We feel it is of the utmost importance that your loved one with Down Syndrome feels comfortable without fear or anxiety so that the dental visit goes as smoothly as it possibly can.
I had an excellent experience with Dr. Behl and her entire team during my wisdom tooth extraction. I chose IV sedation, and it made all the difference. I was awake and aware throughout the procedure, but I felt completely relaxed and never experienced the panic or anxiety I usually have at the dentist.
Dr. Behl and her staff were compassionate, professional, and attentive from start to finish, making sure I was comfortable every step of the way. If you have dental anxiety or avoid going to the dentist because of fear, I highly recommend Dr. Behl and her team. They provided exceptional care and made what I expected to be a stressful experience surprisingly calm and comfortable.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review and kind words! We’re honored by your recommendation and are so glad you had a positive experience with our team. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback!
All of the staff have been extremely incredible. Dr. Thoms was amazing & really helped calm me before my procedure. Dr. Thoms answered any & all questions I have had & was extremely understanding when it comes to having dental anxiety. Robyn was the best X-ray technician I have ever had. She felt personable but still extremely professional. Throughout my life I have been to numerous dentists in hopes of finding one that will take my extreme dental anxiety seriously & not make me feel bad for it. I have finally found my favorite dentist. The Dental Anesthesia Center is my #1 pick if I had to chose any dentist.
Response from the owner:Thanks for your kind words and for sharing your experience. We’re grateful for your trust in our team and are pleased to hear you felt supported and comfortable throughout your visit. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to continuing to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
Hands down the best dental office in the area! They have always taken care of me and been very accommodating. The Doctors are the BEST!!! I would HIGHLY recommend this office if you are looking for a dentist! 5+ stars all around.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review and recommendation! We’re grateful for your kind words and are thrilled to hear that our team has provided a positive experience. We appreciate your support and look forward to serving our community with exceptional care.
I started seeing this practice as a scared middle age woman that thought she was quickly on the way to being toothless. Years later now, still working with the amazing Dr Behl and her amazing staff, I have been able to continue with my present teeth. Alway kind, full of grace, mercy and humor!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review. We’re honored to be part of your dental journey and appreciate your kind words about Dr. Behl and our team.
We have been taking our son to Dental Anesthesia since 2019. He gets his dental treatment and blood work done at the same time. We find the staff and Dr. Thoms highly professional. They communicate well and provide excellent treatment/services. Getting blood work done during sedation helps us a lot.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your experience. We’re honored to be part of your family’s care. We appreciate your trust in us.
Patients with Down Syndrome frequently need specialized care for their unique dental needs. One reason is due to their higher risk of developing cavities and gum disease. They can also have orofacial and skeletal development problems, which can negatively impact their oral health. It is essential to find the right dentist so that your child or family member receives the best dental care possible.
At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we feel it is of the utmost importance that your loved one with Down Syndrome feels comfortable without fear or anxiety so that the dental visit goes as smoothly as it possibly can.
Unique Dental Needs
Each patient is different, and therefore, the degree of difficulty varies from person to person. People with Down Syndrome generally need specialized dental care for many different reasons. Some of the most common oral health factors to consider include:
Delayed eruption of baby teeth
Crossbites – where the top teeth lie inside the bottom teeth
Open bites – where the top and bottom teeth do not touch
Crowed, missing, or extra teeth
Decreased crown to root ratio
Impacted canine teeth
Higher risk of cavities and gum disease
Bruxism – grinding or clenching the teeth
Tongue thrust and mouth breathing
Unique Health Needs
In addition to the oral health factors patients with Down Syndrome face, they also often have complex health factors that must be considered. This is yet another reason why it is important to find a dentist who understands all the potential issues a patient with Down Syndrome may face.
Some additional potential disorders and concerns include:
Cardiac defects
Epilepsy
The fragility of the cervical vertebrae
Compromised immune system
Diabetes
Sleep apnea
Hearing loss
Vission problems
Increased risk of leukemia
Hypothyroidism
Sedation And Patients With Down Syndrome
Many patients benefit from sedation when they visit the dentist. If a patient cannot properly cooperate with a dentist during their appointments, sedation can sometimes be necessary to get the work done.
This is why many patients opt for sedation dentistry, which is exactly what we offer here at The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis. For patients who have Down Syndrome, sedation dentistry is not uncommon at all. In fact, sedation dentistry, or sleep dentistry, is one of the most utilized methods to keep patients calm and relaxed during their trips to the dentist. There are many different sedation levels as well, which range from mild sedation to where the patient is still awake and conscious to heavy sedation, where a patient is completely asleep.
Of course, there aren’t many people who enjoy having someone poke around in their mouths with various tools, and for someone who suffers from serious sensory problems, such as a person with Down Syndrome, sedation can be the best option. Sedation is essential if the patient is in for extensive dental work, such as major surgery, to stay completely still throughout a long procedure.
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The first two board-certified Dentist Anesthesiologists in the state of Missouri.
