St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center

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Sedation Dentistry

Do You Have Difficulty Getting Numb at the Dentist?

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Whatever your situation or concern, we work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.

If you have difficulty getting numb for a dental procedure, you are not alone. We often encounter patients who have difficulty getting numb, and we are here to help. At our dental office, we want to ensure your comfort. Whatever your situation or concern, we work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.

Do not let a past unpleasant dental experience keep you from getting the dental care you need.

Why You Can’t Get Numb

There are a few reasons why a patient may have had a past experience of not being able to get numb. Some of the possibilities include:

  • Hot Tooth – A “hot tooth” is a term used to describe a painful tooth that can’t get numb. If you have a tooth that is in a lot of pain, your nerves can change. They can become overactive and may need more anesthetic to calm it down. Or, a painful tooth can develop additional pain receptors which can mean they need more numbing agents.
  • Movement during the injection – It is hard to get a shot because let’s face it, it isn’t very pleasant. But it is really important to stay as still as you possibly can when getting a shot for a dental treatment. If you squirm or jerk away, your dentist may miss the nerve which will require additional injections to get properly numb.
  • Missed the Nerve – While it would be nice to hit the bullseye 100% of the time, the truth is, it isn’t always humanly possible. Dentists are trained so well that they do hit the target a majority of the time. But if you didn’t get numb on your last visit, it was likely just bad luck, and you should give it another try.
  • Everyone is different – It’s similar to how some people react differently to certain medications. There are cases where a person’s body removes the numbing agent too quickly from their system, making the numbness wear off faster than anticipated.

If you have had trouble in the past getting numb, don’t give up. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we provide care to individuals who are severely anxious, have difficulty getting numb, have a severe gag reflex, have special needs, and patients who are unable to cooperate, such as young children.

Call Us Today

The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844

Providing Sedation Dentistry for Patients with Alzheimers and Dementia

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Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way for your loved one to receive the dental care they may not otherwise be able to get.

Going to the dentist can be both scary and painful for geriatric patients, especially when the patient has Alzheimer’s or dementia preventing their ability to understand or remember what is happening to them.

When an Alzheimer’s patient also has arthritis or fibromyalgia, it can be even more difficult for them to sit still in the dentist’s chair for long periods. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we offer oral sedation dentistry to make your loved one’s dental experience less stressful.

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia

To safely and effectively provide dental care to patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia, it is essential to understand what they are. The terms “Alzheimer’s” and “dementia” are often used as though they are the same thing. While they are related, there are notable differences between the two. Dementia is a broad term for a person’s changes in memory, reasoning, or thinking. There are several possible causes of dementia and Alzheimer’s is one.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other essential mental functions. It is the most common cause of dementia, making up 60% to 80% of all dementia cases. It is not a normal part of the aging process; instead, it is a brain disease and will progressively get worse.

Difficulty with Daily Oral Care

As a person with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia progresses, they may forget how to maintain their daily oral care routine. They may forget how to brush their teeth or forget why it’s important. During the early stages, it’s essential to focus on prevention. Getting checkups and brushing and flossing regularly can prevent the need for more extensive procedures later on.

Dental Sedation

Dental care for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia presents a challenge as these patients are typically unable to follow directions or cooperate with simple instructions. However, at The Dental Anesthesia Center, individuals with physical or mental disabilities can achieve complete dental care in a comfortable setting. Sedation dentistry provides a safe and effective way for special needs patients to receive the dental treatment they need. Patients can have a complete exam, full mouth series of x-rays, and thorough cleaning while under general anesthesia.

If you are a caretaker for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia, our experienced and compassionate dental team can help you get them the dental care they need. We work hard to make our patients feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.

Call Us Today

The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844

Can I Be Sedated for General Dental Work?

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Nearly 75% of adults in the U.S experience some sort of fear with regards to visiting the dentist. Of these, as many as 10% have an intense enough fear to be considered a dental phobia.

Many people have anxiety, even fear, over having dental work done. Something as routine as having their teeth cleaned can be a terrifying experience. A lot of people who have this phobia would prefer not to have any dental treatment done, but this can lead to many problems.

The frustrating thing about dental phobia is that people with these feelings have an awareness that their fear is irrational, but they cannot do much about it. If you feel this way, you are not alone. Nearly 75% of adults in the U.S experience some sort of fear with regards to visiting the dentist. Of these, as many as 10% have an intense enough fear to be considered a dental phobia.

If you avoid going to the dentist, sedation dentistry is an excellent way to take away a measure of your anxiety. Sedation is used for any type of dental treatment, from a simple tooth cleaning to invasive procedures.

Understanding Sedation Dentistry

To help patients relax during a dental procedure, sedation dentistry uses medications. It is sometimes referred to as sleep dentistry, although this can be misleading because, except for general anesthesia, patients are awake.

The different levels of sedation include:

  • Minimal sedation – The lightest level of sedation, you are awake but are relaxed.
  • Moderate sedation – You are still able to respond to questions.
  • Deep sedation – Using general anesthesia, you will have no memory of the procedure.

Types of Sedation Methods Used

There are several different types of sedation methods. The method used for a patient is determined on the patients:

  • Medical history
  • Current physical
  • Mental health

The different methods include:

  • Inhaled minimal sedation – For this method, nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, combined with oxygen through a mask, helps you relax.
  • Oral sedation – This method can range from minimal to moderate. For minimal sedation, you will be given a pill to take, usually about an hour before the procedure. It will make you drowsy, but you will still be awake. For moderate sedation, a larger dose may be given.
  • IV sedation – You receive the sedative drug through an IV, this method works more quickly, and it allows the dentist to adjust the level.
  • Deep sedation and general anesthesia – You will take medications that will make you either almost unconscious or totally unconscious.

When you come to The Dental Anesthesia Center for your appointment, Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms or Dr. Daugherty will decide which level is best for you.

Call Us Today

The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844

Don’t Let Dental Fear Keep You from Getting the Treatment You Need

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Modern and safe anesthesia techniques can allow you to have dental procedures done without the anxiety associated with dentistry.

It is estimated that between 9% and 20% of Americans avoid going to the dentist due to anxiety or fear. So if you fear going to the dentist, you are definitely not alone.

Sometimes the term dental phobia is used interchangeably with dental anxiety, but dental phobia is a more serious condition. People with dental phobia are terrified of going to the dentist. They typically understand that their fear is irrational, but it doesn’t help change the way the feel.

Whether it’s dental fear, anxiety, or phobia, patients with these feelings usually don’t go to the dentist until forced to do so because they are in extreme pain.

What Causes Phobia and Anxiety?

There are a number of reasons why a person may be nervous or scared of going to the dentist. Some of the most common reasons include:

  • Fear of pain: This is a very common reason. This fear generally stems from a dental experience that was painful or unpleasant, perhaps when the person was a child. Others may have heard dental “horror” stories from friends or family members. Fortunately, advances in dental procedures can make a person’s experience pain and anxiety free.
  • Fear of having an injection or fear that it won’t work: There are a lot of people who are actually terrified of needles. Others fear that the anesthesia won’t work or that it will wear off during a procedure.
  • Anesthetic side effects: Some patients are afraid of the potential side effects of anesthesia like feeling faint, dizziness, or nausea.
  • A feeling of helplessness or loss of control: It’s not uncommon for people to feel this way when sitting in the dentist chair. They fear it because their mouth is open and they can’t see what’s going on and they fear not being in control of the situation.
  • Embarrassment: Many people self-conscious about their teeth. When people put off going to the dentist and minor problems turn into major issues, it compounds the effect, making it even more difficult the longer they wait.

How Sedation Dentistry Can Help

Your oral health is so important and letting a minor problem turn into a more serious issue only makes the situation worse. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, modern and safe anesthesia techniques can allow you to have dental procedures accomplished without the anxiety associated with dentistry.

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St. Louis Dental Phobia Dentist

If you have not been to the dentist because you suffer from moderate to severe dental phobia, Dr. Michael J. Hoffmann, Dr. Sean M. Thoms, and Dr. Victoria Q. Daugherty are here to help you. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we value our patient relationships, making it our priority to deliver gentle dental care that you deserve. Call to schedule your appointment at (314) 862-7844.

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7 Dental Fads You Might Want to Avoid

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If you are looking for alternative solutions because of anxiety related to going to the dentist, consider sedation dentistry.

Being on the Internet can easily convince you that wonder products exist and they will change your life. Dental care is no exception. You might have already heard about some of the following practices that are supposed to keep your teeth healthy and beautiful with little cost and usually a little DIY effort.

Some people look for alternative dental solutions because they have anxiety or fear of going to the dentist. Unfortunately, if something seems too good to be true, it usually is. Many of these dental fads are not effective, or are even harmful for your teeth. In addition, relying solely on these techniques may lead to dental problems.

Oil Pulling

An ancient practice in terms of oral care is oil pulling. It involves swishing oil in your mouth for about 20 minutes. The oil is supposed to collect all the bacteria on your teeth and gums, making it easy for you to just flush it afterwards. While oil does remove some of the plaque on your teeth, relying only on oil pulling will eventually lead to gum disease and tooth decay.

Rinsing Your Teeth with Hydrogen Peroxide

In the search of the whitest smile, people try easy at-home remedies, like rinsing their teeth with hydrogen peroxide, a common ingredient in whitening products. This practice can be very harmful in the long-run, weakening the enamel.

Brushing Your Teeth with Activated Charcoal

Often seen on Instagram, this trick can be damaging for your teeth. Using activated charcoal for your teeth corrodes the enamel and will eventually leave your teeth vulnerable to cavities.

Wearing Tooth Grills and Gems

Grills will cause micro cracks and scratches on your teeth, and wearing gems can create breeding places for bacteria.

Using Coconut Oil to Treat Canker Sores

Canker sores can be very annoying, and coconut oil as a remedy seems quite harmless, but it doesn’t really make the healing process faster. If you have persistent sores in your mouth, see a dentist who can evaluate them.

Using Fluoride-Free Toothpaste

Anti-fluoride seems to be part of a wider trend that fights allopathic solutions, but fluoride, besides being present naturally in the environment (in low quantities), is also one of the best ways to prevent cavities.

Brushing Your Teeth with Lemon Juice and Baking Soda

Another dangerous habit is brushing your teeth with lemon, baking soda or a combination of the two. Lemon is highly acidic and baking soda very abrasive, so using the two will result in creating micro-scratches on your enamel, then attacking them with acid.

There’s nothing wrong with trying out some new things if you believe they are good for your health, but doing a little research on these subjects is enough to show you what’s truly effective and what’s only an internet fad.

If you were looking for alternative solutions because of anxiety related to going to the dentist, consider sedation dentistry – it is often the best solution to get the much needed dental treatment for patients who don’t like being in the dreaded chair.

5 Oral Drugs Commonly Used in Sedation Dentistry

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Oral sedatives that can keep the patient awake while still having the desired calming effect.

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Anxiety and fear of going to the dentist continues to persist despite the modern advances in dentistry. Therefore, the use of oral sedatives in sedation dentistry has established efficacy and safety for managing dental anxiety.

There are many types of sedation used in sedation dentistry, ranging from mild sedation administered through a breathing mask to general anesthesia administered intravenously. In between, you have a range of oral sedatives that can keep the patient awake while still having the desired calming effect.

If you are not sure what substances are used during sedation dentistry, here is a list of the most common oral drugs that a sedation dentist may prescribe for your dental treatment.

Midazolam (Versed)

Midazolam is the most commonly used drug in oral sedation dentistry, and it is considered very safe, inducing only a mild form of sedation. The only precaution needed when administering midazolam is to reschedule the patients who have respiratory infections on the day of the intervention, as this drug has a higher impact on the respiratory tract than on the circulatory system.

Diazepam (Valium)

One of the drugs almost everyone heard about is diazepam (Valium). It is used in a wide range of medical interventions, including as an oral sedative for dental surgery. The time it takes for diazepam to only remain in a 50% concentration in the patient’s system is longer than with other drugs, which makes it the choice preferred for long, complex dental operations.

Triazolam (Halcion)

For patients who have a hard time going to the dentist because of their associated anxiety, triazolam is often the doctor’s choice. Primarily a drug that fights insomnia, it has an effect on the patient’s anxiety level and helps them go through the procedure without remembering it afterward, which allows them to be unaffected by their dental anxiety and come back next time.

Lorazepam (Ativan)

Another benzodiazepine with amnesic properties, like Diazepam, lorazepam is very useful in patients with anxiety, allowing them to go through their dental treatment without the effects of their anxiety.

Hydroxyzine (Vistaril)

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that also acts on the patient’s anxiety levels. It is used short-term to treat anxiety or to help a patient feel sleepy or relaxed before a dental procedure.

As you can see, there are many drug options if your St. Louis sedation dentist recommends oral sedation for your dental procedure. Which drug will be chosen depends on how long it takes for the medicine to get out of your system, your allergies and sensitivities, and what is needed from the sedation itself.

St. Louis Sedation Dentistry

For more than 25 years, the Dental Anesthesia Center has combined sleep dentistry and cutting-edge technology to help patients overcome fear and health issues that have kept them from seeking dental care. We work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.

Click here to learn more Sedation Dentistry