It is estimated that more than 200,000 children in Canada are living with disabilities. In today's post, our Burnaby children's dentists share some tips on choosing the right dentist for your special needs child, and treatment options that are available to help get your child the care they need.
Dental Care for Special Needs Children
We understand that dental health care may be low on your list of priorities if you're caring for a child with complex needs, however there are many behavioural, health, and social issues that can be exacerbated if your child is experiencing dental discomfort. Delaying dental treatment could make managing your child's needs more difficult than it needs to be.
Our Pediatric Dental Professionals Can Help
No matter what the nature of your child's special needs are, our Pediatric dentists are specially trained in effective communication with children across a broad spectrum of needs. The children's dentists at SmileTown Burnaby can help introduce consistent oral health care into your child's life in a relaxed and comfortable manner.
Dental Health Care for Kids with Special Needs
At Smile Town in Burnaby we strive to go above and beyond to provide the best, most appropriate care for every child no matter what the reason for their visit. To that end, we approach each child as an individual, with patience and kindness.
We begin by setting up an appointment to simply meet with you and your child. This casual appointment provides us with the opportunity to get to know you and your child, and to discuss any questions or concerns you might have. Your child will have time to look around and become comfortable with our surroundings without the additional stress of having an examination or treatment.
When you return to our office with your child for treatment, we will use a range of calming techniques, from engaging games to quiet persuasion, to help keep your child happy and calm during treatment.
Dental Sedation Options Available For Special Needs Children
Some children have emotional or physical barriers to sustained oral health treatments that cannot be sufficiently resolved using the above approaches. In such cases dental sedation many be recommended. Pediatric dentists undergo comprehensive training in the proper use nitrous oxide, general anesthesia, and oral conscious sedation medications for children. Here at Smile Town our dentists offer anesthesia and sedation options which can be used to help your child receive the oral health treatments they need, and deserve.
- Nitrous Oxide - Nitrous Oxide can help patients who feel anxious about their treatment to relax, but it does not impair natural reflexes or render the patient unconscious. Nitrous Oxide which is also known as 'laughing gas' is a combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen.
- Oral Conscious Sedation - Before treatment begins we will take the time to explain which type of medication or combination of medications will best serve your child in safely undergoing dental treatment. Oral Conscious Sedation can be achieved using a variety of different medications.
- General Anesthesia - General anesthesia is recommended for children with limited comprehension, extreme behavioural challenges, physical disabilities or who are highly sensitive to pain.