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

Sedation Dentistry

Don’t Put Off Dental Procedures – Choose Dental Sedation Instead

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Inflammation in your mouth may raise your risk of developing cancer.

Sedation Dentistry in St Louis

Medical experts are just starting to realize that chronic inflammation is tied to an increased risk of cancer. That is true of oral inflammation too.

According to a study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, women who suffer from gum disease are as much as 14% more likely to develop cancer than if they have healthy gums and teeth. The link is strongest for esophageal cancer, but there is an association between several types of cancer and oral inflammation. Additional risks that were identified as linking gum disease or inflammation are breast, skin, and gallbladder cancers.

That means if you are avoiding the dentist because you are concerned about pain or going through a procedure, you might want to consider sedation dentistry to make things go more smoothly, instead of possibly jeopardizing your health and lifespan by staying away from the dentist.

Increased Health Risks

According to the study mentioned above, over 66,000 postmenopausal women from ages 54-86 were examined. After following them for eight years, the study compared their rate of periodontal disease and tooth loss with their risk and rate of cancer.

When gum disease is in the early stages, it produces a bacteria that forms on the exterior of the teeth which is called gingivitis. Gingivitis makes the gums chronically swollen and causes plaque to form. If the plaque is not cleaned away, it can lead to periodontal disease. If left unchecked, the chronic inflammation associated with periodontal disease can start to form pockets of bacteria and food, which further exacerbates inflammation. The body’s immune system reacts by causing chronic inflammation, which can lead to tooth damage and tooth loss.

When the 66,000 women were followed, researchers found that of those who were evaluated, 7,100 participants developed cancer. Those who had a history of periodontal disease, on average, were over three times more likely to be diagnosed with esophageal cancer, and twice as likely to develop gallbladder disease, than those women who did not have periodontal disease leading to chronic inflammation.

Although there are additional factors – like some women who developed periodontal disease did so because they also either drank alcohol or smoked cigarettes – when you take those contributions away, the women in this study showed a 12% increase in the risk of developing cancer after being diagnosed with periodontal disease.

Develop Good Oral Habits

There are also studies that indicate that your oral health is related to other chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other major health conditions. It isn’t clear whether the association is clear causation, if the conditions are enhanced when you don’t take care of your oral health, or if it is just inflammation of the mouth alone that determines your risk.

What is clear is that oral health is a good indicator of your overall health, not just an addition to it. If you want to help your risk for chronic disease and illness, then a good place to start is to develop good oral habits and to see your dentist on a regular basis to ensure that you are on the right course for a healthy future. If the fear of pain is holding you back, discuss options of dental sedation with your dentist to calm your anxiety and ensure that your oral health doesn’t suffer.

Schedule Your Appointment

Is a dental phobia keeping you away from the dentist? If you have not been to the dentist because you suffer from moderate to severe dental phobia, we are here to help you! The Dental Anesthesia Center is a state-of-the-art dental facility for patients who require general anesthesia, deep sedation, or oral sedation for their dental care. The sedation method for an individual is determined on the patient’s medical history and current physical and mental health.

Call us today to schedule your appointment at (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you!

FAQ: Is Novocaine Safe?

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Our dentists are the only two Dental Anesthesiologist board certified in Deep Sedation in the state of Missouri.

Dental Anesthesia St Louis

If your child needs to have a dental procedure done, the objective is to minimize both the hurt and the trauma that can be associated with dental treatments. If dentist visits go smoothly early on in their lives, they are much more likely to develop good oral habits well into adulthood. One frequently asked question is whether or not to use Novocaine to numb the mouth before dental sedation.

While it’s usually a very safe product, there are times when children can have reactions and side effects of using Novocaine. Knowing what they are and what to look for is very important. Typically, the side effects aren’t serious, but rather something just to keep an eye on.

Allergies

There are instances when children are allergic to Novocaine, and the allergy can range from mild irritation to severe. If your dentist is going to use Novocaine, let them know if your child has had it before. That way they know what to watch for. If they have used it in the past without any problems, there is very minimal risk that they are allergic.

Central Nervous System Reactions

There are sometimes issues when Novocaine interferes with the functioning of someone’s central nervous system. It is important for your dentist to know the full history of your child’s medical conditions and to single out if they have any chronic issues that can interfere with Novocaine use. If they take any medications regularly, that is also something that the dentist will want to know.

Novocaine or Oral Sedation?

In most instances, Novocaine is an easy fix that helps to eliminate the potential for discomfort and pain. If your child has any pre-existing conditions, however, then Novocaine might not be a good idea. Also, if the treatment is extensive, then you might want to consider another course like oral sedation.

There are a number of ways to sedate your child which come with very little risk and may be better overall if the dental procedure is more involved. The best way to decide what is right for your child is to discuss all the options available with your dental provider. They will be able to provide you with the pros and cons associated with using various things from Novocaine to oral sedation.

Novocaine is a great thing for minor dental procedures, as long as your child doesn’t have any reactions to it. To minimize the potential for side effects, talk with your dentist, bring in a copy of any medical history that might be of concern, and know exactly what types of medications your child is currently on. If your child does react to Novocaine, it is important to put it in their medical files going forward.

St. Louis Sedation Dentistry

Your initial oral examination at The Dental Anesthesia Center includes a visual examination, charting, diagnosis and treatment recommendations. We will also take x-rays, which includes the panoramic x-ray for proper diagnosis of the anterior (front) and posterior (back) teeth as well as the bite-wing x-ray series for proper diagnosis of proximal decay of posterior teeth.

Call us today to schedule your appointment at (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you!

The Four Advantages of Using Sedation Dentistry

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We work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.

Sedation Dentist in St Louis

If you or your child are having a dental procedure done, you might be considering whether sedation dentistry options are a good idea. For some procedures, there are a number of advantages to choosing dental sedation. It’s a combination of what you are comfortable with and what your dentist has to offer.

The Dental Anesthesia Center is a state-of-the-art dental facility for patients who require general anesthesia, deep sedation, or oral sedation for their dental care. Young children unable to cooperate and individuals with mental or physical disabilities can benefit from these services.

There are four major advantages to using dental sedation. In these instances, any risks are far outweighed by the benefits gained.

  1. Doing away with fear and anxiety – Whether it is because you have had a bad experience in the past or your child is just fearful of the unknown, dental sedation is an excellent way to “take the edge off” and to reduce the fear and anxiety that some people feel when going to the dentist. Using the minimum sedation possible, sometimes not having to feel uneasy or uncomfortable is well worth it, and typically comes without any risks or side effects.
  2. The ease of the procedure or treatment – There are some procedures that are just more uncomfortable than others, and some people who are highly sensitive. If you have a bad gag reflex or sensitive teeth, then sedation dentistry is an excellent way to take away any pain and discomfort that you might have. Making procedures go more smoothly and sometimes more quickly, sedation is a good idea to prevent things from going wrong or experiencing unnecessary pain.
  3. Being able to rest – Sometimes sitting still in a dentist chair isn’t just difficult for children, but adults too. If you have to spend a lot of time in the dental office, you might as well sit back, relax, and get a little rest. For procedures that take a lot of time, it is an excellent alternative to get kids to sit still and not get antsy.
  4. For patients with mental or physical disabilities – Young children or individuals with physical or mental disabilities who are unable to cooperate for dental treatment can benefit from these services.

St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry

Your initial oral examination includes a visual examination, charting, diagnosis and treatment recommendations. We will also take x-rays, which includes the panoramic x-ray for proper diagnosis of the anterior (front) and posterior (back) teeth as well as the bite-wing x-ray series for proper diagnosis of proximal decay of posterior teeth.

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. We will discuss these options during your visit.

Call us today to schedule your appointment at (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you!

How to Prepare Your Child for Dental Sedation and What to Expect

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We work hard to make your child feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.

Sleep Dentistry in St Louis

There are times when IV sedation might be warranted for your child’s dental treatment. This isn’t just scary for you; it can also be something that can cause a whole lot of anxiety for your child. To minimize the concern you both feel, there are ways you can prepare yourself and your child for what will happen the day of the procedure. The more educated and aware you both are, the better the chances you will both make it through the procedure with limited anxiety.

Preparing Your Child for Sedation Dentistry

There are few risks involved when your child goes under sedation dentistry, which makes it imperative that you follow the preparation instructions very carefully. Make sure not just to talk to them about what will happen, but also follow the right steps the night before to make things go as well as possible.

The night before the procedure, your child will need to fast, which is medically called “being NOP.” If you don’t follow the instructions as outlined, then you can run the risk of having the procedure canceled.

  • The morning before the procedure or treatment your child will need to have the nasal decongestant Afrin sprayed into each nostril. The active ingredient is oxymetazoline. It helps to clear the nasal passages and will allow your child to breathe easier.
  • Do not give your child any milk or food after midnight the night before the procedure is scheduled. If you have an older child who is capable of getting up in the middle of the night to get themselves something to eat or drink, you have to explain to them that they must not have anything to eat and be diligent to ensure that they follow your instructions.
  • From midnight until two hours before the procedure, your child is allowed to have water, clear juice, or Pedialyte. Make sure that whatever they drink has no pulp, is not a sports drink with sugar like Gatorade, and that it has nothing with either dairy in it or fruit particles.
  • Administer the required dose of Tylenol one to two hours before you arrive at your scheduled appointment.
  • If your child takes regular medications, then they may take them with water up to two hours before their appointment is scheduled. Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications or any nonsteroidal medications within two days before the scheduled appointment. You can give Tylenol, but do not give any products containing aspirin like Motrin or Advil.
  • If your child uses a nebulizer or breathing treatments, begin giving them regularly twice a day two days prior to the procedure. Do so even if they are not symptomatic.
  • Bring an item that they find comfort in, like a stuffed animal or blanket.
  • If they wear a diaper or pull-up at night, they may wear them to the procedure to prevent accidents.
  • Always have two adults there to help drive home so that one can sit with the child and monitor them on the way home.
  • If your child is running a fever or has any signs of a cold or illness, reschedule the appointment for another time.

IV sedation can seem scary for both you and your child. The more you understand how it works and prepare for your scheduled appointment, the more assured you will be that things will go as smoothly as possible and that everyone will be okay.

Dental Sleep St. Louis

When you and your child come in for your appointment, Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms, or Dr. Daugherty will decide which option is the best for your child depending on their anxiety level and cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns prior to your child’s appointment, please call us (314) 862-7844.

We work hard to make your child feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.

What Are the Different Dental Sedation Options?

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Many sedation options exist to make dental work pain and anxiety free.

Sedation Dentistry St Louis

Many people cringe at the mere thought of having dental work done. The good news is that if you do have to have treatment, it doesn’t have to be a traumatic and painful experience. There are ways to minimize the pain, and you can sit back and relax in the chair while your teeth are being repaired.

Many sedation options exist to make dental work pain and anxiety free. The key is to know what your options are and to choose which one is right for your procedure and your comfort level.

Dental Sedation Options

When dentists use sedation to help curb pain and anxiety during dental treatments, they use medications that allow their patients to relax. While it’s commonly referred to as “sleep dentistry,” in most instances it doesn’t actually put the client to sleep; generally, the patient is completely awake. The only time that a patient is put to sleep is if they decide to use general anesthesia. There are four different levels of dental sedation: minimal, moderate or conscious sedation, deep sedation, and general anesthesia.

Inhaled Sedation

The minimum level of dental sedation is breathing in nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas.” Nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen, and it flows through a mask that is placed over the patient’s mouth and nose. The dentist controls the amount of gas that the patient receives, and you are typically able to drive yourself home after the procedure is over.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation can be either minimal or moderate. Patients who use oral sedation take a pill. The most common type of medication is Halcion, which is taken before the procedure. The medication makes the patient drowsy, but they are still awake. For more moderate sedation, the dose may be increased. It is usually enough to allow patients to sleep through the procedure, but will still be alert enough to awaken with a little nudge.

IV Moderate Sedation

IV moderate sedation is given via IV and goes directly into the vein. It takes effect more rapidly, and the dentist is able to adjust the level and the amount of sedation.

General Anesthesia and Deep Sedation

For heavy sedation, anesthesia makes the patient completely unconscious. The patient will not be capable of waking up during the procedure. The medicine has to either wear off on its own, or other medication needs to be administered to reverse the effects of the sedation.

The good news is that if you are having a dental procedure, you don’t have to suffer. Depending on what you are having done, the right sedation method can allow you to sit back and relax. Your dentist can discuss the pros and cons of sedation and help you come up with an effective sedation method with minimal side effects and maximum comfort.

St. Louis Sleep Sedation Dentistry

We are the Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area. Call us today to schedule your appointment at (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you!

Prevention is Key – St. Louis Sedation Dentistry

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Taking your child to the dentist to have regular cleanings is part of cavity prevention.

pediatric dentist st. louis

Tooth decay and cavities can deprive a child of a healthy smile. So it is important to take special care of your child’s teeth. According to available figures, 23% of the children in the age group of 2 – 5 years have tooth decay.

While prevention is key, cavities may still form. However, children have dental anxiety just like many adults do. Some children who are experiencing anxiety and are unable to cooperate for needed dental treatment can benefit from anesthesia services.

Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Decay

There are a number of signs and symptoms of tooth decay that you can look for. Some of these include:

  • A toothache is the most common sign of tooth decay.
  • The person experiences tooth sensitivity.
  • There is a pain in the teeth when hot or cold beverages or food is consumed.
  • Hollow openings can be seen in the teeth.
  • There are brown, white or black stains on the surface of a tooth.

What Is a Cavity

A cavity is a permanently damaged area in the hard surface of the tooth which develops into a tiny opening or hole. It is caused by bacteria present in the mouth. Eating snacks frequently, drinking sugary beverages and not cleaning the teeth properly can lead to the formation of a cavity.

The cavity-causing bacteria consume simple sugars and convert them into plaque. This is a sticky film which produces acids. These acids can harm the tooth enamel and infect the gums which support the teeth.

Cavities in Primary Teeth

Primary teeth are temporary but they play a very significant role in the dental development of the child. They provide a structural base for the shape of the child’s mouth. Baby teeth enable the child to eat and chew his food comfortably. They help him in speaking. Above all, they act as placeholders for future teeth. The alignment of the next set depends on them. Therefore, they should be looked after properly.

If your child’s baby tooth has a cavity, it is important to get it filled by a dentist so that the infection does not spread to the other teeth.

Cavities in Permanent Teeth

It is necessary to use preventative measures to stop the formation of cavities when the child gets his permanent teeth. This is the final set of teeth. So extra care has to be taken to make them healthy, strong and long-lasting.

If there is a minor tooth decay a filling may suffice. But if it is spread over a larger area a dental restoration like a crown may be the best option. This will give a boost to the tooth and increase its lifespan.

Ways to Prevent Cavities

It is possible to prevent the formation of cavities. In order to maintain your child’s healthy smile for a lifetime follow these tips:

  • Use a fluoride toothpaste and brush his teeth at least twice every day.
  • Remove the plaque between the teeth and under the gum line by flossing daily.
  • Avoid sugary and starchy foods
  • Make sure his toothpaste and other dental products contain fluoride.
  • Ask him to drink plenty of water.
  • Use dental sealants.
  • Take him to the dentist regularly.

St. Louis General Dentistry

Your child’s initial oral examination will include a visual examination, charting, diagnosis and treatment recommendations. We work hard to make your child feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere. Depending on your child’s circumstances, we will discuss if sedation or anesthesia is right for your child.

Call us today to schedule your appointment at (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you!