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

You are here: Home / Archives for special needs

special needs

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.

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.

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

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

by Leave a Comment

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)

Sedation Dentistry for Alzheimer’s Patients

by Leave a Comment

Sedation dentistry for such patients helps prevent physical and emotional distress.

Dentist for Alzheimer's Patients

There are a number of reasons why receiving dental care can be difficult for patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia. During a dental procedure, they can fade in and out of lucid moments and may become frightened or disoriented during their treatment. As a result, they may not be able to sit still and may make sudden movements that could cause injuries.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we offer both oral and IV sedation for patients who need dental treatment but have a difficult time cooperating. Sedation dentistry for such ones helps prevent physical and emotional distress.

Alzheimer’s Dental Care in St. Louis

Alzheimer’s disease often poses unique challenges to maintaining dental health. As it progresses, a person may forget when and how to brush their teeth. This can jeopardize their oral health and also cause difficulties with chewing, digesting, and with getting the proper nutrition.

If you are a caretaker for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia, our experienced and compassionate dental team is able to help you get them the dental care they need. We work hard to make our patients feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.

Signs of Dental Problems with Alzheimer’s Patients

Persons with Alzheimer’s often cannot communicate a dental problem. As their caretaker, it’s important to look out for behaviors that may indicate a problem. Some of the most common behaviors to watch for include:

  • Refusal to eat hard or cold foods
  • Not wanting to put dentures in
  • Increased moaning, irritability, or shouting
  • Unusual aggressive behavior
  • Frequent pulling at the mouth or face

While these may be signs of other symptoms, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. But keeping in mind that these may be symptoms of dental problems might help in determining where their added pain or discomfort is coming from.

Alzheimer’s Dental Care Appointment

We welcome Alzheimer’s patients and all other special needs patients to The Dental Anesthesia Center. We are a state-of-the-art anesthesia and dental facility. Dr. Michael J. Hoffmann and Dr. Sean M. Thoms provide dental services accompanied by Deep Sedation and General Anesthesia. Dr. Victoria Q. Daugherty provides oral sedation, as well as non-sedation services.

If your loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or dementia, call our office today to schedule their appointment at (314) 862-7844. We value our patient relationships, making it our priority to deliver gentle dental care that they deserve from sedation dentists in St. Louis.

Dental Anesthesia for Patients with Special Needs

by Leave a Comment

Sleep dentistry provides a safe and effective way for special need patients to receive the dental treatment they need.

Special Need Dentist St. Louis

A special needs patient may require a special needs dentist. Patients who suffer from paralysis, stroke, Down Syndrome, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and genetic disorders may need a little extra dental care to ensure they maintain optimal dental health. Everyone requires individual attention and dental care.

Choosing the right level of sedation can be overwhelming for a parent or caretaker of a person with special needs. We are here to help you and your loved one here at The Dental Anesthesia Center. We work hard to make our patients feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.

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:

  • Nitrous oxide – If your dentist has recommended the use of nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” for a patient, then it is probably a good idea. Laughing gas is an odorless gas that is used to take away the anxiety that children can sometimes experience when they are in the dentist’s chair. There are very few side effects and low risk of using nitrous oxide, and the pros of having a good experience is a major advantage and can affect a patient’s oral habits in the future. When taking nitrous oxide, they never lose consciousness; they are awake and alert the whole time.
  • Oral sedation – If you are considering oral sedation, then there might be slightly more risk involved – but it is still minimal. Oral sedation is achieved by giving a patient medication before they come to the office. The medication is meant to relax them, take away any anxiety, and to make them calmer when the procedure is happening. Oral sedation typically will aid them in falling asleep, so that they sleep through the procedure. That means that they won’t have any negative memories and also they won’t be moving around and making it harder for the dentist to finish the procedure.
  • IV Sedation – IV sedation involves administering a sedative through a vein which allows the medication to work very quickly. Since it administered this way, a dentist is able to adjust the level of sedation as needed for the dental procedure. Being able to tailor the amount of sedative reduces the risk of complications and side effects. A patient is not asleep during IV sedation, they are in a semi-awake state and may be able to communicate a little with the dentist. Typically, a patient will have little or no memory of the procedure and are able to relax during any kind of treatment.

Sleep dentistry provides a safe and effective way for special need patients to receive the dental treatment they need. Patients will have a complete exam, full mouth series of x-rays (pictures of teeth), and a thorough cleaning while under general anesthesia.

The Dental Anesthesia Center

When you come in for your appointment, Dr. Hoffmann, Dr.Thoms or Dr. Daugherty will decide which level is best for you or your loved one.

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!

Will You Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?

by Leave a Comment

Patients with physical or mental disabilities who are unable to cooperate for dental treatment are able to benefit from sedation dentistry.

Sedation Dentist St Louis

Many people fear to have a dental procedure. They often worry about the pain they might feel as well as their potential discomfort and vulnerability. These feelings can bring on overwhelming anxiety.

The good news is that regardless of what you have to have done in the dentist’s chair, sedation dentistry can definitely help patients feel more relaxed and comfortable during dental work, but is it the right choice for you? Consider the following information to see if you can benefit from sedation dentistry.

There are Different Types of Sedation

There are different types of sedation procedures that can range from mild to deep. The type that is recommended, depends on what the patient is having done and the complexity of the procedure itself. Other factors that play into what type of oral sedation is recommended are things like the health of the patient, their age, and other factors that might make them more vulnerable or make sedation more necessary.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” is the most noninvasive form of sedation that you can have. It is fairly safe for everyone. An odorless gas, it is used to calm a patient and to take away any anxiety that they have. With very little downside or cost to use, it is a good choice for younger patients who might be fearful of having their teeth worked on.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation is slightly more invasive. It consists of having the patient take oral drugs that will relax them, and will likely allow them to sleep when the procedure is taking place. With very little risk involved in its use, it is also a great overall sedation method for those who are a little anxious.

When is Sedation Necessary?

There are times when a dentist will not perform a procedure without the use of sedation. IV sedation might sometimes be required for long surgical procedures or ones that come with complications. If it involves working close to nerve endings or bones, getting the patient to sit still and not move is not only critical for their own pain levels, but also for the long-term success of the procedure itself.

In addition, patients with physical or mental disabilities who are unable to cooperate for dental treatment can benefit from these services. The use of sedation dentistry may be the only way a special needs patient can get dental treatment.

If your child is having a major dental procedure, then sedation may be necessary to ensure that they don’t awake in the middle and overreact. It also allows the dentist to do as much work as possible in one sitting instead of stretching the treatment plan out over many different appointments, which may not be emotionally beneficial to the child.

The choice of sedation is generally in the hands of the patient. But there are times when a dentist will suggest that sedation be a part of the treatment or that treatment cannot be done for the safety of the patient overall.

St. Louis Sedation Dentist

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!

Choosing a Dental Sedation Dentist for Your Child’s Special Needs

by Leave a Comment

If your child experiences anxiety or is unable to cooperate for needed dental work, they can benefit from sedation dentistry.

Pediatric Sedation Dentist in St Louis

Dental procedures can cause anxiety for many adults and can be even more so for children. Having dental work can make children very anxious. The decision to use sedation is an important one and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. But there are many ways to help ease the anxiety of going to the dentist that comes with very little risk. If your child is having extensive dental work done, sedation can also mean fewer trips to the dentist.

Oral Sedation Dentistry

Oral sedation dentistry involves the administration of medications that calm a patient creating a drowsy, sleep-like state. Oral Sedation patients are conscious, can breathe on their own, and are able to respond to questions. This is referred to as “Sedation Dentistry.” Some children who are experiencing anxiety and are unable to cooperate for needed dental treatment can benefit from oral sedation dentistry.

There are different levels of dental sedation. When you come in for your appointment, Dr. Hoffmann or Dr. Daugherty will decide which level is best for you or your child.

Special Needs Dentistry

If you have a child with special needs who are unable to cooperate for dental care, we are here to help you and your loved one here at The Dental Anesthesia Center. Developmentally disabilities, special needs, and medically compromised individuals suffer from an array of dental problems just like everyone else! From dental abscesses to throbbing pain, cavities and gum disease; everyone requires individual attention and dental care.

When you and your child come in for your appointment, Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms, or Dr. Daugherty will decide which option is the best for your child depending on their anxiety level and cooperation.

Pediatric Dentist St. Louis

At your child’s initial oral examination, there will be a visual examination, charting, diagnosis and treatment recommendations. We work hard to make your child feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere. Depending on your child’s circumstances, we will discuss if sedation or anesthesia is right for your child.

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