Special Needs Dentistry Specialist

What is special needs dentistry?

Special needs dentistry is an area of oral health care that involves diagnosing, treating, and managing dental conditions in patients with cognitive, behavioral, and physical disabilities. 

Whether your child has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Down syndrome, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or a permanent spinal injury, the team at Greece Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics has the necessary training and experience to provide the compassionate care they need.

The team also welcomes special needs patients of all ages, including adults, so your child can see the same dentist throughout life.

What dental challenges do children with special needs face?

Children and adults with special needs face unique challenges that often require special care, including:

Delayed tooth eruption

As the National Institute of Dental and Cranial Research reports, children with Down syndrome and other common genetic abnormalities often experience delayed tooth eruption.

Overcrowding

Some children with genetic abnormalities have extra teeth or misaligned teeth that crowd the mouth. Overcrowding occurs when the mouth is too small to accommodate all of its teeth. Not only can a crowded mouth lead to bite problems, it may also lead to gum disease and tooth decay.

Bruxism

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, happens when the top and bottom teeth grate together. While no one is immune to teeth grinding, it’s especially common in children with developmental delays, cerebral palsy, and anxiety disorders. Without treatment, teeth grinding can damage the tooth enamel, leading to cracks and chips.

Dry mouth

Certain medications, particularly those containing sugar, can reduce saliva production and cause dry mouth. Since saliva helps wash away bacteria and food debris, dry mouth can lead to cavity formation and gum disease.

What is included in special needs dentistry?

The team at Greece Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics offers a number of benefits for patients with special needs, including:

• Friendly, compassionate team
• Advanced technology 
• Single tooth anesthesia (STA)
• iTero® intraoral scanner for digital impressions (no goopy molds)
• Biolase® laser to eliminate cutting and drilling (less noise and pain)
• Sedation dentistry

As a sedation dentistry provider, the team offers safe, colorless, and odorless nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to promote relaxation and relieve anxiety in patients with special needs.

To learn more about special needs dentistry, call Greece Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics or schedule an appointment online today.