Special Needs
Treating patients with special needs requires well-trained hands and a more friendly approach. Being able to provide service to such individuals is a crucial part of a dental practice, especially if they cater primarily to children. Dr. Chaffee has provided excellent service to many such patients with special needs and understands a great deal about interacting with them and providing the right treatment. He, along with a well-trained staff and state-of-the-art technology used at our practice, makes us one of the most sought-after Pediatric Dental Centres in Mesa, AZ.
What are special needs?
As a pediatric dentist rendering dental services to special needs patients, we emphasize providing the utmost care and following a very friendly and compassionate approach. Here are some of the health conditions that special needs patients could have:
- Autism
- Down's Syndrome
- ADHD
- Cerebral Palsy
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Asthma
- Epilepsy
- Cognitive challenges
- Turner's syndrome
What are their oral concerns?
Individuals with special needs could be at a higher risk of facing certain oral concerns that healthy patients don't. For instance, children with Turner's syndrome or Down's syndrome could experience delayed eruption of baby teeth or permanent teeth. In some individuals, the teeth may erupt misshapen or inclined pretty badly. This could lead to concerns such as malocclusion, hindered growth of the jawbone, change in facial shape, increased susceptibility to oral concerns such as cavities and gum diseases, etc.
How can parents care for their special needs child?
Caring for their child's oral health is crucial when it comes to children with special needs as they require more attention than others. Keeping an eye on their food habits to curb the consumption of sugary foods would reduce the chances of developing cavities. Parents should help their child brush their teeth every day, as it may be slightly challenging for them to do it themselves. Choosing a soft-bristled toothbrush along with fluoride-rich toothpaste would be the best choice for them.
Along with optimum care at home, taking them to the dentist at regular intervals, i.e., once every six months, is crucial. This allows the dentist to check for the onset of possible oral concerns and suggest the necessary treatment at the earliest.
Please do schedule a consultation with our highly trained team of dental experts, and we'll guide you further. Please call us at (480) 739-2993 or reach us through online consultation.
