The Dental Anesthesia Center is available for non-emergent anesthesia and dental procedures. We have always made patient safety our number one priority. Due to the seriousness of the COVID-19 virus, several new systems have been put in place to ensure your safety that include having multiple air purification systems installed throughout the office and new social distancing guidelines for our waiting areas. We look forward to seeing you at your next dental visit and appreciate your patience during this time. To read our full COVID-19 Guidelines, please click HERE.

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

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pediatric dentist

Sedation or Laughing Gas: What Should You Choose For Your Child?

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It’s incredibly important for parents to report a detailed health history of the child to the dentist. This way, the dentist can propose the type of sedation that’s best suited for the child.

If you have a child in need of some dental work, then the question of laughing gas or sedation may be brought up by your dentist. The goal here is to ensure your child is getting the safest and best treatment.

There are actually many different types of sedation available for such procedures when the patient is a child.

Types of Sedation and Anesthesia Used for Children

There are usually 4 types of sedation here:

  • Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is the least invasive and considered a mild sedative. Children breathe this with a bit of oxygen, and while they remain awake during the procedure, they will be more relaxed.
  • Mild to moderate sedation – the child is given a certain medication (or a combination of). This is usually common in older children. The effects are a calm and awake child who can still respond and do what the dentist says.
  • Deep sedation – this is done through an IV, and the child will sleep throughout the entire procedure. In this case, there will be another independent observer in the room to monitor the child until the procedure is done, and they can wake up.
  • General anesthesia – here, the child is completely asleep. The procedure is only done by those trained to use anesthesia, and like in the case of deep sedation, the child is monitored by an independent observer.

How Safe Are These Options?

Laughing gas is, by far, one of the safest options when it comes to sedation. But even this isn’t without its potential side effects such as:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue

These are generally short-term effects that go away once the sedative wears off.

However, there may be procedures in which the child must remain completely still, in which case neither laughing gas nor mild/moderate sedation would be enough.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry provides stringent guidelines for dentists and oral surgeons to follow in the case of deep sedation or general anesthesia. This is why deep sedation and general anesthesia require another person in the room to monitor the child throughout the entire procedure.

Every type of anesthesia comes with certain risks and side effects, which is why it’s incredibly important for parents to report a detailed health history of the child to the dentist. This way, the dentist can propose the type of sedation that’s best suited for the child.

St. Louis Sedation Dentistry

When you come in for your appointment Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms, or Dr. Daugherty will decide which level is best for your child. We look forward to meeting you. Call us at (314) 862-7844, and one of our friendly team members will be happy to speak with you.

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 to Prepare Your Child For Their First Visit at The Dentist

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The Dental Anesthesia Center has created a friendly and colorful environment for your child to ensure that the first visit isn’t scary!

Worrying about your child’s first visit to the dentist is perfectly natural. After all, many adults still feel anxious when going to the dentist, especially because they fear the procedures’ potential pain. So it’s not uncommon for parents to worry about their child’s first dental appointment. But, you should know that planning for it is far more simple than you’d think.

A Few Suggestions that Will Definitely Help!

Many pediatric dentists recommend scheduling an appointment within the first 6 months after the first tooth appeared and no later than a year. But even if your child is older than this, don’t worry, and definitely don’t feel ashamed. Please schedule an appointment and let the dentist know your child’s first visit to the dentist.

Before that appointment takes places, here are some steps you can follow to ensure everything runs smoothly:

  1. Go for a Tour of the Office – The dentist’s office can be a scary place even for adults. You want to go with a dentist that has created an environment that is appealing to children and can make them feel more comfortable from the moment they step in. To help them ease in, you can book a tour of the office before the child’s dental appointment to become more comfortable with the environment and even the team.
  2. Show Them Content About Going to the Dentist – Children learn a lot from books or cartoons, so a good way to present to them the dentist’s office’s world is to expose them to this type of material before their appointment. This way, you can also answer any questions they may have about the process if they’re older.
  3. Bring Something to Comfort Them – The parents can, of course, sit in with the child during their dental appointment, but having mommy or daddy there may not be enough to relax the child. Consider bringing something extra that could bring them comfort, such as their favorite toy or a blanket they really love.
  4. Promise a Reward – Children can respond better during the dental appointment if they know that afterward, they are in for a treat, like ice cream or a trip to the zoo right after the appointment is over. This also helps clarify that going to the dentist is not a punishment!

The Dental Anesthesia Center has created a friendly and colorful environment for your child to ensure that the first visit isn’t scary!

Call Us Today

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

Call (314) 862-7844

Your Child is Afraid of Going to the Dentist – How to Ease Their Fear

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Our pediatric dental anesthesia specialists have advanced training that allows them to interact positively with children who have anxiety and special needs.

Going to the dentist is an essential part of keeping your kid’s mouth healthy. However, it generally doesn’t rank high on the list of things your child, or you as a parent, want to do. For some children, they truly fear going to the dentist. They may experience anxiety just at the thought of sitting in the dentist’s chair.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we understand that fear and anxiety are real feelings that can be difficult to control, especially for a child. We strive to make your child’s dental experience comfortable and positive. Yet, there are several things you as a parent can do to help ease their fear.

Ways to Ease their Fears

To help your child’s visit to the dentist go more smoothly, try these suggestions:

  • When talking about the dentist, avoid using words such as shot, hurt, or painful.
  • Tell your child about the upcoming appointment but limit the number of details you give. Answer their questions with simple answers. Let the dentist explain the more intricate details. Pediatric dentists have the training necessary to describe things to children in an easy-to-understand, nonthreatening way.
  • When talking about your dental experiences, don’t tell your child about any unpleasant or painful experiences you’ve had.
  • From an early age, explain to your child how important it is to take care of their oral health and that going to the dentist is a positive thing.
  • Read children’s books about going to the dentist.
  • Tell your child how friendly the dentist and staff are and that they will be in excellent care.
  • They may be scared to be separated from you. Let your child know that you can be with them the entire time.
  • Let them take their favorite doll or teddy bear to the appointment.

Reasons for Their Fears

Keep in mind that it’s entirely reasonable for your child to be fearful or nervous. They may be afraid of the unknown; others may be scared of being hurt or injured. If your child has special needs, this can add to their fear and apprehension. Some other reasons your child may fear going to the dentist include:

Whatever your child’s reasons, at The Dental Anesthesia Center, our pediatric dental anesthesia specialists have advanced training that allows them to interact positively with children who have anxiety and special needs. Our office is fully equipped to accommodate patients with special needs, allowing us to deliver care in an environment that is relaxed and comfortable for you and your child.

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 Breastfeeding Affects the Oral Health of Your Baby

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When a baby is breastfed, the breast milk provides essential nutrients they need to develop properly and thrive and this includes their jaw and teeth.

Breastfeeding has proven to have countless benefits for both mother and baby. Most people are aware that breastfeeding protects against eczema and allergies, reduces the risk of certain infections and viruses, and that it can even lessen the threat of SIDS. But breastfeeding can also have positive effects on the oral health of your baby.

Essential Nutrients are Essential!

When a baby is breastfed, the breast milk provides essential nutrients they need to develop properly and thrive. To make sure your baby’s gums and teeth, once the erupt, are strong and healthy, these nutrients are essential. Breast milk contains proteins that help build strong jaw muscles, fatty acids that help reduce inflammation, and vitamins needed for good oral health.

Helps with Bite Alignment

Interestingly, the sucking mechanisms are different for bottle-fed and breastfed babies. In a recent study researches discovered that babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first six months of their life were 72% less likely to develop crooked teeth. This is because breastfeeding stimulates muscle tone in the jaw. After all, it requires the use of the jaw muscles more than bottle-feeding.

It’s important to remember though that every child is different. Breastfeeding is not a guarantee that a child will not have orthodontic issues in the future. Many other factors contribute to bite alignments such as pacifier use, thumb-sucking, and genetics.

Decreases Risk of Tooth Decay

Breastfed babies typically have a reduced risk of developing cavities. This is because they are not at risk of baby bottle tooth decay. When a baby is put to bed with a bottle containing milk, formula, or juice, baby bottle tooth decay can develop.

Once your baby begins teething, it’s important to start brushing them with a small, soft toothbrush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste at least two times a day. As your child grows, it’s important that they also go to the dentist for regular checkups and teeth cleanings.

Call Us Today

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

Call (314) 862-7844

The Importance of Pediatric Dentistry for Children with Special Needs

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At The Dental Anesthesia Center, children with special physical or mental needs can receive complete dental care in a comfortable setting.

Every child needs to develop good oral hygiene and have routine dental care. However, for children with special needs, they are often at higher risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay, as well as sustaining oral trauma.

Whether your child has a condition that is congenital, developmental, or the result of a disease, special dental care is so important to their overall health. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, children with special physical or mental needs can receive complete dental care in a comfortable setting. Our team is compassionate and here to help patients accomplish dental care that they may have never had before.

What are Some of the Challenges?

Many children with special needs often have a lot of sensitivity around their mouths. As a child develops, parents and children will need help to deal with future oral structure changes and possible feeding issues. Other children with special needs often have a difficult time opening their mouths completely due to problems with the development of the jaw. This may make tasks like brushing and flossing difficult and make them more prone to gum disease and cavities. Some children with sensory challenges are often averse to the texture and sensation of a toothbrush or toothpaste in their mouth.

Not only can these challenges make oral health difficult to maintain, but they can make going to the dentist difficult. That’s why it’s so important for parents to find a pediatric dentist that is skilled in working with children with special needs. An experienced dentist will be a therapeutic partner for your child, one who listens and provides helpful resources.

Creating an Enjoyable Dental Experience

Any child may have a difficult time acclimating to the dentist at first. This can be even more true for a child with special needs. Working with a special needs pediatric dentist will enable your family to create a program that caters to your child’s specific mental, emotional, and physical needs. This in turn will create an enjoyable and comfortable dental experience for both your child and you.

Sedation Dentistry is an Option

For special needs children who have sensory challenges or high anxiety, sedation dentistry, or sleep dentistry, can be a safe and excellent option. It can offer you and your child the best experience, ensuring that your child receives the best dental care.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, Dr. Hoffmann and Dr. Thoms complete dental procedures for patients with special needs requiring general anesthesia or sedation. Individuals with special physical or mental needs can receive complete dental care in a comfortable setting. Patients with special needs can have a thorough exam that includes taking x-rays and receiving a dental cleaning with general anesthesia.

Call us today to schedule your appointment. We look forward to meeting you!

Call Us Today

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

Call (314) 862-7844

Is It OK for Your Teen to Continue Seeing a Pediatric Dentist?

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They might already have all their permanent teeth or are waiting for only a few more to appear, but their jaw and facial structures are still growing and changing.

Many parents are unsure about when it’s time to take their child to a general dentist instead of a pediatric one. Teenagers are already dealing with a lot of changes in their bodies and behavior, and it’s easy to get confused about how to treat them from now on.

When it comes to dentistry, these decisions should be made based on the physiology of your child and what their specific needs are in terms of oral health and treatments.

So, should your teen continue seeing his or her pediatric dentist? The answer is yes. The recommended age for switching to a general dentist is 18 years old. Until then, a pediatric dentist is the most qualified to work with their changing physiology and specific dental issues.

Why Should Your Teen Be Seen by a Pediatric Dentist?

Even though our teens often baffle us with how much they start acting and looking like young adults, their bodies are still going through important changes at this age. They might already have all their permanent teeth or are waiting for only a few more to appear, but their jaw and facial structures are still growing and changing.

Another common characteristic of this age group is the prevalence of orthodontic treatments. In other words, a teen is more likely to wear braces than a young child or an adult, which makes their dental needs a bit more specific.

Seeing their pediatric dentist through their teenage years also has another great advantage: their doctor will know their history very well, and there will be a solid relationship already established between them. Even if your child would like to change doctors, you should still search for a pediatric dentist who can address the age-specific issues.

Educating Teens about Oral Health

Education doesn’t stop through your child’s teenage years. They may be able to properly brush their teeth on their own or make certain decisions independently, but they are still prone to neglecting their oral health or having bad habits for their teeth. Common problems during the teenage years are procrastination, unhealthy foods in their diet, starting bad habits like smoking, etc.

When Is the Time to Switch to a General Dentist?

As mentioned before, the recommended age when your child should start seeing a regular dentist is 18. By that time, their permanent teeth have replaced all baby teeth and their face and jaw are fully developed. Don’t hesitate to ask your child’s St. Louis pediatric dentist about this and address any other questions you may have.

St. Louis Pediatric Dentistry

Finding a pediatric dentist for special needs can sometimes be challenging. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, our pediatric dental anesthesia specialists have advanced training that allows them to interact positively with children who have anxiety and special needs. Our office is fully equipped to accommodate patients with special needs, allowing us to deliver care in an environment that is relaxed and comfortable for you and your child.

Call Us Today

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

Call (314) 862-7844