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.
Yes, my grandson has nonverbal autism and they took very good care of him.. He had to have some extra extractions which I was concerned about, but everything went very well. Very happy and I thank you all for all the work you did.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words. We’re so glad to hear you had a positive experience and that everything went smoothly. We truly appreciate your trust in us.
I took my son to an appointment today with Dr. Hoffman. We had a great experience from the time we arrived until we departed. The receptionist was very friendly and helpful. The dental assistants were very helpful and polite with my son. The doctor is very kind and patient. They explain everything as we went through the process. We were aware of the cost from the beginning to the end and we're allowed to make decisions about how to handle my child's care and not shocked with additional charges after the fact. My child does not resist going to this office. Great experience.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear your experience was positive from start to finish. Our team works hard to create a comfortable, transparent, and supportive environment for every patient and family. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback!
Dr. Thoms and everyone of his staff members are incredible. I was warmly welcomed and made to feel comfortable and relaxed. Which is saying something as I had not been to the dentist in years due to fear/anxiety. My procedure was clearly explained. The office staff was beyond helpful with payment and insurance. The day of my appt was exactly as planned. We started ahead of schedule! The technicians and assistants were clearly skilled and again, helped ease my nervousness. We finished all work as planned. And then Dr. Thoms sat with me and my husband to discuss “everything.” He is very thorough. And finally one of his staff wheeled me down to the elevator, out across the parking lot, and helped me into my van. Now that is service! Around 8:30 p.m. my cell phone rang and it was Dr. Thoms calling to check up on me. Wow!!!!! This man has all you could want in a dentist—kind, compassionate, thorough, understanding, excellent communicator, and skilled. I cannot come up with the best words to so highly recommend the Dental Anesthesia Center. It was a remarkable, yet simple, but thorough experience for me. If you are putting off going to the dentist and have anxiety or fears please call them. They will gently and competently take care of you. And no, this is not an advertisement/ commercial—I am a real live (satisfied) patient.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We’re honored to hear that you felt welcomed, comfortable, and well cared for throughout your experience. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, thorough care—especially for those who may feel anxious about dental visits—so it means a lot to know that came through. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are grateful you chose us for your care.
The practice is top notch. Could not ask for better care.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re grateful for your feedback and are proud to provide high-quality care in a supportive environment.
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.
