Special Needs Dentistry
Children with special needs have a welcome place at Wonderland Pediatric Dentistry. During her residency at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Dr. Karina obtained extensive training on working with special needs populations. She treated children with a vast range of medical and developmental conditions. To provide safe and efficient dental care, we can accommodate special needs children between ages 1 and 12.
Accommodating Children with Special Needs
Dr. Karina is comfortable with providing the best dental care to patients who are mentally or physically challenged. Our office has a comfortably designed, dimly lit room with a starry sky on the ceiling to calm and relax your little one in case they become overwhelmed.
If your child has a rough time prior to or during a dental visit, this room provides a soothing environment for extremely anxious children as well as for patients with conditions like autism or light-triggered seizures.
Treatment of Children with Special Needs
We want all of our patients to feel comfortable and have a positive experience in our office. For some patients, that may mean ensuring they are comfortable during treatment by propping them at a comfortable angle, supporting part of their body with soft cushions, or moving at their pace to give them the best care.
For other patients, that may mean that we provide sedation dentistry so that they do not have to endure the stress of a dental appointment that could feel too stimulating. We offer IV sedation in our office and oral/conscious sedation to help them comfortably receive the dental care that they need to stay healthy. Most importantly, any form of sedation for special needs patients is reserved for treatment exclusively and not intended for initial visits or cleanings. Those patients who require sedation for routine cleanings will be referred out.
Our Partnership with Parents
Your child may need additional support at home to help them avoid common dental conditions. We will work with you to develop a home care routine that supports your child with special needs.
Because of dexterity issues, medical conditions, or dietary restrictions, developing an effective customized home care routine for your child is essential. Dr. Karina will work with you to ensure that your child can enjoy the greatest chance of good oral health.
Extensive Treatment Plans
With other medical and physical conditions to consider, sometimes a child with special needs develops large amounts of decay or other common conditions such as gum disease. At Wonderland Pediatric Dentistry, we know that taking your child to multiple appointments can cause specific challenges.
Contact Us to Schedule an Appointment
We welcome you and your children to our dental practice and will always provide the same great dental care that we would want for our own kids. We accommodate all children in the best way we can because every child’s smile is a gift!
