Sedation Series: Sedation & Special Needs Kids

If you have a child with special needs, Dr. Yoni and Dr. Bean are here to help your little one get the caring, personalized treatment they need to maintain their oral health, avoid common oral health issues, and resolve problems like cavities, infected teeth, gum disease, and other similar problems when they do occur.

In this blog post in Green Leaf Dental’s sedation series, we’ll explore the basics and benefits of sedation dentistry for special needs kids, and help you get answers to a few frequently-asked questions related to this subject. Let’s get started!
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Do Special Needs Kids Always Need To Be Sedated? 

No! Depending on your child’s needs, it may be possible for them to get the treatment they need without sedation. We can take steps to accommodate children who have special needs, and our children dentists have special training on how to treat special needs kids, particularly those on the autism spectrum.

However, if your child is very anxious about dentistry, has behavioral issues, cannot understand the procedure they need due to cognitive disabilities, or may be uncooperative or physically resistant to the treatment they need, sedation may be recommended. 
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Is Sedation Safe For Kids With Special Needs?

Generally, the answer is “yes,” particularly for children who may have behavioral or developmental disabilities, rather than physical disabilities. Children who have special needs but do not have major physical impairments can typically be sedated without issue.

However, children with physical disabilities may require special care to be sedated safely, particularly if they have a condition that may affect their heart or airway, such as Down’s syndrome.

Regardless of the particulars of your child’s situation, Dr. Geoffrey Bean will meet with you, discuss your child’s special needs and health history, medications they’re taking, and other such details to ensure that your child can be sedated safely. Dr. Bean has treated more than 4,000 patients, including both adults and children with special needs. 
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What Types Of Sedation Can Be Used For Special Needs Children? 

Our sedation options at Green Leaf Dental include laughing gas, oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. In general, the proper choice for your child depends on the type of procedure they’re experiencing, and their unique special needs.

For example, a child with autism who has mild behavioral issues may only need sedation with laughing gas or oral conscious sedation during a simple dental treatment like a filling. 

However, a child with serious behavioral problems, or who is very scared or intimidated by an upcoming dental procedure may require deeper IV sedation or even general anesthesia to ensure they can get the treatment they need safely. 

Again, Dr. Bean and the team at Green Leaf Dental will always consider your child’s situation carefully, and recommend the proper type of sedation based on their health, your preferences, the procedure they need, and other such factors. 
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Get Caring, Expert Treatment For Special Needs Kids At Green Leaf Dental

We hope this blog in our sedation series has helped you get answers to some of your questions about special needs kids, sedation, and dentistry. If you are the parent of a special needs child or adult and you need expert dental care in Seward Park, Rainier Valley, Columbia City, or Beacon Hill, Green Leaf Dental is here to help. Contact us online or call today at (206) 316-2351 to schedule a consultation.