayer) is very easy to talk to and does a great job at procedures. My dental hygienist Dianna is awesome and personable, is thorough and pays a lot of attention to detail. I have never felt a lot of pain or anxiety with any procedure I've gotten done here. The front desk staff are also very helpful and friendly! Would highly recommend.
Donica Baker
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-09-01T17:42:10-05:00
Donica Baker
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5665
Best dentistry for dental anxiety, Clayton, MO. I have been searching for a dentist to ease my child's dental anxiety. Dr. Hoffmann and his team were so caring and understanding with my son Matthew!!!! Highly recommended, they know their stuff when it comes to sedation dentistry here in Saint Louis! Wouldn't take my family anywhere else!!!
Julie Carlton
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2016-05-05T17:18:35-05:00
Julie Carlton
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5653
Dr Sean Thoms and his staff were great! The office is very welcoming and they yook very great care of my 2year old. I would recommend them to the world!
Terriona Adams
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2018-07-10T17:43:10-05:00
Terriona Adams
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5667
These guys are fantastic! If you are not going to the dentist because of a bad or painful experience this is the place to go.I was one of those people not going for way too long out of fear and anxiety. One day I had a horrible tooth ache, I put it off too long, the pain was unbearable and I didn`t have a dentist.Thank God I found The Dental Anesthesia Center. Don`t wait for this to happen. I have been a patient now for last fifteen years and I highly recommend you going here. You will be glad you did. The whole staff is the best. .
Mike Lorberbaum
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2016-01-21T17:17:21-05:00
Mike Lorberbaum
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5652
These guys and gals are great. I had some issues getting a root canal done at the endodontist. The team at The Dental Anesthesia Center really knows the drill. They filled me with confidence on what was a very unnerving experience. If you're considering sleep dentistry, give these floss wiedling dental denizens a call, they do great work and are good people, to boot!
Lane Maxwell
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2015-12-19T17:16:18-05:00
Lane Maxwell
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5650
Beyond pleased with our experience with Dr. Hoffman!! My son, Cameron, had work done and everything turned out way better than I could've ever expected. Dr Hoffman saved all of his teeth, where other dentist told me the only option for two of his teeth were to be pulled. His smile is so beautiful and I couldn't think them enough! They were sooo kind!! The dental hygienist were so sweet, and throughly explained everything to me. There was no judgement. They made this whole process so comfortable. Yes, it was pricey, but worth EVERY penny. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Madi Gonko
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2020-05-02T17:50:40-05:00
Madi Gonko
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5670
Everyone is so compassionate
By far the best place to go for children with special needs... my son is 3.5 and he is nonverbal and autistic...everyone is so compassionate and understanding and helpful. I will never take him anywhere else
-- via Facebook
Stacy O.
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-02T09:21:37-05:00
Stacy O.
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/everyone-is-so-compassionate
I had to have major dental work done and due to a chronic facial pain issue I needed IV sedation. The staff at Dental Anesthesia Center were kind, caring, and attentive. The phone questions were answered quickly and thoroughly. Scheduling issues were handled well. This is a highly professional group of people. I had a very good experience there and would recommend it to anyone needing IV sedation for dental care.
Trisha Freitag
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2013-07-15T17:12:14-05:00
Trisha Freitag
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5646
I have bad anxiety when visiting the dentist due to a bad experience on my part. However, coming here has changed all of that. This is a great office with a wonderful friendly staff and amazing dentist. I always feel comfortable and welcomed when I come to their office for an appointment.
Stacey
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-08-05T17:26:37-05:00
Stacey
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5661
Dr. Hoffman and his staff are amazing, friendly and caring. I have high anxiety and fear of dentists due to my past bad experiences, but the Dental Anesthesia Center made me feel at ease and comfortable. Had a lot of dental work done in one visit while sedated and recovered well. Now I have my smile back thanks to Dr. Hoffman and his team. If youre a person like me I definantly recommend you the Dental Anesthesia Center.
Lejla m
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-12-21T17:42:45-05:00
Lejla m
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5666
My 9yr old daughter was afraid of going to the dentist. I was referred to Dental Anesthesia and I must say, they were AWESOME!! Dr Sean Thoms along with the staff were wonderful. They explained everything they were going to do to my daughter and kept me well informed during her procedure. They allowed me to be by her side until she was sedated. They even called later in the day just to check on her. My daughter said they made her feel very comfortable and would want to return to this practice for future procedures.
Tonya Holmes
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-08-18T17:27:24-05:00
Tonya Holmes
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5662
This office was fantastic!
My 3 year old recently had to have dental work done and this office was fantastic! Dr. Hoffmann explained everything thoroughly and the assistants made sure this nervous momma was comfortable as well. They even called the next day to check on him! Everything went smoothly and perfectly. His teeth look awesome and better than I expected! I would definitely recommend these guys to anyone!" - via Facebook
Whitney M.
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-02T09:23:29-05:00
Whitney M.
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/this-office-was-fantastic
Dr. Thoms was very friendly
My son is 3, autistic non-verbal and has oral sensory issues. They were absolutely amazing with him and I would recommend them for anyone with a child with special needs. Dr. Thoms was very friendly and explained everything to us before during and after his procedure. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience!! Thank you!!
-- via Facebook
Christina C.
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-02T09:16:27-05:00
Christina C.
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/dr-thoms-was-very-friendly
I would absolutely really recommend this place to anyone. All of the nurses I came in contact with were really sweet and the dentist was really nice as well. I had some issues relaxing at first, but they were experts in trying an alternative and before I knew it, my appointment was over. I really wish I would have tried this place first and will definitely return.
Amy Comrey
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2016-01-14T17:16:47-05:00
Amy Comrey
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5651
Very professional and clean environment
Alen Hasanovic
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-08-28T17:27:56-05:00
Alen Hasanovic
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5663
5
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St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center