Special Needs Dentistry – Chesterfield, MO
Every Child Deserves High-Quality & Specialized Care
We take great pride in providing every child with the individualized dentistry they deserve. For children with special needs, we understand establishing an oral hygiene routine is crucial, and many patients with intellectual or physical disabilities face unique problems. Our team has extensive training, experience, and knowledge that allows us to confidently let parents know their child’s smile and well-being are in great hands. To learn more, call us for special needs dentistry in Chesterfield!
Why Choose Dr. Homer Sedighi, D.M.D. for Special Needs Dentistry?
- Dental Staff with Pediatric Experience
- Licensed Pediatric Dentist
- Safe Hospital Sedation Dentistry Available
Special Needs Present Unique Oral Challenges
Children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities (special needs), such as neuromuscular disorders, Down syndrome, or cerebral palsy, can experience many unique oral health challenges, some of which include:
- Premature or delayed tooth eruption
- Gum disease
- Dental trauma due to seizures or protective reflexes
- Bruxism (teeth grinding) that causes wear and tear to the tooth enamel
- Missing, malformed, or extra teeth
- Misaligned bites that increase the risk of cavities because of improper cleaning
To avoid these problems, your child must undergo regular preventive checkups and cleanings with a skilled and qualified dental professional.
Dr. Homer Sedighi is a board-certified pediatric dentist who completed his dental doctorate at the Washington University School of Dental Medicine. After completing his two-year pediatric residency at the University of Rochester, he has gone on to work with various hospitals throughout the local area.
Since beginning his career in pediatric dentistry, Dr. Sedighi has continued to pursue various educational courses and training focusing on special needs dentistry. His experience has led him to discuss this very topic on various morning and evening television shows, explaining the type of care that is necessary for children with intellectual and physical disabilities.
How Do We Help Our Patients with Special Needs Feel Comfortable?
As a board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Sedighi and his team have extensive training when it comes to treating children with special needs. Not to mention, our practice is full of cool characters on the walls and ceilings, fun colors, and we even offer princess and sports-themed treatment rooms! You can also expect our team to approach your child with a calm and gentle demeanor while also taking a step-by-step approach to their appointment. This will ensure they remain comfortable and at ease.
Before your child’s first appointment, there are a few steps we recommend parents take to make the visit go as smoothly as possible. First, when you schedule their visit, let our dental staff know of your child’s special needs so we can best accommodate them as soon as they reach our dental office.
If they have an item that brings them comfort or a specific coping mechanism that helps them feel calmer, such as listening to music, be sure to bring it to their appointment to help them have a more positive and less stressful first experience.
Should your child require additional measures to reduce anxiety or create a more suitable environment for a successful dental appointment, we can also recommend hospital/general anesthesia. Dr. Sedighi’s role as a special needs dentist in Chesterfield, an associate professor at Washington University School of Medicine, and as a faculty member at Mercy Children’s Hospital enables him to provide this method of sedation in a safe environment.
Dental Tips for Our Patients with Special Needs
If you have a child or are the caregiver of an adult with special needs, you might benefit from a few helpful tips that are designed to make the process of establishing a regular oral hygiene routine possible. These include:
- Providing easy-to-use dental instruments that make it easier to brush and floss. This is especially helpful for individuals with muscular dystrophy. If you are unsure which products are best, our team will be happy to provide some suggestions during a regular appointment.
- Speaking positively about maintaining good oral hygiene and establishing optimal brushing and flossing habits.
- Ensuring they keep regular dental appointments with our team from the time they are young, as this creates a trusting and longer-lasting relationship between Dr. Sedighi, our team, and your child. They will become more familiar with the environment and more comfortable each time they visit.
Special Needs Dentistry FAQs
Which types of special needs can you accommodate?
A patient with special needs is a child who has physical or intellectual disabilities that may prevent them from receiving traditional dental treatment or from relaxing or cooperating during dental care. This includes children who have trouble focusing on instructions, who may ‘stim’ or seek calming behaviors such as hair twirling, humming, or whistling, and even those who do not like to be touched or dislike tools or hands in their mouth. It can also refer to children with Down Syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, or those with medical conditions such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or other illnesses that may make it difficult for them to care for their own teeth.
Dr. Sedighi, Dr. Martin, and our gentle and caring team warmly welcome children with any of the above special needs or disabilities, and many more. If you have any questions or concerns about your child or would like to discuss in greater detail how we can help with their oral healthcare both in the office and at home, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Which types of preventive dental care do you recommend for children with physical and developmental disorders?
Children with physical and developmental disorders still need the same oral hygiene care as any child. Unfortunately, however, it can be difficult to provide this, especially when visiting a dentist who has not received additional training to treat patients with special needs. Thankfully, our team has extensive experience with this, and can provide compassionate, gentle care that may make it easier for your child to relax in the dental chair. We are also happy to offer dental sedation to help keep them feeling calm and safe for any treatment.
At home, you can do your part as a guardian to offer your child a wide range of healthy foods and encourage them to or assist them with regularly brushing and flossing their teeth. To provide an additional layer of protection against cavities, you can also speak to Dr. Sedighi or Dr. Martin about whether your child might benefit from a fluoride treatment or sealants while they’re still developing proper oral hygiene habits.
What will happen if my child cannot relax during their appointment?
Dr. Sedighi, Dr. Martin, and the team have undergone extensive training working with pediatric patients, including those who have difficulty relaxing for dental treatment. Additionally, we are pleased to offer sedation options to help your child feel calm and comfortable for any procedure, including routine cleanings and exams. If at any time your child needs to take a break during their appointment, we can pause temporarily or even reschedule your visit for another day.
What should I do to prepare my child with special needs for their dental appointment?
Before bringing your child to see Dr. Sedighi or Dr. Martin, be sure to call us first to discuss any accommodations they might require. That way, we can have everything ready for you when you arrive, so your child feels safe and secure the entire time.
We also recommend having a discussion with your kiddo about what will happen during their visit. They may also benefit from reading books or watching videos about dental treatments that are geared towards children. Please let our team know if you need any recommendations and we’ll be happy to help!