Sedation Dentistry for Special Needs Patients: Making Dental Care Accessible

Our team is experienced in handling a range of special needs and can provide support to patients and their carers. If you’re looking for a specialist dentist who can support someone you are caring for, we recommend booking a consultation with our team.

Finding the right dentist can help to deliver improved outcomes through continuity of care. Those with additional needs might struggle to care for their teeth at home, which is why regular checkups are so important.

In this guide, we’re exploring the role of sedation dentistry in the provision of care for those with special and additional needs. This is essential information for those caring for someone with complex needs.

Who needs special care dentistry?

There are a number of reasons a patient might need special care at the dentist. This could include cognitive and behavioural problems that could put the patient and the dentist at risk.

For example, a patient with dementia could become confused and violent, which could be a high risk if the dentist is handling delicate tools. Another example would be a non-verbal child who is afraid of the dentist and might become aggressive towards themselves or others when they are frightened.

These individuals might struggle to properly care for their teeth at home, which means they are at a higher risk of developing dental problems. We are committed to providing quality care to all patients, regardless of any additional requirements. In many cases, dental sedation can help to keep patients calm during checkups and procedures, which can help to protect both the patient and the dental staff.

Can any dentist offer special care dentistry?

All dentists are trained to provide dental care to all patients, but some will have additional training or experience in this field. A key part of the dentist’s role is to ensure they can deliver care safely and with care and consideration.

If the dentist is worried that they might not be able to treat a patient, they may suggest dental sedation. This could be in the form of a pill or an injection. The patient will still be awake, but they will be very relaxed and maybe a little sleepy.

This will help the dentist to deliver treatment quickly and effectively. A calm patient is much easier to treat, and this can deliver improved treatment outcomes.

What does the dentist need to know beforehand?

It’s helpful to give the dentist as much information as possible about the patient and their usual behaviour when they are calm and when they are stressed. This can help the dentist to determine if they need to administer dental sedation for the safety of the patient and the dental practice staff.

A carer can often provide information about the patient, but it can also be helpful for the dentist to speak directly to the patient, particularly when dealing with cases of complex needs that are further complicated by a fear of the dentist. If they are able to do so, the patient will be better equipped to share their insight into which parts of the dental visit they are most afraid of.

Choosing the right appointment time

Picking the right appointment time can be vital for ensuring a positive outcome. For example, patients with dementia might experience something known as “sundowning”, which is when their behaviour changes throughout the day. Those who are very nervous might feel more comfortable getting their appointment out of the way at the start of the day.

When is sedation dentistry recommended?

Your dentist is often in the best position to advise if sedation is recommended for an appointment, but we also have instances where patients or their carers can request it. The final decision will always come down to whether or not the treatment would be safe. If a dentist has doubts about the treatment plan, they may refer the patient to the hospital to complete the treatment under a general anaesthetic.

Can treatment be done at home?

Home visits are not recommended as the dentist cannot guarantee a safe and sterile environment. If the patient cannot come to the practice for any reason, it would be more likely that they are referred to a hospital for the treatment. This would be a final resort if all other avenues have been exhausted, including dental sedation.

If you are concerned about not being able to access dental care for someone in your care, get in touch with our team to find out how we can support you. There may be steps we can take to help facilitate access to care.