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

Sedation Dentistry

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.

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 patient 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.

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St. Louis Sedation Dentistry: What Are the Effects of Laughing Gas?

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st. louis woman being sedated at dentist

Sedation dentistry is becoming more and more popular as people want to receive oral health treatment, but are still struggling with dental anxiety. Even if today’s dental offices are friendly and very customer-oriented, many individuals still experience fear when going to the dentist, which is often preventing them from getting the needed treatment.

Let’s talk more about sedation dentistry, laughing gas, the myths surrounding it and what to actually expect when you are going through sedation.

Who Is Sedation Dentistry Meant for?

As said before, sedation dentistry comes as an aid for people with anxiety to get the dental treatment they need, without experiencing a new emotional trauma. Sedation deals with the stress and anxiety felt by people when sitting in the dentist’s chair.

Other people who benefit from sedation dentistry are those who cannot sit still for long, like babies and toddlers or people with motory impediments. Patients who need extensive procedures might also benefit from sedation, as it makes the time go faster and keeps them calm the whole time.

Depending on how severe your anxiety is, how long the procedure is and what is the medical history of the patient, the doctor will recommend the proper level of sedation. For routine or simple procedures that don’t need much time, the dentist may prescribe laughing gas for sedation purposes.

What Is Laughing Gas?

Laughing gas is the common name of nitrous oxide, a gas that is used in dentistry to mildly sedate patients. It is administered through a breathing mask and it keeps the patient calm, even in a good mood, throughout the procedure.

Nitrous oxide works by triggering the production of dopamine in the brain, which makes you relaxed and euphoric. People will feel happy while under the laughing gas, which might get them to laugh if they are particularly giddy at that moment. But it’s not a general rule.

What Are the Effects of Laughing Gas?

Nitrous oxide will have an immediate effect on the patient, making him calm and euphoric, but conscious all the time. It may induce mild hallucinations and sound distortion, which can be entertaining for people under its effect. Unfortunately, it could also have a few side effects like headaches or dizziness, but all the effects of laughing gas will generally go away immediately after the procedure.

How Should You Prepare for a Procedure Under Inhalation Sedation?

Laughing gas induces mild sedation and its effect lasts for a very short time. It is recommended for a large group of patients, with minimal risks. It doesn’t need much preparation before the procedure, but it’s recommended that you don’t eat a large meal just before the dentist appointment. Speak with an experienced dentist about the benefits and risks of laughing gas.

Laughing gas may be depicted as a hilarious dentist prop, but it’s not always laughter-inducing. What it does give you is a calm feeling that will help the dentist treat you without causing too much discomfort.

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Stress-Free Dental Sedation for Children

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child with no cavities at dentist

Dental problems in children are a cause of concern for any parent. We want to give our little ones the best start in life, and good oral health education starts early on. However, with all our efforts to keep their teeth clean, they may still need a procedure done at the dentist.

So how will you make an infant, a toddler or a preschooler sit still in the dentist’s chair? The solution may be sedation dentistry, along with patiently educating them along the way about oral health.

No matter how well behaved our children are, or how much we insisted on preparing them gently for what’s about to come, some procedures are simply too lengthy or complex for children to be able to sit still during the whole thing. So what are the sedation options you have?

Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide)

Generally, the mildest type of sedation your kid can receive is laughing gas – nitrous oxide that is inhaled through a face mask. Its effect lasts shortly and it keeps the patient calm and in a good mood, but it only works well with cooperative patients. If your child is too young or too anxious to go through the procedure with only laughing gas, other options will likely be taken into consideration.

Oral Sedation

Taken in the form of a pill or a syrup before the procedure, oral sedation has longer effects than laughing gas, requires proper preparation hours before the procedure and it may have more side-effects and associated risks. The disadvantage of oral sedation is that the dose cannot be adjusted along the way.

IV Sedation

This is the most common type of sedation used in young children, as it has a stronger effect than the previous ones, keeping the child calm and still, and the dose can be adjusted along the way.

General Anesthesia

If your child is too anxious and cannot be treated while conscious, general sedation will be taken into consideration. The child will be asleep during the whole process and it might take hours before the effects of the sedative fade away. Special care is needed before and after general anesthesia.

Specific Risks of Sedation in Pediatric Dentistry

When it comes to children, you need specialized doctors who know how a child’s body reacts to certain medications. Extra precautions will be taken because of the tighter airwaves of a young patient and certain allergies and conditions that might affect the treatment.

If your child needs extensive dental treatment or they are so anxious that it’s impossible to keep them on the dentist’s chair, talk to your St. Louis pediatric dentist about sedation options and what you need to know about the one that fits your child’s case.

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

Call (314) 862-7844

How to Know When You’ve Found the Right Sedation Dentist

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sedation dentist in St. Louis

Sedation dentistry is very often used nowadays by patients who are struggling with anxiety, mobility issues or other conditions. This procedure allows them to receive dental treatment and be confident and relaxed when on the dentist’s chair.

If you are a good candidate for sedation dentistry, you are probably wondering how to find the best St. Louis sedation dentist to work with. To make your search easier, here are some tips on how to tell if your doctor is good for you or not

They Have the Proper Education Level

The level of education and qualifications necessary to perform certain sedation procedures depend on the type of sedation used. Many dentists are qualified to perform very light sedation, like laughing gas (nitrous oxide,) however not all dentists are qualified to administer oral or IV sedation. Every state has certain requirements about this, like the Dental Rule Book of Missouri published by the Missouri Dental Board.

They Are Up-to-Date with Present Day Techniques

Choosing a dentist or any doctor for that matter who trains and educates himself continuously is a very good decision. Asking about the latest education programs they attended should be met with confidence and excitement, as a good professional keeps up to date with the industry.

They Take Their Time to Learn about Your Medical Needs

An important part of a sedation procedure is the discussion that precedes it. Your doctor should take his time to ask you about your medical history, the medication you are on, possible allergies, and so on. Choosing the right kind of sedation for you will be based on your medical background.

They Inform You of Potential Side-Effects

No matter how mild sedation will be, it has potential side-effects. For example, laughing gas can give you headaches or nausea, although it is considered generally harmless. Your doctor should inform you about the associated risks of the sedation method you will be given.

They Make Sure You Get Clear Instructions Before the Procedure

Part of the preceding discussion about the procedure is the preparation you must do at home. A good doctor will make sure you understand each step of the preparation and verify your condition before giving you the sedatives.

The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri

Asking a few questions about your sedation dentist before you get through such a procedure will help you be more comfortable with it and get your treatment safely, from a trained professional. Give us a call today to learn more!

Call Us Today

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

Call (314) 862-7844

How Dental Sedation Can Help Patients With Special Needs

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Dental Sealants St. Louis

Dental patients with special needs face different challenges when going to the doctor, and dental care is no exception. Disability implies mental or physical impairment that limits the patient’s abilities or actions. As such, doctors have to try different approaches to be able to treat the patient.

Dentistry is notoriously dreaded by patients, and dental anxiety is incredibly common, even in modern times, when we see unprecedented care for the patient’s comfort. For a patient with special needs, a visit to the dentist’s office can be more intimidating, as they face their own barriers as well.

When it comes to special needs patients and their caregivers, dentistry should have a different approach than with other categories of patients, and dentists are generally equipped to see special needs patients. However, they can also recommend a special needs dentist in case the patient’s treatment needs highly specialized attention.

Challenges Faced by Special Needs Patients

Depending on the impairment they have, special needs patients can face many types of challenges when going to the dentist.

  • Language barriers
  • Vision or hearing problems
  • Psychosocial challenges: increased anxiety, poor oral health education
  • Limited movement: they might need a wheelchair, or they might not be able to sustain a certain position for a long time
  • Needing more time to adjust to the environment, the staff and the dental procedures

Solutions in Dentistry for Special Needs Patients

If they decide to see a general dentist, then special needs patients or their caregivers should inform the doctor beforehand of the impairment, so that the staff can prepare best for the visit. Usually, there will be a longer period of time dedicated to the appointment, additional staff might be present, and anything that might be necessary to make the procedure possible.

One of the most helpful solutions for special needs patients is to use sedation during dental procedures. Destined for patients with dentist related anxiety or the particular group of patients who we are talking about, sedation helps them keep calm and remain still during the procedure

Doctors can choose from different types of sedation, from the mildest to general anesthesia, depending on the impairment and the length and complexity of the procedure.

No matter the solution your St. Louis sedation dentist will use, it is the doctor’s duty to respect any patient’s dignity and right to get treatment or inform them about the practical limitations of his professional training or cabinet equipment.

If you are a special needs patient or a caregiver to one, please get information about sedation dentistry and other solutions. Oral health should be accessible to everybody. Neglecting it can and will lead to more problems in the future. Talk to your St. Louis sedation dentist about it and see what course of action meets your needs best.

Call Us Today

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

Call (314) 862-7844