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.
Yes, my grandson has nonverbal autism and they took very good care of him.. He had to have some extra extractions which I was concerned about, but everything went very well. Very happy and I thank you all for all the work you did.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words. We’re so glad to hear you had a positive experience and that everything went smoothly. We truly appreciate your trust in us.
I took my son to an appointment today with Dr. Hoffman. We had a great experience from the time we arrived until we departed. The receptionist was very friendly and helpful. The dental assistants were very helpful and polite with my son. The doctor is very kind and patient. They explain everything as we went through the process. We were aware of the cost from the beginning to the end and we're allowed to make decisions about how to handle my child's care and not shocked with additional charges after the fact. My child does not resist going to this office. Great experience.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear your experience was positive from start to finish. Our team works hard to create a comfortable, transparent, and supportive environment for every patient and family. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback!
Dr. Thoms and everyone of his staff members are incredible. I was warmly welcomed and made to feel comfortable and relaxed. Which is saying something as I had not been to the dentist in years due to fear/anxiety. My procedure was clearly explained. The office staff was beyond helpful with payment and insurance. The day of my appt was exactly as planned. We started ahead of schedule! The technicians and assistants were clearly skilled and again, helped ease my nervousness. We finished all work as planned. And then Dr. Thoms sat with me and my husband to discuss “everything.” He is very thorough. And finally one of his staff wheeled me down to the elevator, out across the parking lot, and helped me into my van. Now that is service! Around 8:30 p.m. my cell phone rang and it was Dr. Thoms calling to check up on me. Wow!!!!! This man has all you could want in a dentist—kind, compassionate, thorough, understanding, excellent communicator, and skilled. I cannot come up with the best words to so highly recommend the Dental Anesthesia Center. It was a remarkable, yet simple, but thorough experience for me. If you are putting off going to the dentist and have anxiety or fears please call them. They will gently and competently take care of you. And no, this is not an advertisement/ commercial—I am a real live (satisfied) patient.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We’re honored to hear that you felt welcomed, comfortable, and well cared for throughout your experience. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, thorough care—especially for those who may feel anxious about dental visits—so it means a lot to know that came through. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are grateful you chose us for your care.
The practice is top notch. Could not ask for better care.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re grateful for your feedback and are proud to provide high-quality care in a supportive environment.
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!
