Special needs dentistry is a field of dentistry that is dedicated to providing quality oral care for children with disabilities. This includes individuals with:
- Physical disabilities: cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injuries
- Cognitive disabilities: autism, down syndrome, or intellectual disabilities
- Developmental disabilities: Williams syndrome or fragile X syndrome
- Genetic disorders: cleft lip and palate or craniofacial anomalies
- Behavioral or mental health conditions
- Sensory processing disorders: deafness or blindness
Many dental offices are not equipped to handle the needs of children with disabilities, and as a result, they may not receive the dental care they need. Children with disabilities may have difficulty communicating their needs and understanding dental procedures.
Seguin Children’s Dentistry addresses this issue by providing specialized care that focuses on preventative care and education. This includes providing education on oral hygiene, diet, and the importance of regular dental check-ups for patients and their caregivers.
It also includes the use of sedation and general anesthesia to provide safe and comfortable dental care for children with disabilities. This is particularly important for children with physical or cognitive disabilities who may have difficulty remaining still or cooperative during dental procedures.
