Special Needs
Children with special health care needs or developmental needs need to have dental care, just like typically developing children. However, these children can face unique challenges when it comes to caring for their teeth, and this puts them at a higher risk of developing oral diseases, including tooth decay and oral cancer, as adults. At Dental Care 4 Kids, we believe that each individual child deserves to have patient, caring dental care. Our team is trained to help parents and children who have unique challenges so they can have a successful visit to the dentist.
Common Concerns with Special Needs Children
Going to the dentist is stressful for all children. However, children with special needs, such as autism, can feel extra stressed and anxious. The many sounds, lights, smells, and textures of the dental office can overwhelm a child with sensory issues. Unfortunately, this can make it hard for a dentist to perform the necessary treatments and evaluations of your child’s mouth. That’s why it’s so important to work with a dentist who understands special needs patients and is willing to make accommodations for them.
How We Approach Special Needs Dentistry
At Dental Care 4 Kids, we are committed to partnering with parents to help their children succeed at the dentist. This partnership starts with listening. At each appointment, we will take some time to listen to any special concerns or circumstances you have surrounding your child. We will answer your questions thoroughly and patiently and work with you to create strategies that will help your child feel comfortable. Our goal is a successful visit that leaves you with a happy child, and we know you know your child better than anyone.
Once we’ve had a conversation, we will adapt our care to your child’s needs. Whether that means your child needs to sit on a more comfortable chair, wear noise-canceling headphones, or take an active part in their visit, we will adapt to what your child needs. After all, no two children are the same, and effective dental care requires a child with good emotional well-being. If at any point we or you feel that your child needs a break, we will either provide a calming break or postpone treatment for a later date. Emotional and physical safety remains at the forefront of our minds.
What Sets Our Special Needs Dentistry Apart
Many dental offices in Englewood, NJ, advertise special-needs dentistry. However, we believe our team stands out because of the deep level of care we provide for every child who walks through our doors, regardless of what their needs or challenges may be. This patient care is clearly seen in our treatment of special needs patients. We know that a positive experience with us will set the stage for a lifetime of good oral hygiene, and we work hard to make sure that happens.
While we work with special needs patients in all areas, we have extra training and experience working with children on the autism spectrum. We have therapists available to sit chairside and help your child feel comfortable. We work closely with parents as well to make the experience a positive one.
Our Special Needs Pediatric Dentistry Services
Because we believe every child needs healthy teeth, our pediatric dentistry services for patients with special needs are the same as those for traditionally-developing children. We’re just willing and able to adapt the appointment to help your child stay as comfortable as possible. You can bring your child to our clinic for:
- Screenings and X-Rays: At the heart of what we do is our screening services. We will track your child’s teeth and their growth and development from the first baby tooth through the last adult tooth. We can also perform X-rays in-house to let us see the surface below to track this development.
- Cleanings: Tartar and plaque buildup can create a breeding ground for bacteria that cause cavities and other oral health problems. Having your child’s teeth cleaned twice a year can prevent this problem. Our team takes a gentle approach, going only as far as your child can handle. Even if we can’t do the full cleaning at your first appointment, we will set the stage for positive experiences in the future, gradually working up to full cleanings.
- Treatment for Cavities: If your child develops a cavity, we have gentle and effective treatment options, and our training in special needs will help limit anxiety and distress during a filling.
- Orthodontic Care: In addition to pediatric dentistry services, we offer orthodontic care in-house. This means if your child needs braces, they can keep coming to the clinic where they already feel comfortable and safe. This continuity can make the transition to braces easier for children who struggle with change.
- Sealants: Sealants can be quite helpful for children who don’t have the dexterity to do a good job brushing consistently. Sealants provide a top coat for the molars to make them easier to clean and lessen the risk of cavities when food becomes lodged in the ridges of these teeth.
- Fluoride Treatment: Fluoride can lessen the risk of tooth decay by as much as 70%. We can recommend a fluoride toothpaste for you to use at home, and we can apply fluoride treatment in the office. Keep in mind that children should not swallow fluoride, so make sure your child is able to spit and rinse well before using this treatment.
- Patient Education: Teaching your child about how to care for their teeth is an important part of parenting. We’re here to help with kid-friendly education that accounts for your child’s unique needs.
Sedation Dentistry for Special Needs Kids
Anxiety and sensory overwhelm are both common when special needs children visit the dentist. If your child needs dental work or faces significant fear over the dentist, we may suggest sedation dentistry. We have several options to provide gentle, non-invasive sedation, such as “laughing gas” or light sedation using medication, so your child can relax and enjoy the dental visit.
When your child needs more extensive dental work done, and anxiety or sensory overwhelm is making it difficult, we may suggest IV sedation, which is a little stronger than the other two options. We also partner with local outpatient centers and hospitals for general anesthesia as a sedation option. Both of these treatments are overseen by an anesthesiologist.
Give Your Child the Best Start for a Lifetime of Oral Health
Oral health can’t go unchecked, even when a child has special needs. Without proper dental care, your child could suffer from pain and discomfort. Dental Care 4 Kids is here to ensure your child’s oral health is protected through our gentle, caring approach to special needs dentistry. By taking the time to listen to you and treating your child like an individual, we can help you achieve your oral health goals and set the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth. If you want to learn more, schedule a tour of our pediatric dental office or call to set up an appointment for an initial evaluation. See the difference that our care can make for your child.
