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A special needs patient may require the services of a special needs dentist. Patients with paralysis, stroke, Down syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, and genetic disorders may require additional dental treatment to preserve optimal dental health. Everyone deserves personalized attention and dental treatment.

Choosing the appropriate dose of sedation for a person with special needs can be stressful. At Armitage Dental in Phoenix, AZ, we are here to assist you and your loved one. We strive to put our patients at ease by offering great patient care in a comfortable, convenient setting.

What Is Sedation?

Sedation is the administration of a medicine to a patient to assist them to relax during dental treatment. Sedation differs from general anesthesia in that the patient remains awake yet drowsy throughout the procedure. 

There are various types of sedation, each of which is uniquely administered to the patient:

Laughing Gas

The most frequent type of dental sedation is laughing gas. It has a relaxing impact that makes people feel pleasant or exuberant. It aids in the relaxation of both the mind and the body. It is quite safe to use on persons of all ages. 

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation entails taking a sedative medicine by mouth. One kind may be used to relax a patient, while another may be used to put the patient to sleep. Oral sedatives are ideal for people with impairments who have difficulty following orders or sitting still. Oral sedation helps the dentist to safely open a patient's mouth and perform the procedure. 

IV Sedation

IV sedation is required when the patient has major dental work and must be relaxed for an extended length of time. IV sedation is ideal for people who find it difficult to sit still or control their movements. Patients who are unable to follow orders or grasp what is going on may also benefit from this type of sedation. The IV medicine calms the patient, allowing the dental team to safely accomplish several, long, or difficult dental treatments at once.

How Do People With Special Needs Get Dental Care?

The American Dental Association's Council on Access, Prevention, and Interprofessional Relations offers the following advice for seeking dental treatment if you have specific needs:

• Inform the dentist of any specific health or financial circumstances.
• Inquire whether the dentist has any training or expertise in treating patients with your unique issue.
• Inquire whether the dentist is interested in treating patients with your specific problem.
• Find out if the dentist accepts your dental insurance plan.
• Inquire whether the dental facility is accessible to the disabled.

Contact Armitage Dental in Phoenix, AZ, for the best dental care. To book an appointment, call (623) 872-8686 or visit 10265 W Camelback Rd STE 140, Phoenix, AZ 85037.