Major Dental Work and Your Special-Needs Child



It can be difficult for any child to get serious dental work completed, but even more problematic for a child with special needs. There are multiple options available to help support your child during this procedure depending on the type of procedure and the length of procedure. Each of the risks has pros and cons depending on some variables. 
Dr. Fuller recommends, “Local anesthetic and/or nitrous oxide can be utilized for shorter procedures, or if one or two teeth are being pulled.” Nitrous is a gas that is breathed and is immediately eliminated from the child’s system once the device is removed from the nose. Local anesthetic requires a small needle to inject a numbing agent into the gums. This can be a bit scary for a child who does not understand what is happening. If you are going to choose this method, it is critical to prepare your child in advance. Letting them know that the dentist may be using sleepy juice. Alternatively, they may need to be distracted from the needle by having a story or something read to them. 
Conscious sedation can be an option for children who are very anxious or who need extensive dental procedures. This type of sedation allows your child to sleep during the procedure. This can be very beneficial to children and allow the dentistry to be completed without any problems while major dental work is completed. 

             Contact Dr. Fuller and his team for more information or additional options today. 

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