I have a child with special needs that is getting old enough to go to the dentist. I don’t think he can just sit through the appointment. I’ve been doing some research and have read that sedation dentistry is safe, but I’m wondering how often it has been done on special needs children. He is my heart and I don’t want to put him at risk for something like a dental appointment, especially when there is no visible problem.
Miranda L. – Virginia
Miranda,
The love of a mother for her children is inimitable. Your heart will be safe. Sedation dentistry has been performed many times on special needs children with great success. If you think he just needs to relax a little, but should be aware during the procedure, then nitrous oxide will do fine. Many special needs patients require oral conscious sedation. Your son will likely not even remember the appointment if that is what you choose.
You didn’t mention how old your son currently is. If he is too young to take a pill, they can give him a syrup. It will have the same effect.
I will say, the best time to take your child to the dentist is when there are no visible problems. It is more important to be preventative in your dental care. You don’t want his first experiences with the dentist to be for painful issues.
This blog is brought to you by Libertyville Dentist Dr. David Potts.