Can My Child With Special Needs Receive Sedation?

Finding a practice that offers dentistry for special needs patients is crucial if you’re a parent of a child with behavioral, physical, or mental disabilities. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can be a serious challenge and often feel overwhelming and almost impossible. Fortunately, sedation can be a beneficial component of your child’s regular visits. Read on to discover why a pediatric dentist recommends this type of treatment to ensure a safe and successful appointment.

Why Special Needs Patients Need Focused Care

Children with special needs often possess various conditions and require certain medications that can heighten the risk of common oral health problems. As a result, it is necessary they receive regular dental care to combat and minimize such issues. However, because of their disabilities, sitting in a dentist’s chair is often difficult and scary.

Dental practices that offer special needs dentistry are capable of providing the services and accommodations that are necessary to ensure safety and treatment effectiveness. Tooth decay, gum disease, delayed eruption, cavities, and missing teeth are commonly found among special needs patients, which is why it’s important for your child to meet with experts who are trained to work with children who have special needs and disabilities.

The Benefits of Sedation for Special Needs Patients

When it comes to incorporating sedation dentistry into your child’s regular dental visits, you may be thinking it is a risky idea. However, it can actually be one of the most pivotal ways to ensure your child receives the oral healthcare they need. You’ll be expected to talk to the pediatric dentist about your little one’s health and medical history as well as any medications they’re currently taking.

Once a full review is complete, the dentist can determine if sedation is a possibility for your child. Not only can it minimize the effects of mild, moderate, or severe dental anxiety, but it can also make it possible for your child to sit still in the dentist’s chair for extended periods. It can help to keep them relaxed and comfortable while the dentist checks and cleans their teeth, and more advanced procedures can be completed in less time because of the ease and efficiency caused by sedation.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

When administered by a skilled professional with appropriate training, sedation dentistry is safe for most children, even those with special needs.

But before you assume your child is eligible, it’s important that you speak with their pediatric dentist at length. Having a clear understanding of their needs, overall health, and anxiety levels can make it easier to discern if sedation is a solution that is right for your little one.

About the Author
Dr. Melissa Rozas is a pediatric dentist in Coppell who completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston. After finishing her pediatric dental residency at UT/Herman Hospital, she became certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She and her team are pleased to provide special needs dentistry to children with sensory, behavioral, and physical disabilities. If your child struggles with dental anxiety and you want to discuss the potential for sedation dentistry, contact us at (972) 393-9779.