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

blank

special needs

How to Prepare Someone With Special Needs for a Visit to the Dentist

by Leave a Comment

Everyone has the right to access dental services. However, some people may need a bit more care than others when it comes to going to the dentist.

People with physical disabilities, for instance, may require certain modifications to the dental chair. Those with cognitive special needs, however, may become extremely anxious during the procedures and require the dentist to have a different approach while treating them. 

In any case, here are some things you can do to prepare a person with special needs for their visit to the dentist.

First, Talk to the Dentist

You should discuss with the dentist at-length about the person’s individual needs and see if they can accommodate them. While many will be more than happy to make any changes necessary, that may not be possible in some cases. 

For example, a person with a wheelchair may not be able to visit a certain dental facility because they lack a ramp to allow easy access. The dentist may also recommend a colleague who’s better equipped in providing dental work to people with a specific condition.

In either case, doing this also helps the dentist be prepared to treat your friend or family member and take all the necessary precautions to ensure a safe process.

After you get all this information, try to describe the issues the person with special needs has in terms of dental health. The dentist can then take you through a quick rundown of what sort of treatments or actions they will make during the appointment.

Explain What the Appointment Will Look like

If the person in need of treatment has intellectual disabilities, you should try to explain what they should expect during their first appointment. A visit to the dentist can be a rather anxious experience for anyone, and it’s always much better to know beforehand what to expect.

Try to emphasize that:

  • They are not in any trouble
  • The appointment will not last very long, and it will not hurt at all
  • The dentist will happily answer all their questions, so they shouldn’t hesitate to ask
  • It’s important to do exactly what the dentist says (open mouth, hold still, etc.)
  • You will be with them in the office

You can then ask them if they have any questions and let them know you are happy to answer. It’s important to reassure them that they’ll be fine frequently, and you’re doing this to make their teeth strong and healthy!

Speak With a Special Needs Dentist in St. Louis, MO

If your loved one has special needs, get in touch with the team at The Dental Anesthesia Center. We can guide you through how to prepare your loved one for their upcoming appointment and take any needed steps to ensure they are fully accommodated and receive the best dental treatment possible!

Call Us Today

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

Call (314) 862-7844

Oral Care for Patients with Intellectual Disability

by Leave a Comment

With perseverance, patience, and determination, many of the challenges associated with intellectual disabilities can be overcome when it comes to oral health.

Providing oral care to children or adults with intellectual disabilities requires adaptation of your everyday skills. Intellectual disability is a disorder of mental and adaptive functioning; it is not a disease or a mental illness. Instead, it is a developmental disability that varies in severity and is generally associated with physical issues.

Oral health is a vital component of healthy living. But for patients with intellectual disabilities, establishing and maintaining a routine of good oral hygiene can be challenging. However, with perseverance, patience, and determination, many of these challenges can be overcome.

Challenges for Patients with Intellectual Disability

A person with an intellectual disability may experience more dental problems due to sensitivities around the mouth, difficulty with brushing, diet, and trouble receiving dental care. They may not be able to verbalize complaints about any dental problems they may be experiencing.

When it comes to going to the dentist, people with an intellectual disability frequently have anxiety about dental treatment. Some react to their fear or anxiety with uncooperative behavior, such as crying, kicking, wiggling, aggressive language, or anything that will help the avoid getting treatment.

For this reason, establishing good oral health habits at home as well as taking them to the dentist for regular check-ups are essential. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we utilize several techniques to help children and adults with special needs.

Dental Care for Those with Intellectual Disabilities

When it comes to treating patients with intellectual disabilities in St. Louis, The Dental Anesthesia Center is one of the top facilities in the state. We use cutting-edge technology alongside sleep and sedation dentistry in many cases. Our team of dentists is well-trained and equipped to handle any patient, especially those with intellectual disabilities.

Dr. Hoffmann and Dr. Thoms are able to 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 dental cleaning with general anesthesia. Our team is compassionate and here to help patients accomplish dental care that they may have never had before.

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

by Leave a Comment

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

Dental Care for Children with Cerebral Palsy

by Leave a Comment

We specialize in special needs dentistry, helping our patients with cerebral palsy achieve the best possible oral health.

Some parents hesitate to get dental care and treatment for their child with cerebral palsy because they fear it may be difficult or may go poorly. However, at the Dental Anesthesia Center, we specialize in special needs dentistry, helping our patients with cerebral palsy achieve the best possible oral health.

Understanding Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that impairs muscle coordination and function. It may be associated with uncontrolled body movements, balance-related abnormalities, seizure disorders, and sensory dysfunction. Many children with CP require a wheelchair and a lifetime of personal care.

Maintaining good oral health for children with cerebral palsy can be difficult for the parents and the dentist. While CP itself does not cause any oral abnormalities, several conditions are more common or more severe in children with cerebral palsy.

Why Children with CP are at Risk for Dental Issues

Many of the symptoms of cerebral palsy lead to oral problems and thus children with CP are at greater risk of developing dental issues. However, it is possible to help your child maintain healthy teeth and gums!

One of the issues with children with CP is the tendency to reflux or vomit on a regular basis. Increased drooling can also contribute to cavities as well as some of the medications that children with CP are required to take. However, there are a number of other issues that contribute to dental problems. Some of these include:

  • Difficulty using a toothbrush and floss
  • Trouble chewing or swallowing
  • Excessive gagging
  • Habitual grinding of the teeth
  • Having food in the mouth for long periods of time
  • TMJ disorders
  • Enamel defects
  • Malalignment of the upper and lower teeth

Providing Dental Care

When looking for a dentist for your child with CP, it is important to find one that specializes in working with children with special needs. Safety training is required for oral health professionals who work with special needs kids. Some of this training includes:

  • Supporting children with involuntary bodily movements
  • Knowing how to properly monitor breathing
  • Knowing how to clear breathing passages
  • Ability to establish a trusting relationship with the child
  • Ability to give commands in a friendly yet understandable way

Special Needs Dentistry at The Dental Anesthesia Center

Patients with cerebral palsy in St. Louis may be more hesitant about visiting the dentist for the fear that the visit might go poorly. This is especially true with parents who have young children with cerebral palsy. Luckily, we have Dr. Hoffman and Dr. Thoms on our team, each of whom specializes in working with a wide variety of patients, including those with cerebral palsy.

Our office is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. We can accommodate patients with wheelchairs of all sizes.

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 Dental Sedation Can Help Patients With Special Needs

by Leave a Comment

Dental Sealants St. Louis

Dental patients with special needs face different challenges when going to the doctor, and dental care is no exception. Disability implies mental or physical impairment that limits the patient’s abilities or actions. As such, doctors have to try different approaches to be able to treat the patient.

Dentistry is notoriously dreaded by patients, and dental anxiety is incredibly common, even in modern times, when we see unprecedented care for the patient’s comfort. For a patient with special needs, a visit to the dentist’s office can be more intimidating, as they face their own barriers as well.

When it comes to special needs patients and their caregivers, dentistry should have a different approach than with other categories of patients, and dentists are generally equipped to see special needs patients. However, they can also recommend a special needs dentist in case the patient’s treatment needs highly specialized attention.

Challenges Faced by Special Needs Patients

Depending on the impairment they have, special needs patients can face many types of challenges when going to the dentist.

  • Language barriers
  • Vision or hearing problems
  • Psychosocial challenges: increased anxiety, poor oral health education
  • Limited movement: they might need a wheelchair, or they might not be able to sustain a certain position for a long time
  • Needing more time to adjust to the environment, the staff and the dental procedures

Solutions in Dentistry for Special Needs Patients

If they decide to see a general dentist, then special needs patients or their caregivers should inform the doctor beforehand of the impairment, so that the staff can prepare best for the visit. Usually, there will be a longer period of time dedicated to the appointment, additional staff might be present, and anything that might be necessary to make the procedure possible.

One of the most helpful solutions for special needs patients is to use sedation during dental procedures. Destined for patients with dentist related anxiety or the particular group of patients who we are talking about, sedation helps them keep calm and remain still during the procedure

Doctors can choose from different types of sedation, from the mildest to general anesthesia, depending on the impairment and the length and complexity of the procedure.

No matter the solution your St. Louis sedation dentist will use, it is the doctor’s duty to respect any patient’s dignity and right to get treatment or inform them about the practical limitations of his professional training or cabinet equipment.

If you are a special needs patient or a caregiver to one, please get information about sedation dentistry and other solutions. Oral health should be accessible to everybody. Neglecting it can and will lead to more problems in the future. Talk to your St. Louis sedation dentist about it and see what course of action meets your needs best.

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 Dental Sedation an Option for Teeth Cleaning?

by Leave a Comment

Even the most non-invasive procedure can be difficult for patients with special needs, causing them to miss their regular appointments or refuse routine procedures like dental cleaning.

blank

Sedation dentistry is part of an approach to oral health, which is much more focused on the patient’s education and comfort than ever before. The goal of a good dentist is to make you feel safe and comfortable in the dentist chair and to be ready to come back anytime for your regular check-ups or any treatment you may need.

Sedation can range from the mildest type to general anesthesia, depending on how serious the procedure is, and the medical history of the patient. However, even the most non-invasive procedure can be difficult for patients with dental anxiety or special needs, causing them to miss their regular appointments or refuse routine procedures like dental cleaning.

Typically, a dental cleaning does not involve the use of sedation because many patients are able to sit through a cleaning with little or no pain and/or anxiety. However, in certain cases, yes, sedation can be used for cleaning a patients teeth.

When Sedation is Needed for a Teeth Cleaning

Special needs patients are those who due to their mental, physical, medical, cognitive and developmental conditions require special consideration when receiving dental treatment. Some of the conditions that require special needs dentistry, include:

Special needs dentistry addresses the specific issues of each patient and provides the special needs dental care he or she requires.

It takes compassion and understanding to care for patients with special needs. While most dentists are able to accommodate certain special needs patients, The Dental Anesthesia Center focuses on meeting the needs and limitations of these patients. We understand that some patients need sedation for even a routine teeth cleaning. If your child or loved one requires special needs dentistry, we will be glad to schedule your next appointment.

blank

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!

Schedule an appointment