There is a reason why people don’t always look forward to going to the dentist. There are times when oral care is not very comfortable. Avoiding the dentist will only make things worse but, take heart, there are a lot of ways to have oral procedures done so that you won’t even feel them.
According to the Mayo Clinic, some research suggests that there may be a link between oral hygiene, heart disease, dementia, and diabetes. This is just one reason why maintaining good oral habits, and going to the dentist is so essential to your overall health. Not just about aesthetics, although that is very important too, taking care of your teeth is integral to promote good health all the way around.
Our son, Jimmy Henderson , has been having all of his dental care done by Dr. Michael Hoffmann and his team at the Dental Anesthesia Center for the past 15 years. He goes there once a year and they put him to sleep, clean his teeth, take x-rays and fix anything that needs to be repaired. They are such a blessing for us and our son. He couldn’t tolerate a regular dentist. We heartily recommend them for your dental care. Terry & Debbie Henderson
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review. We are truly grateful for your trust and support over the years. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care in a safe and comfortable environment. Your recommendation means the world to us!
Outstanding customer car for our 15 yrs old Autistic Granddaughter. Rebekah really helped put our minds and ease and helped us plan the next visit when it came to reservations we had on the cost of this treatment, and future ones. This is expensive, but worth it knowing they help special needs kids, teens and adults. Sedation dentistry team handle everything great! Thank you Dr. Thoms and the team!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review. We’re so glad our team could provide a supportive and reassuring experience while helping you plan for future care. It means a great deal to know you felt informed and cared for every step of the way. We truly appreciate your kind words and the trust you’ve placed in us.
Dr Thoms specializes in dental anesthesia for patients with Special Needs. My daughter has been a patient of his for many years. His experience, depth of knowledge and understanding the needs of Special Needs patients is excellent. He presents clear and detailed information for his procedures and treatment options along with expectations during aftercare. Follow up instructions include a personal phone call from him as well as additional calls from his office staff. I highly recommend Dr Thoms and definitely give him 5 stars.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We’re grateful for the trust families place in our team and are committed to providing thoughtful, individualized care with clear communication every step of the way. Your recommendation means a great deal to us!
My hygienist, DeLaina Joost, takes excellent care of my teeth with her advanced skills, gentle touch and great “chair side” manner. She is a consummate professional, and such a compassionate person. I look forward to my visits at DAC!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear you had a positive experience with our team and appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.
I want to thank everyone at the Dental Anesthesia Center for taking care of me yesterday—Meaghan helped me get the forms filled out correctly and in on time, Daisy for guiding me in and getting me out safely, Dr. Hoffman for taking care of my teeth and dealing with my really terrible gag reflex, and EVERYONE who helps make this happen. I don't know all of your names, but I do know that it takes all of you working together to make my dental care possible and have good results.
I'm always nervous when I first arrive, even though every procedure has had a good outcome. I've never had any pain or excessive bleeding as a result. The one thing I realized yesterday is that all of you are warm, friendly, positive, you have what is called a good vibe, which helps me a great deal.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We’re so glad our team could help you feel comfortable and supported throughout your visit. Providing a safe, positive environment is very important to us, and your feedback means a great deal. We truly appreciate your trust in our care!
What does a dentist mean when they say they are going to “numb” your mouth?
Numbing is an excellent way to take away the pain of a dental procedure or treatment. Numbing your mouth requires either the use of nitrous oxide or “laughing gas,” an injection of medicine, or an oral pill. It is a great way to take away the sensation of both minor and complex dental procedures that don’t require heavy sedation.
The best type to use to give your mouth a numbing sensation depends on what your medical history is, your age, and the complexity of what you are having done. Numbing and oral sedation are even excellent tools to use for someone who is highly anxious about going to the dentist. Not only numbing your physical pain, but it can also help you deal with any anxiety that you are having so that you can sit back and relax in the dentist chair.
How long does your mouth remain numb?
When your mouth is numb, it causes you to lose control over the muscles in your mouth. That gives you a sensation like your mouth is asleep. Numbing of the mouth lasts for about an hour and may last even after the procedure is complete.
During the time that your mouth is numb, it is important not to eat things that are hard or chewy. Since you can’t feel anything, it is possible to hurt your mouth and be completely unaware. So, it is best to stick to soft foods until you can feel your lips and mouth again.
Discuss Your Options With your Dentist
There are many tools at a dentist’s disposal to help you get through an oral procedure without hardly feeling it. Depending on what you are having done, it is a good idea to sit down and discuss your concerns and options with the dentist.
Your age, your medical history, and your anxiety level will all be factors in deciding what type of sedation is best for you. Numbing is an excellent tool because it allows you not to feel anything until the medicine is worn off. It might feel a little weird, but it is a better alternative than feeling the pain of a dental procedure.
Call The Dental Anesthesia Center at (314) 862-7844 to schedule your appointment!
