When it comes to helping people with special needs, one challenge that often comes up is that of comfort. Due to physical limitations, cognitive impairment, or other issues, it can be difficult for many patients with special needs to remain calm and still for procedures. Fortunately, there is a solution. A skilled dentist can use sedation to put patients to sleep so they breeze through even relatively extensive treatments.
The Power of Sleep Dentistry
Many dentists offer sedation. Typically, though, they provide conscious sedation. That is to say, the patients achieve a calmer and more relaxed state of mind. However, they remain alert enough to respond to questions and directions from the dental team. This approach to sedation is effective for many patients, including some with special needs.
In some cases, more powerful sedation is necessary. That is where sleep dentistry in Grand Prairie comes into the picture. This is similar to the general anesthesia that is used in hospitals for general surgical procedures. It renders patients unconscious, so they cannot respond to any outside stimuli. They are completely unaware of their surroundings, and they do not feel anything during dental procedures.
General anesthesia in a dental setting requires careful monitoring and a highly skilled team, so it is only available in select dental offices.
Benefits of Sleep Dentistry for Patients with Special Needs
Sleep dentistry is a valuable provision that can be especially beneficial for individuals with special needs. Here are some of the advantages it offers:
- Sleep dentistry allows patients with special needs to receive dental care without experiencing anxiety or distress during procedures.
- Patients remain completely unaware of their surroundings, which helps minimize sensory overload and discomfort.
- General anesthesia ensures that patients do not feel pain or discomfort, making treatment more comfortable and manageable.
- This approach reduces the risk of involuntary movements, allowing the dental team to perform procedures safely and efficiently.
- Sleep dentistry enables completion of multiple or extensive treatments in a single appointment, reducing the need for repeat visits.
Who Is a Candidate for Sleep Dentistry?
A sedation dentist will carefully review a patient’s circumstances and medical history before recommending them for sleep dentistry. Usually, these patients:
- Find it difficult or impossible to remain still during dental treatments, potentially due to fear, discomfort, or physical disabilities.
- Require relatively extensive or invasive treatment.
- Do not have certain medical conditions that could make sedation unsafe. For example, some respiratory illnesses might increase the risks involved with general anesthesia.
Sleep dentistry is amazing! To learn more about it, speak to a skilled special needs dentist.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Frank E. Ford is a highly skilled dentist who works exclusively with special needs patients. Our office is equipped to welcome a broad range of individuals who face a range of differences and challenges. Dr. Ford is even a Diplomate of the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology and has completed extensive training in dental sedation techniques, including general anesthesia. To learn more about how our team may be able to serve you or your loved ones, contact Disability Dental Services in Grand Prairie at 972-296-0101.