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

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Sedation Dentistry

How Long Will the Effects of Novocaine Last?

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Novocaine is a local anesthetic that is generally used in dental treatments or small surgeries.

It is ideal for this type of procedures because it has a short-lived effect and can be concentrated in small areas. It’s effect will typically last between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on how the practitioner uses it.

dentist performing procedure

If you are about to have a procedure with Novocaine here is what to expect.

What is Novocaine?

Novocaine is a brand of the local anesthetic procaine, usually used for uncomplicated procedures. It numbs a small localized area, allowing the doctor to perform surgery.

The types of procedures that require the use of Novocaine vary from dental care to small surgery, such as dermatology, ophthalmology, etc. Your doctor will most probably administer this anesthetic when treating a cavity, removing a wart or collecting tissue for biopsy.

A Short History of Novocaine

Novocaine has revolutionized the medical world at the beginning of the 20th century, becoming the first synthetic local anesthetic to be used in the United States. It has allowed doctors to perfect their procedures and increase the quality of treatment received by the patients.

Novocaine replaced cocaine as the local anesthetic, and it had fewer side effects than the drug. In the last decade, with new synthetic anesthesia being introduced, Novocaine lost its popularity, but plenty of dentists and doctors continue to use it.

How Long Do the Effects of Novocaine Last?

If you are worried that Novocaine will not numb you throughout your procedure, it is important to note that while it might be the shortest acting local anesthetic nowadays, your dentist can make it to last longer by administering it together with epinephrine (adrenaline).

The dentist will increase the dosage if needed, or switch to a different drug in case Novocaine is no longer helping.

Novocaine by itself will typically last about 30 minutes while paired with epinephrine it can last up to 90 minutes. Its effects begin 9-10 minutes after being administered through an injection in the tissue.

What Factors Could Influence How Long Novocaine Lasts?

The main factor that dictates how long the drug’s effect will last is the dosage. Your sedation dentist will calculate it for the size of the area that needs to be numbed, how many nerves are present in that area and whether they will use epinephrine or not.

If the Novocaine injection doesn’t seem to work, the dosage will be increased, or the injection will be made in a different area. The doctor might also choose to use something else.

The bottom line is this: Novocaine is a widely used local anesthetic because it is generally stable and safe for patients. Its prolonged effects, when paired with epinephrine, allow it to be used for a broad range of treatments while having minimal side effects.

If you have additional question, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (314) 862-7844.

5 Dental Procedures That Generally Require Sedation

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Here are some of the most common dental procedures that may require dental sedation.

To this day, despite all the medical technology designed to make treatments less invasive, fear of the dentist remains among many people. Whether it’s a traumatic experience from childhood or an unrealistic and exaggerated portrayal of dentists in our culture, many people are fearful about going to the dentist.

sedated patient

As irrational as it may be at times, fear of the dentist can have many consequences on your oral health. Not going for your regular checkups might cause simple problems, such as plaque to take a turn for the worst, which may require complex and extensive procedures. It’s a vicious circle: you avoid seeing the dentist because you are afraid, but this exacerbated fear might be the thing that could affect your oral health and require multiple visits.

Sedating patients before procedures that involve pain or strange sensations could be a solution.

How Does Sedation Work?

Your St. Louis sedation dentist will use a drug or mix of drugs that allow you to remain conscious during the procedures but keeps you relaxed and calm so that you won’t get overwhelmed by stress and fear and interrupt the treatment. That allows the dental practitioner to treat you properly, even when it requires invasive procedures that take a lot of time to perform.

Make sure to talk with your sedation dentist and decide which anesthetic is best suited for your treatment and medical history.

Procedures That Generally Require Sedation

While sedation dentistry can make any fearful patient’s visit to the dentist better, it is generally recommended for invasive treatments. Procedures that take a long time and require the patient to be still are significantly shortened with the help of an anesthetic.

Here are some of the most common dental procedures that may require dental sedation.

Wisdom Tooth Removal

Because they erupt later in life and are often pushed in strange positions by the other teeth, wisdom teeth often need to be extracted. The removal can be quite difficult, especially when dealing with a “hidden” wisdom tooth, so the dentist might suggest sedation for a less traumatic treatment session.

Dental Implants

Losing your teeth can be a hard thing to cope with, whether it happens over a long time or is caused by an injury. Sedation can help a lot during the dental implant procedure, making it seem shorter and relaxing than it is.

Jaw Surgery

While it is definitely not a routine procedure, jaw surgery might be needed in some instances to treat various conditions, such as sleep apnea or a congenital jaw misalignment. Because it takes a long time to perform, it’s best to be done with sedation.

Bone Grafting

If your dentures don’t fit well enough, it will feel very uncomfortable or painful. Often, bone grafting is needed to align the dentures, and sedation greatly improves the comfort of the patient.

Emergency Dental Treatment

You are most likely still under shock or in a great amount of pain when receiving emergency dental treatment. Sedating will help you remain calm and still during the treatment.

As you can see, there are quite a few situations that may require sedation. It will help the dentist do his work uninterrupted, while the patient feels so relaxed that he often falls asleep during the treatment. Give us a call today at (314) 862-7844 and see if sedation dentistry is right for you!

Factors That Determine Which Type of Sedation You Receive

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The best way to determine which type of sedation dentistry is best for you or your loved one is to visit our office.

One of the issues that you might have with sedation dentistry is not knowing which type of sedation you will receive. Fortunately, there are a variety of guidelines that help make this decision, many of which are listed in the sections below. Of course, the best way to find out which type of sedation is best for you or your loved one is by talking to a sedation dentist in person.

Sedation Dentistry Level

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, when you come in for your initial consultation, Dr. Hoffmann, Dr.Thoms or Dr. Daugherty will decide which level is best for you.

Severity of Condition

Whether you have anxiety, low pain tolerance, or any other condition, your issue will fall on a spectrum. Relatively mild cases will require weaker sedatives, while more severe issues will call for stronger ones. As an example, you might treat a minor case of anxiety with a pill, rather than nitrous oxide or IV sedation. Having a disease that causes uncontrollable physical movement would likely require those stronger treatments.

Fear of Needles

People that have a deep fear of needles often cannot take IV sedation. In this case, they have two options. The first is using nitrous oxide instead. The second is utilizing nitrous oxide for initial sedation, then adding the IV in once they are partially unconscious.

Type of Treatment You’re Receiving

Another factor is what kind of treatment you’re receiving. As you might imagine, a quick dental cleaning might not call for strong sedatives. On the other hand, an extended procedure definitely would, even for people who do not have issues going to the dentist.

Each Patient is Different

There are different levels of sedation for each patient. The sedation method for an individual is determined on the patient’s medical history and current physical and mental health.

Individuals with anxieties, phobias, severe gag reflex, or difficulty getting numb are candidates for the center’s general anesthesia services. In addition, young children or individuals with physical or mental disabilities who are unable to cooperate for dental treatment can benefit from these services.

Sleep and Special Needs Dentistry

As you now know, the kind of sedative you will receive depends on a multitude of factors. They include the severity of your condition, fear of needles, what treatment you need, available equipment, personal preference, and your dentist’s preference. The good news is that you don’t have to go through the complicated process of choosing on your own.

Your initial oral examination includes a visual examination, charting, diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Call us today to schedule your appointment at (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you!

7 Oral Health Issues That Could Benefit from Sedation Dentistry

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Not only will regular dental visits protect you against oral health issues, they can help you resolve the many problems.

Many St. Louis residents have issues that keep them away from the dentist. Some of the most common of them include anxiety, low pain tolerance, and various diseases that cause involuntary movement. Unfortunately, many of them choose to forego oral treatment entirely and have trouble treating relatively straightforward conditions as a result. Here are seven oral health issues that you might use sedation dentistry to resolve.

st. louis man with sensitive teeth

Bad Breath

Many people with bad breath think that their condition is genetic. However, it may be coming from legitimate health issues like gum disease, cavities, and dry mouth. In fact, it is so common that it has its own medical name, which is halitosis. No matter what the root cause of your bad breath is, a sedation dentist can likely help you investigate.

Tooth Decay

The way tooth decay works is that sugars, acids, and other harmful foods stick to your teeth. If they are not cleaned off quickly, they begin to produce damaging bacteria. The result of this process is cavities, which are painful and expensive to replace. Regular dentist trips can help prevent decay and allow you to recognize it quickly if it starts to occur.

Gum Disease

Brushing and flossing every day is an excellent way to prevent gum disease, but even the most diligent people can end up being affected. In the worst cases, patients end up with severe health complications as a result. Fortunately, a dentist can inform you of your issues, recommend adjustments in your habits, and provide emergency care.

Tooth Erosion

Though similar to tooth decay, erosion is a bit different. The two ways in which it is are that it is less common and the structure of the tooth often fails as a result of it. Receding or cracking teeth is a severe issue and will need professional attention.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity in the teeth and gums is another condition that most people think is innate, but often is not. Instead, it is frequently the result of poor oral health habits or more significant dental issues.

Emergencies

If you have a dental emergency, like a cracked tooth, you will definitely want to see a dentist as soon as possible. Those that specialize in sedation can help you with managing your pain and negative emotions throughout the procedure.

Unattractive Smile

While this issue isn’t a pressing medical concern, an unattractive smile is often a source of insecurity. Not only can sedation dentists make your smile healthier, but many of them also offer whitening and other services that improve aesthetics.  

Whether you end up getting treatment from a sedation dentist is up to you. No matter what, you should at least consider this option. Not only will regular visits protect you against oral health issues, but they can help you resolve the many problems we have detailed on this list. This strategy can help you optimize your health and save money in the long term. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment :: (314) 862-7844

The Importance of an Initial Consultation For Sedation Dentistry Patients

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Depending on your circumstances you may need to reach a certain level of trust before you feel comfortable getting the treatment you need.

Those that have dental anxiety suffer in a variety of ways. While the most important of them is poor oral health, there is another factor that people rarely discuss. It is the negative emotion associated with attempting to go to the dentist and failing. The good news is, if you are a sufferer of anxiety or any other condition that keeps you away from the dentist, there is one crucial tactic you can use to make the process easier. It is setting up an initial consultation before you get any treatment. Below, we explain the advantages of doing so.

patient sedated at dentists office

Answering Your Questions

There is a good chance that you’ll have a few questions about sedation dentistry. Some typical examples include the process that each patient undergoes, what type of sedative the dentist will use, and if there are any side effects. The great thing about a consultation is that you do not have to jump right into the treatment without getting all of the information you need. Instead, you can ask every question that you have and get accurate, concise answers from your potential provider.

Dispelling Your Fears

In a similar vein, many people come into sedation dentistry with two fears. The first is with the treatment itself, which many patients find to be physically painful or anxiety-inducing. The second is regarding the sedation process, which often involves a partial loss of consciousness. Fortunately, you don’t have to dive right into these things, and can instead talk to a dentist about your fears first.

Establishing Trust

As effective as sedation is in quelling anxiety, there is another crucial factor that people don’t often talk about. It is having trust in your dentist. When you do, your mind will be at ease, as you know that your health is in good hands. If you don’t, you may or may not solve your anxiety issues. Getting to know a dentist before that person starts to treat you can go a long way in establishing trust.

Judging Chemistry

Not only will you allow you sedation dentist to treat you, but you’ll spend a considerable amount of time with that person. For this reason, you should make sure that you have enough chemistry to make your interactions enjoyable. If you don’t, you’ll be less likely to go to the dentist going forward.

Get Pricing Information

Lastly, you’ll want to understand how much you need to pay for your treatment. Simply asking your potential service provider for a price estimate will give you all of the information you need. From there, you can make an informed decision.

Whether you suffer from low pain tolerance, dental anxiety, or some other condition, sedation dentistry is an excellent option. Of course, depending on your circumstances you may need to reach a certain level of trust before you feel comfortable getting the treatment you need. The best way to reach that point is by setting up an initial consultation, which can help you get your questions answered, dispel your fears, and much more.

Give us a call today at (314) 862-7844 to set up and appointment!

Why Putting Off Going to the Dentist Will Cost You in the Long Run

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Those with dental anxiety and similar issues often choose to not go to the dentist at all.

Though they usually know that getting oral care is a smart idea, they decide to stay away. What frequently happens next is those people developing severe dental issues that require more cost and attention than regular maintenance would have. Here’s why employing this strategy will cost you in the long run.

ST. Louis man with toothache

Oral Health Maintenance

When you visit a dental office, the staff takes a look at your mouth and then goes to work. One of the crucial things they do is scrape plaque off of your teeth, but they conduct a variety of other maintenance tasks too. What these do is make your mouth healthier and more resistant to gum disease, tooth decay, and many other diseases. This treatment could save you from more pain and monetary costs later on.

Early Identification of Issues

One of the best things a dentist can do for you is to identify an issue that is developing. Whether that is a cavity coming in, sensitive gums, or any other complication, catching it right away is crucial. The reason is that you can then change your habits to stop the issue from becoming severe. Painful, expensive, and time-consuming treatments are the last thing you want, and getting a regular checkup can help you avoid them.

Dental Care Goes Beyond the Teeth and Gums

One thing that patients often don’t know about oral health is that it is linked to systemic issues like heart and lung disease. While the causal link between these problems is not apparent, the correlation between them is. Developing health complications in the heart or lungs can be disastrous, so you’ll want to do everything you can to avoid that.

Preventative Versus Reactive Care

What we’ve explained in the sections above actually has a financial concept behind it. It is the cost analysis between preventative and reactive care. The former refers to treatment you receive while healthy, and the latter describes care you get after you develop an issue. The preventative strategy comes out on top in every financial analysis out there.  

Long Visits and Procedures

The irony of people avoiding the dentist due to anxiety and other issues is that in the end, they often spend more time getting dental work than if they had gone to regular appointments. The reason is that severe complications take many hours of work to resolve, while cleanings and checkups are much quicker.

No matter how severe your issues are with going to the dentist, finding a way to make it happen will almost certainly be better for you. Not only will you have a healthier mouth, but you will likely save money and frustration in the long run. One way that people make dental visits easier is with dental sedation. In short, this process allows patients to be partially conscious and resistant to pain during their treatment. If you’re interested in this option, don’t hesitate to give our office a call and set up an appointment. Call (314) 862-7844.