sedation dentistry

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

December 23, 2017 by DAC Leave a Comment

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

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!

The Four Advantages of Using Sedation Dentistry

December 4, 2017 by DAC Leave a Comment

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

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.

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.
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.
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.
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!

What Are the Different Dental Sedation Options?

November 12, 2017 by DAC Leave a Comment

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

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!

Use of Nitrous Oxide in Sedation Dentistry

October 21, 2017 by DAC Leave a Comment

It is recommended as a sedative for children who are anxious or nervous about having a dental procedure.

A routine visit to the dentist may be quite uneventful. It may involve a simple cleaning and polishing procedure to remove the plaque and stains on the teeth. You may even get a small gift like a free toothbrush and floss, which may be an incentive for your next visit after six months.

But if you have a serious dental problem and have to undergo a complicated procedure it may not be very pleasant. Things can be worse if you have a dental phobia. In such situations, it is advisable to visit a St. Louis sedation dentist.

Laughing Gas or Nitrous Oxide

Sedation dentists use nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, for local sedation. It is odorless and colorless. Laughing gas acts as a sedative and makes the patient feel relaxed. It works quickly and its effects can be reversed. So it is widely used for sedation dentistry.

Side Effects of Nitrous Oxide

Generally, nitrous oxide does not have side effects. But a few patients may experience some negative effects if the nitrous level is very high or if it is inhaled too fast. In such cases, the patients may exhibit symptoms like shivering, nausea or vomiting, excessive sweating, fatigue, and headaches.

After Using Nitrous Oxide – Post-Op

When nitrous oxide is used for sedation the patient should eat light before the procedure. He should not consume a big meal for three hours after the treatment. Besides this, he should not drive after the procedure until his St. Louis sedation dentist permits him to do so.

After nitrous oxide is turned off the patient has to receive oxygen for a minimum of five minutes to prevent a headache. The oxygen removes the remnant gas from the lungs and helps the patient to become alert once again.

Is Nitrous Oxide Safe for Children

Nitrous oxide or laughing gas is safe for children. In fact, it is recommended as a sedative for children who are anxious or nervous about having a dental procedure. But some children suffer from nausea and have difficulty in wearing the mask required to inhale it. So parents can discuss with their child’s dentist beforehand, and choose the most suitable sedation method.

Conditions Under Which Nitrous Oxide Should Not Be Used

Nitrous oxide is an effective sedative and can be administered easily. But it may not be the right choice for everyone. It is not suitable for people who:

Have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Suffer from methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency.
Have cobalamin deficiency.
Possess a history of drug addiction or emotional issues.
Are in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Are receiving a treatment in which bleomycin sulfate is used.

Everyone has to undergo a complex dental procedure at some time or the other. The laughing gas sedation method may prove to be very useful in such situations.

St. Louis Sedation Dentistry

If you or a loved one suffer from dental anxiety, call us today at (314) 862-7844 to schedule your appointment. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we value our patient relationships, making it our priority to deliver gentle dental care that you deserve from sedation dentists in St. Louis. We look forward to meeting you!

Should You Take Your Child to a Sedation Dentist?

September 21, 2017 by DAC Leave a Comment

Young children unable to cooperate and individuals with mental or physical disabilities may benefit from sedation dentistry.

Children can suffer from a number of dental problems. The fear of visiting a dentist adds to their suffering. Fortunately, modern techniques and medicines have put forth a wide array of options for dental treatment. Sedation dentistry provides a very easy way to solve their dental problems and get their smile back.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for a Child

A visit to the dentist is usually not a very comfortable experience for children or their parents. Children tend to have dental anxiety in general. However, if a child is physically or intellectually challenged the situation may be even worse.

Sedation dentistry involves giving dental treatment to a person under sedation. Sedatives have been used in dentistry for a long time. They provide a sense of relaxation to the patients. They provide relief from anxiety and fear. This can help calm the nerves of a child and make it possible to administer dental care in a more comfortable manner.

Different Levels of Sedation

As there is a huge assortment of dental therapies, parents are often confused as to which one is best for their child. Here is a brief explanation of some sedation therapies which may help you to make the right choice for your child.

Oral Sedation – The patient is given a very light anesthetic like nitrous oxide and a mask is put on the jaws to make the patient feel relaxed. Under the influence of this sedative, the patient is conscious during the dental treatment but he does not feel the pain and is not anxious. The effect of the sedative wears off very fast. The patient just feels a little drowsy after the treatment but gets back to normal soon.
IV Sedation – IV sedation is generally used for people with severe anxiety. It is suitable for people with special needs but may not be appropriate for children. The dentist can perform a number of dental procedures while the patient is in a relaxed position under the impact of this type of sedation. The best part is that the patient does not remember the dental treatment he underwent. This may be very helpful.

General Anesthesia – If your child is absolutely against the idea of visiting a dentist and resists all sorts of dental treatment, you may opt for general anesthesia. This technique is often suitable for children who do not sit quietly in the dental chair. It is also useful for patients with special needs who have uncontrolled movements. Patients who undergo treatment under general anesthesia need to be escorted to the dentist’s clinic and brought back after the treatment.

Not sure if dental sedation is right for your child?

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Four Reasons to Chose Sedation Dentistry

September 15, 2017 by DAC Leave a Comment

When you come in for your appointment, Dr. Hoffmann or Dr. Daugherty will decide which level of sedation is best for you.

Going to the dentist is one of the scariest and most dreaded experiences for many people. This is because dentists typically don’t sedate you unless you are undergoing some kind of major procedure, and even then it might not be very strong sedation. What many people don’t realize, however, is that you don’t have to go to a regular dentist, you can go to a sedation dentist.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

At a sedation dentist, you will be sedated with a special medication that both lowers your levels of pain and your level of anxiety. This allows you to remain awake during the procedure, but with zero worries of what’s going on, and with the ability to still respond to verbal cues from the dentist. Obviously, this is a far more effective method of dentistry for those with anxiety issues related to dentist visits.

Let’s take a look at 4 reasons why you should use a sedation dentist if you have dental anxiety:

Safety -One of the main benefits of sedation dentistry is that it is extremely safe. you are still conscious and able to breathe on your own, while also retaining the ability to follow commands that the dentist gives you. Your natural reflexes are unaffected so you can let the dentist know if anything is causing you pain. Because of the lowered amount of stress you will feel during a visit to the sedation dentist, you are also less likely to experience any stress-related health issues, especially heart problems.
Comfort -Dentist visits often last a long time with much of it being spent in a chair. If you are prone to feeling stiff and uncomfortable, sedation can help prevent this. Because of the sedative, you won’t likely feel any soreness in your neck or back from sitting for a long time, and your mental and emotional state will also be much more relaxed than normal.
Quality Care -Just like a barber can’t cut your hair right if you keep jerking around, a dentist can’t work on your teeth right if you keep moving around. Sedation will keep you much more still which will allow your dentist to work much more efficiently.
Efficiency – Procedures are often put off by patients because they don’t have the time to sit in the office for hours. With sedation dentistry, you can block your sessions together and set aside one or 2 full days to sit down and get it done. The sedatives allow you to sit much longer than you normally would be able to and you might even feel like it took mere minutes to complete an hours-long procedure.