Do you have a child with special needs who often has difficult experiences at the dentist’s office? If so, you’re not the only one. Many parents struggle with the same challenge, making optimal oral health seem like an impossibility for their children. The good news is sedation dentistry for special needs patients in St. Louis is a safe and viable option for young smiles. Read on to discover its benefits and how effective it can be in creating a positive experience for your child during their next visit.
Sedation Dentistry Ensures Greater Safety
Many dentists who provide sedation dentistry offer nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and maybe IV sedation, but it’s important to find a professional who offers hospital/general anesthesia. The reason is that ensuring the safety of every child is important. When it comes to a special needs patient, however, a traditional dental visit can be a difficult and traumatic experience. By offering to perform dental checkups and cleanings or various procedures using hospital/general anesthesia, your child’s pediatric dentist can be sure they remain safe while receiving necessary oral healthcare.
Sedation Dentistry Makes It Possible to Take Care of Smiles
Depending on your child, they may have behavioral, physical, or even mental disabilities that make it hard to get them in to see the dentist on a regular basis. Without proper treatment, their oral health can quickly decline, especially when certain medications make it easy for bacteria to spread and cause cavities, decay, and gum disease. Many genetic and even physical disabilities can cause a child to be more prone to various oral health issues (i.e., overgrowth of gum tissues, congenitally missing teeth, overcrowding, etc.). The use of sedation makes it possible for a dentist to care for their smiles regularly so serious issues do not arise throughout the year.
Sedation Dentistry Allows for a More Enjoyable Visit
Even if your child’s dentist believes a checkup or procedure can be completed in-house using other forms of sedation, you can take comfort knowing your little one will have a more enjoyable experience. Pediatric dentists tend to make their offices kid-friendly with vibrant colors, unique animations, and fun activities. They also work closely with parents to ensure special accommodations for children with special needs. Whether it is slowing down the appointment, dimming lights, or having the child bring in their favorite toy or comfort object to help them feel safe, the addition of sedation dentistry can make their visit more enjoyable.
Finding the right dentist who provides special needs dentistry is invaluable. Because your child deserves the same personalized care as any other patient, choosing the correct professional who can accommodate your child’s needs and offer safe and effective sedation solutions will make each visit less of a challenge in the future.
About the Author
Dr. Homer Sedighi is a board-certified pediatric dentist who is equipped to provide special needs dentistry to patients in Chesterfield and its surrounding communities. Offering a kid-friendly environment, he and his team work closely with parents to ensure proper accommodations are provided and personalized treatment is available during each appointment. If you want to learn whether sedation dentistry will be a good option for your child with special needs, contact us at (636) 777-7777.