Special Needs Dentistry—Wylie, TX
Exceptional Dentistry for Every Child
Our pediatric dentist in Wylie, Dr. Allen Pearson warmly welcomes every child who is in need of high-quality dental care. No matter the problem, our team can improve, repair, rebuild, and restore young smiles for a healthier, happier future. As a parent, we understand how important it is that your child receives personalized treatment, and if your little one has physical, mental, or sensory special needs, we are here to provide the help they need for a positive and enjoyable experience.
By informing us of any accommodations your child needs, we can ensure that you both leave our office feeling as if you’ve found your home for better oral healthcare. If you would like to learn more about what we can do for your child, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose Wylie Children’s Dentistry for Special Needs Dentistry?
- Caring & Understanding Dental Team
- Pediatric Dentist with 20+ Years of Experience
What Services Do We Offer for Children with Special Needs?
At Wylie Children’s Dentistry, Dr. Pearson is passionate about providing children with positive dental experiences, so they have a reason to get excited about visiting us again in the future. He’s happy to meet the access needs of children with a spectrum of disabilities. Below are some of the services we offer for those with physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities.
Safe & Comfortable Sedation Dentistry
Dr. Pearson works with a Board-Certified medical anesthesiologist (MD) to provide three different types of sedation on-site, including nitrous oxide, oral conscious, and IV sedation. Depending on the severity of your child’s anxiety or the extent of the treatment they require, we can help guide you towards the best type of sedation to fit your little one’s needs.
Meeting Access Needs to Help Children Have a Positive Experience
We regularly work with children experiencing a wide range of disabilities and are happy to do whatever we can to help them feel comfortable while they’re in our office. We welcome parents to bring stuffed animals or other toys that can help their child feel at-ease and are happy to make changes to our style of care to ensure your little one feels relaxed and safe.
Special Needs Present Unique Oral Healthcare Challenges
Young smiles often suffer from decay and cavities because of a less-than-ideal diet and poor oral habits at home. But when it comes to a child with special needs, the importance of professional dental care is even greater simply because a normal oral hygiene routine may be a difficult undertaking or certain medications make them more prone to tooth decay and gum disease. Should worsening issues develop (i.e., tooth loss), it can have a devastating impact on a child’s self-esteem. Fortunately, with our help, you can feel confident that your child, no matter their disability, will receive the personalized care they need and deserve.
Dental Tips for Children with Special Needs
The best way to help your child maintain a healthy and happy smile as they grow into adulthood is by following these key preventive measures:
- Set them up for success with a daily at-home oral healthcare routine that includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing with mouthwash once a day. To encourage independence, you may consider different oral hygiene instruments adapted to their disabilities.
- Don’t forget fluoride at each of their routine checkups and cleanings! This helps strengthen your child’s dental enamel and reduce their risk of developing cavities.
- Start bringing them to their pediatric dentist early to help them get used to our office and team. It will allow them to start their dental health journey on a positive note!
Special Needs Dentistry FAQs
Do Special Needs Children Have Certain Dental Needs?
Every situation is different, but in many cases, special needs children have special dental needs that need to be catered to. For instance, some special needs children might be more prone to tooth decay due to oral trauma, difficulty cleaning their teeth, or certain medications that affect their oral health. It’s especially important that special needs children attend regular dental visits so their dentist can stay on top of any issues that could arise.
What If My Child Is Unable to Relax?
It can be difficult for special needs children to feel comfortable in the dental chair. At Wylie Children’s Dentistry, we offer three different types of sedation on-site, including nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Depending on the anxiety levels and special needs of your child, we can discuss sedation options and whether or not they would benefit from them.
What Should I Do Before My Child’s Appointment?
Before bringing your child to the dental office, it is recommended that you try to talk with them about their upcoming visit and any worries that they have. Try to explain the process to them in a positive light and help them understand why it’s important that everyone goes to the dentist routinely. Establishing the dental office in a positive way can help them feel less anxious when their appointments roll around. There are some excellent children’s books available that can help you do this – like Curious George Visits the Dentist.
What Types of Preventive Care Do Special Needs Children Require?
Everybody benefits from brushing and flossing regularly as well as a healthy diet. It’s also necessary to undergo regular professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar that causes gingivitis. Fluoride treatment and dental sealants can also be useful for protecting the enamel and preventing the development of tooth decay.