Some children with special needs are anxious about dental visits and may find it challenging to sit still during treatment. We offer sedation dentistry options to ensure safe and comfortable dental care. If your child requires extensive treatment, we may recommend general anesthesia. Dr. Karen will work with you to determine the best treatment options for your child, taking into account the age, specific health needs, and desired treatment outcomes.

Starting preventive dentistry early is particularly important for the special needs child. If dental care is started early and followed conscientiously, every child can enjoy a healthy smile. Unlike many of the health conditions faced by patients with special needs, dental disease is preventable. A special needs child will benefit from the preventive approach recommended for all children – effective brushing and flossing, limited snacking, adequate fluoride, sealants and regular visits with a pediatric dentist

Many people with disabilities have the same level of dental health as the rest of the population. Other special children and adults have special dental needs. Some are very susceptible to tooth decay, gum disease or oral trauma. Others have health conditions that require medication or diets detrimental to dental health. Still others have physical difficulty with effective dental habits at home. But whatever the special health needs of a person, preventive dentistry works to build healthy smiles.

As a parent of a child with special needs, you may have concerns about your child’s tolerance of a dental visit. Whatever your concerns, do not postpone preventive dentistry for your child. Pediatric dentists understand that each child is unique and may need extra care to feel comfortable during dental treatment. For example, one child might do great with positive communication, another might benefit from a body blanket to help control involuntary movements, and still another might need mild sedation to feel relaxed during treatment. Pediatric dentists stand ready with a variety of possible approaches; you can help select the approach that is best for the specific health and behavioral needs of your child.