Specialized Oral Care for Individuals With Disabilities
Do you or a loved one struggle with receiving traditional dental care due to physical, developmental, or cognitive disabilities? Receiving dental care is essential for maintaining good oral health, but for those with special needs, it can be a daunting task. Fortunately, at Oakland Family Dental, our Waterford, MI dentist, Dr. Amanda Sheehan offers specialized care and accommodations to ensure that every patient receives the dental care they need.
Who Are Patients With Special Needs?
Patients with special needs are individuals whose physical, developmental, or cognitive disabilities affect their ability to receive traditional dental care. Some examples of conditions that may require special needs dentistry include autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and Alzheimer’s disease. These patients may have difficulty with communication, mobility, or sensory perception, making it challenging to receive standard dental treatments.
Accommodations may be needed so that patients can receive vital dental care regardless of their background. At Oakland Family Dental, we provide our patients with personalized services to ensure their smiles remain healthy for many years to come.
How We Accommodate Patients With Special Needs
At Oakland Family Dental, we understand that every patient has unique needs, and we strive to provide individualized care to each person we see. We provide the following accommodations to make your dental experience more comfortable and easy-going:
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Our office is fully accessible to patients with mobility challenges, including those who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
- Sedation Dentistry: For patients who experience anxiety or have difficulty sitting still during dental procedures, we offer a variety of sedation dentistry options to help them relax and feel more comfortable.
- Communication Tools: We provide visual aids, written instructions, and other communication tools to help patients with communication during their dental visit.
- Sensory Accommodations: We understand that some patients may be sensitive to certain sounds or sensations, so we offer a variety of accommodations, such as noise-canceling headphones or weighted blankets, to help them feel more comfortable during their visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do dentists manage patient anxiety and behavior?
Dentists use various techniques to help patients with special needs to regulate their anxiety and behavior during dental appointments. A common approach that many professionals use is behavior management, which involves using positive reinforcement and other techniques to encourage patients to cooperate during dental procedures.
How can parents and caregivers of individuals with special needs promote good oral health?
Tips for promoting good oral health in individuals with special needs include establishing a regular dental care routine, encouraging good oral hygiene practices, using appropriate dental products, watching their diet, and making dental appointments a positive experience. They can also help mediate between them and their dentist to develop a personalized treatment plan.
What oral health issues do individuals with special needs face?
Individuals with special needs are at increased risk of developing oral health problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections. This is due to a variety of factors such as medications, behavioral issues, and difficulty with oral hygiene practices.
Get the Care You Need at Oakland Family Dental
Our Waterford dentist is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality dental care to individuals with special needs. We work closely with our patients and their families to ensure they receive the best possible care in a comfortable and supportive environment. We are proud to be a trusted provider of special needs dentistry serving Michigan patients in Waterford, Shelby, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester and the surrounding areas. Schedule an appointment today by contacting our office at (248) 674-0384 or fill out our online form.