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Is Laughing Gas Enough for My Dental Procedure?

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“Laughing gas” can be a lifesaver for patients who experience anxiety while in the dentist’s chair.

Sedation dentistry helps many persons receive much needed dental treatment that would be difficult to perform without these relaxing medications. However you may wonder, is laughing gas enough to help you go through the procedure?

What Is “Laughing Gas”?

You probably heard anecdotes about laughing gas at the dentist, and the nickname it has surely sparked an interest. Laughing gas is actually nitrous oxide, an odorless, non-irritant gas that is administered through inhalation before and during certain procedures, alleviating pain and helping the patient relax.

This type of sedation is ideal for people who also experience anxiety about needles and syringes. It is painless and comfortable to administer it, which often makes laughing gas great for children.

Is It Efficient?

Now that we laid the basics of what laughing gas is, you probably wonder if it is the right sedation for you. The answer is, inhalation sedation is generally safe for most patients.

However, is laughing gas enough to keep you sedated if you need to undergo a lengthy procedure or a complex one? Will it keep the pain down during the treatment? Will it last long enough for the dentist to finish the procedure before you get too anxious?

While these are certainly valid concerns a patient may have, rest assured that your St. Louis sedation dentist will consider all the factors before making a decision. He will choose the best sedation method for your medical background and the procedure that you need.

Laughing gas is, in fact, often recommended for short procedures, as its effects wear off fast. It is the only sedation method that may allow you to leave and drive yourself after the treatment. As soon as the doctor takes the mask off, you generally have a few minutes before the effect wears off.

How Will Inhalation Sedation Feel?

We have mentioned anecdotes that you may have heard about inhalation sedation. Most of these stories are exaggerated, of course. One common theme is that you will fall asleep during the procedure. While it is possible to feel so relaxed that you will actually fall asleep, it doesn’t happen every time. You will feel a tingling sensation in your limbs, a good warm feeling taking over you, grogginess and relaxation. You will most probably not remember anything from the procedure.

These sensations will help you stay calm and accept the treatment with no problems. Laughing gas is a great way to receive the treatment you need if you experience a lot of fear related to going to the dentist.

Next time you have an appointment with your St. Louis sedation dentist, discuss the possibility of being administered inhalation sedation. Your doctor will explain the risks, benefits and you will decide together if it is the right option for you.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

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

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Do Cavity Fillings Make You Anxious? Sedation Might Be the Solution!

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Talk about your fears with your St. Louis sedation dentist. Don’t hesitate to let them know if certain dental procedures make you nervous.

Many people believe that only anxious people can ask for sedation dentistry or those who need extensive, complex surgery. Not everyone considers the possibility of being administered sedatives for getting a cavity filling. However, this common procedure can make some patients anxious and uncomfortable, forcing them to postpone the treatment. So, the question you may ask yourself now is: can I request dental sedation for my cavity filling?

The short answer is yes.

woman discussing anxiety with dentist

It’s OK to Be Afraid

Dental anxiety is not as uncommon as you may think. Most patients experience some level of anxiety when in the dentist’s chair either because they had a negative experience in the past or because of the scary anecdotes they heard from their friends and family.

Dentists nowadays are working hard to offer their patients a welcoming and safe environment where they can receive the treatment they need without feeling uncomfortable. Many dental offices offer extra services that alleviate anxiety, such as massages, TV programs or music, warm towels and other small perks that could make the patient feel more comfortable.

However, when it comes to the pain and various sensations one feels when getting a cavity filled, warm towels may not be enough to calm down the patient. Sedation dentistry could be the solution in this situation. Not only that it will target pain and nervousness, but it will also eliminate them.

What Sedation Option Should You Choose?

Talk about your fears with your St. Louis sedation dentist. Don’t hesitate to let them know if certain dental procedures make you nervous. That way you can choose the sedation option that best meets your needs.

Laughing Gas – Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is one of the mildest options for sedation. You will inhale the gas and feel tingling sensations, numbness, and grogginess. Its effect doesn’t last long, but a cavity filling shouldn’t need more time anyway.

Conscious Sedation – This form of sedation will leave you conscious and able to communicate with the doctor, but unable to feel pain. It also makes you feel calm and relaxed, and able to go on with the treatment.

IV Sedation – This type of sedation is rather strong and your doctor might recommend in case of a more complicated filling. This form of sedation is administered by an anesthesiologist who will monitor your vitals at all times.

These are the main types of sedation, each with their own particular advantages, associated risks, and recommendations. Discuss your medical history with your dentist and decide which sedation option is best for your procedure. Following your doctor’s orders will ensure a smooth and anxiety-free procedure.

Speak With a St. Louis Sedation Dentist

Even if you only have to get a cavity filling, being sedated can make the difference between receiving proper treatment and postponing it.

Call The Dental Anesthesia Center and schedule an appointment today at

(314) 862-7844

Schedule an Appointment

Sedation Dentistry for Elderly Patients

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Elderly patients often have a difficult time receiving dental treatment. Dental sedation may be the best way for them to get the treatment they need.

Sedation dentistry helps patients with anxiety get the dental treatment they need. From individuals who have suffered traumatic experiences in the past to small children and people with sensory processing disorders, all of these can benefit from sedation dentistry when usual treatments are not an option.

Dental Sedation for Elderly St Louis

Unsolved dental issues can easily spread to other areas of the body and affect body functions. Complications appear at a higher incidence rate in elderly people and pose a greater risk. At the same time, senior citizens may have certain chronic conditions that can interfere with the development of good dental treatment, which is why a discussion with a St. Louis sedation dentist is paramount.

If you have an elderly loved one that needs dental treatment but they have a difficult receiving the treatment, dental sedation may be the best option. The side effects of sedation and its associated risks when other conditions are present might be challenging when it is used for elderly patients. However, 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.

Challenges of Sedation Dentistry for Seniors

A sedation dentist must first assess the patients general health and the risks they are susceptible to before administering any medicine. Then, they should prepare for the monitoring of vital signs and set the right dosage.

The cardiovascular and respiratory systems are the main ones affected by sedation. Age-associated diseases and seniors’ weakened system make things increasingly complicated. Although it is scarce, the medical literature on sedation given to elderly patients shows the possible risks and how to prepare for them.

Levels Of Sedation Dentistry for Seniors

  • Minimal Sedation – an individual is conscious. This method is the lightest level of sedation. It involves a mild sedative. Using this kind of sedation requires no additional training for the dentist.
  • Moderate Sedation (Sedation Dentistry) – a person is conscious and is referred to as “Sedation Dentistry.” Moderate Sedation allows the patient to simply respond to your questions. You are not asleep for sedation dentistry. A dentist is required to receive two days of additional training when administering pills orally. Intravenous (IV) Sedation requires at least 60 hours of training or a dentist can be trained as part of a residency program.
  • Deep Sedation (Sleep Dentistry) – Deep sedation or general anesthesia is referred to as “Sleep Dentistry” (unconscious). Using this method, there is no memory of the procedure. Dentists who provide this method require a two-year Dental Anesthesiology Residency or an Oral Surgery Residency. This is the recommended level of sedation for individuals unable to tolerate dental treatment for mental or physical reasons.

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.

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

“Dr. Hoffmann and the Entire Team Are ALWAYS So Kind, Gentle, Caring and Understanding”

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Each of our patients come to us with their own unique dental story. We listen. It enables us the ability to provide everything it takes for each of them to have a “wow” experience. Our reward is the gratitude expressed by our patients. Today Cooper’s mom shared his unique “story”.

Meet our “gentle giant” Cooper. He was diagnosed with autism at 22 months of age and is now about to turn 21 years old. No matter what age he is, he will always be our “forever baby!”

Dr. Hoffmann and his team of professionals have helped us care for our Cooper for many years now. When having regular dental visits with our pediatric dentist became too difficult for Cooper to manage, she (Dr. Dunagan) referred us to Dr. Hoffmann for general anesthesia. Our neurologist (Dr. Mantovani) even refers patients to Dr. Hoffmann because of his reputation for excellent care for special needs family members.

I want to say that over the years not only has Dr. Hoffmann taken care of Cooper’s dental needs, wisdom teeth extractions, but so much more. We need blood draws and lab work taken regularly to help Coop’s team of doctors (neurologist, psychiatrist, pediatrician) maintain appropriate levels of medication (behavior meds, seizure meds, etc.) and Dr. Hoffmann does this while Cooper is under anesthesia! We seriously don’t know how we would accomplish this without him…look at the pictures…Coop’s strong and big and would not sit still for labs!

Dr. Hoffmann and the entire team are ALWAYS so kind, gentle, caring and understanding of individuals with special needs AND extremely reassuring to the family members who are always a little stressed from the situation. He is willing to help you through anything, trimming fingernails, taking off bandaids, removing skin tags! Those “crazy” things that parents think “how in the world can we do this” but just by communicating with Dr. Hoffmann, he can maybe do “that too” while your special person is under anesthesia!

Again, Cooper will be “our forever baby”, as well as a ”forever patient” of Dr. Hoffmann’s and The Dental Anesthesia Center.

Sincerely,

Anna Hyland (Mom)

The Importance of an Initial Consultation For Sedation Dentistry Patients

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Depending on your circumstances you may need to reach a certain level of trust before you feel comfortable getting the treatment you need.

Those that have dental anxiety suffer in a variety of ways. While the most important of them is poor oral health, there is another factor that people rarely discuss. It is the negative emotion associated with attempting to go to the dentist and failing. The good news is, if you are a sufferer of anxiety or any other condition that keeps you away from the dentist, there is one crucial tactic you can use to make the process easier. It is setting up an initial consultation before you get any treatment. Below, we explain the advantages of doing so.

patient sedated at dentists office

Answering Your Questions

There is a good chance that you’ll have a few questions about sedation dentistry. Some typical examples include the process that each patient undergoes, what type of sedative the dentist will use, and if there are any side effects. The great thing about a consultation is that you do not have to jump right into the treatment without getting all of the information you need. Instead, you can ask every question that you have and get accurate, concise answers from your potential provider.

Dispelling Your Fears

In a similar vein, many people come into sedation dentistry with two fears. The first is with the treatment itself, which many patients find to be physically painful or anxiety-inducing. The second is regarding the sedation process, which often involves a partial loss of consciousness. Fortunately, you don’t have to dive right into these things, and can instead talk to a dentist about your fears first.

Establishing Trust

As effective as sedation is in quelling anxiety, there is another crucial factor that people don’t often talk about. It is having trust in your dentist. When you do, your mind will be at ease, as you know that your health is in good hands. If you don’t, you may or may not solve your anxiety issues. Getting to know a dentist before that person starts to treat you can go a long way in establishing trust.

Judging Chemistry

Not only will you allow you sedation dentist to treat you, but you’ll spend a considerable amount of time with that person. For this reason, you should make sure that you have enough chemistry to make your interactions enjoyable. If you don’t, you’ll be less likely to go to the dentist going forward.

Get Pricing Information

Lastly, you’ll want to understand how much you need to pay for your treatment. Simply asking your potential service provider for a price estimate will give you all of the information you need. From there, you can make an informed decision.

Whether you suffer from low pain tolerance, dental anxiety, or some other condition, sedation dentistry is an excellent option. Of course, depending on your circumstances you may need to reach a certain level of trust before you feel comfortable getting the treatment you need. The best way to reach that point is by setting up an initial consultation, which can help you get your questions answered, dispel your fears, and much more.

Give us a call today at (314) 862-7844 to set up and appointment!

6 Tips to Beat Nausea After Dental Sedation

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Here are six tips to help you feel better if you are feeling nauseous after your dental procedure.

Dental sedation has many positives for those that have trouble going to the dentist. The most important of them is the simple fact that they can get their oral treatment comfortably, instead of avoiding it altogether. Still, this practice comes with its downsides, one of them being post-sedation nausea. Here are six tips for getting over this feeling and getting on with your day.

woman who is nauseous after dental sedation

Follow Eating and Drinking Guidelines Before Sedation

While this tip doesn’t apply to your post-sedation behavior, it relates heavily to getting over your nausea. The reason is that those who don’t follow these guidelines are much more likely to vomit during and after their treatment. Doing so will only increase the severity of your symptoms. In general, the best approach is to not eat or drink for around six hours before your appointment, though your dentist may have an alternate recommendation.

Stay Active

This is one you have to be careful with. On the one hand, doing some walking, basic chores, and generally staying active can quell your nausea and take you out of the head fog that many patients experience. On the other, you will be a bit out of it and don’t want to push yourself too far. The happy medium is likely doing low-stress tasks while being mindful of your limitations.

Drink Water as Soon as Possible

When you get out of sedation, you will likely be dehydrated from your pre-treatment fast. This factor is significant because your body decreases its functionality when it doesn’t have what it needs. Fortunately, you can get things started again by drinking a cup or two of water. Doing so will signal to the rest of your body that it is time to wake up and start eating, and your nausea should subside.

Move to Tea or a Carbonated Beverage

Your next step after water is moving on to a different drink. Some people love the way tea settles their stomach, and report that ginger and green are the best variants to try. Others prefer a carbonated beverage, such as a club soda. When you come out of your sedation, try these drinks out and see what agrees with you.

Eat a Stomach Friendly Meal

Once you’re out of the initial stages of intense nausea, it is time to eat. When you do, your best bet is opting for stomach-friendly foods like crackers, soup, and yogurt.

Get Medication if Necessary

Though most people find that their nausea is gone after just a few hours, others experience extended symptoms. If this is the case for you, don’t hesitate to call your dentist. You may pick up some needed tips or, in the most dire circumstances, get a prescription to fight those feelings.

We hope that after reading this article, you are more comfortable with nausea you might feel after your dental sedation. While this feeling is unpleasant, it generally doesn’t affect a significant proportion of patients, and when it does, it goes away relatively quickly. The truth is that this issue is manageable and should not get in the way of your dental care. If you follow these tips, there is a good chance it won’t.

Call (314) 862-7844

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