Providing sedation for patients with special needs is an important aspect of our practice. It’s paramount that each of our patients receives the care he or she needs, safely and comfortably.
At Guildford Dental, our Surrey dentists are dedicated to providing high quality dental care for every patient. We adapt the way we provide that care based on individual needs, and this applies to our patients with special needs as well.
The comfort and safety of our patients with special needs is our top priority when they are undergoing treatment. We offer various anesthesia and sedation options at our dental office.
How can sedation help?
For a wide range of medical, mental, physical or psychological reasons, dental treatment can sometimes be difficult or impossible for our patients with special needs.
Sedation or anesthesia allow many of these patients to undergo the dental care they need, that they might otherwise not be able to tolerate.
We most commonly use dental sedation for patients with special needs for the following reasons:
- Lack of cooperation
- Cognitive impairments
- Multiple morbidities (co-occurring diseases)
- Pediatric autism
How does the sedation process work?
It's important that we get to know our patients at the outset of treatment, to make sure that they are cared for in a manner that works for their personalities and needs. Depending on our patient's need and age, we may also discuss treatment options with a responsible family member or guardian.
Patients who have severe impairments or multiple medical problems will be evaluated by an anesthesiologist prior to undergoing any treatment with anesthesia.
Whatever type of sedation is ultimately selected, the patient will be closely monitored through the duration of the procedure by an appropriate dental professional.
All patients undergoing sedation dentistry of any kind at our practice must be escorted to and from the appointment by a friend, family member or guardian, as most types of sedation take some time to wear off.