Sedation Dentistry for Alzheimer’s & Dementia Patients

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.

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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.

Sedation dentistry for such patients helps prevent physical and emotional distress.

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The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry

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Whitney S.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about The Dental Anesthesia Center and Dr. Thoms. My 7-year-old, who has autism, recently had dental work done here and the experience exceeded expectations. The staff was incredibly kind, patient, and understanding of his needs. They took the time to make him and us feel comfortable, never rushed, and explained everything. I am so grateful for this office and the team that made my son's dental care possible. I would recommend The Dental Anesthesia Center and Dr Thoms to any parent, especially those with children who have special needs. They truly go above and beyond. ❤️

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words! We’re truly grateful for your trust in our team and Dr. Thoms. Knowing your visit was a positive and comfortable experience means the world to us — it’s exactly what we strive for with every patient and family. 💙

Joy H.

Very patient with elderly patients. Very good experience.

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your feedback! We’re pleased to know the visit was a positive experience.

Carla B.

My son has been a patient of Dr Michael Hoffman since he was 5 years old. He is now 21 years old. My son has diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and therefore I am cautious of who I select as a treatment provider. Dr. Hoffman’s office is professional, kind and I know they have his best interest at heart. I highly recommend Dr. Hoffman and staff to anyone seeking dental care.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We truly appreciate your trust in our team over the years.

Paul

Super experience. Gentle and empathetic. All round care is great. Staff are wonderful.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! We’re so glad you had a great experience with our team.

Nancy S.

We are forever grateful for Dr Hoffman and his wonderful staff for having the vision of how to get necessary dental work done for patients who are dealing with autism and cannot tolerate it without dental anesthesia. We have been taking our adult daughter there once a year for the last four years. Thanks to Dr Hoffman’s vast knowledge and expertise, our daughter has been able to get wisdom teeth removed, cavities filled, teeth cleaned and detailed X-rays to know exactly what needed done. The Dental Anesthesia Center is a great service to the community. Thank you so much for helping us.

Response from the owner:hank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words about our team! We truly appreciate your trust in us and are honored to provide care in a way that helps make dental treatment more comfortable and accessible for all patients. Your feedback means a great deal to our entire staff.

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.

There are a number of reasons why receiving dental care can be difficult for patients with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. During a dental procedure, patients with Alzheimer’s or Dementia can fade in and out of lucid moments and may become frightened or disoriented during their treatment. As a result, they may not be able to sit still and may make sudden movements that could cause injuries.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we offer both oral and IV sedation for patients who need dental treatment but have a difficult time cooperating. Sedation dentistry for these patients helps prevent physical and emotional distress.

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Dental Care in St. Louis

Alzheimer’s disease often poses unique challenges to maintaining dental health. As it progresses, a person may forget when and how to brush their teeth. This can jeopardize their oral health and also cause difficulties with chewing, digesting, and with getting the proper nutrition.

If you are a caretaker for a person with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, our experienced and compassionate dental team is able to 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.

Signs of Dental Problems with Alzheimer’s Patients

Those with Alzheimer’s often cannot communicate a dental problem. As their caretaker, it’s important to look out for behaviors that may indicate a problem. Some of the most common behaviors to watch for include:

• Refusal to eat hard or cold foods
• Not wanting to put dentures in
• Increased moaning, irritability, or shouting
• Unusual aggressive behavior
• Frequent pulling at the mouth or face

While these may be signs of other symptoms, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. But keeping in mind that these may be symptoms of dental problems might help in determining where their added pain or discomfort is coming from.

Alzheimer’s Dental Care Appointment

We welcome Alzheimer’s patients and all other special needs patients to The Dental Anesthesia Center. We are a state-of-the-art anesthesia and dental facility. Dr. Michael J. Hoffmann and Dr. Sean M. Thoms provide dental services accompanied by Deep Sedation and 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 our office today to schedule an appointment at (314) 862-7844.