Special Needs Dentistry
When babies or children are born with unique health conditions, it may be a good choice to look for special needs dentistry in Chandler, AZ. Every child deserves to feel comfortable, safe, and respected, and that is particularly true when they’re living with challenges such as ADHD, behavioral problems, autism, or sensory integration disorder. We can help children with cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, vision or hearing loss or impairments, and others so they feel comfortable, seen, and heard during their dental appointment.
And for parents and guardians, we’re here to help. Before you come to see us for your child’s dental needs, you can come to our office at Raya Sunshine Pediatrics Dentistry to help acclimate your child to the office. We believe that by slowly introducing the office to children, we can help reduce the fear of coming to the dental office and give them more time to feel comfortable in their surroundings. Just give us a call at 480-701-8046, and we’ll be happy to give you a tour and spend additional time with your child before their first formal appointment.
Why Take Your Child to a Special Needs Dentist?
Children with special needs often struggle with their dental health. They may not be able to brush their own teeth or have sensory issues that make it challenging to do so. Unfortunately, without appropriate care, they may be more likely to develop cavities, periodontitis, or gum disease. Those conditions can go on to cause chronic pain and other health issues.
Special needs dentists focus on treating children with unique care needs. When you take your child to a special needs dentist, you can be sure they will look for the specific dental needs these children may have. Whether your child has a strong gag reflex or a severe dental phobia, our office is prepared to help them get the dental care they need while being compassionate with them throughout their time with us.
What To Bring To Your Visit to Raya Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry
Our pediatric dentistry services span a range. From teeth cleaning to cavity filling, we offer nearly all the dental services that your child could need to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Dental History
When you come to our office with your child for your first visit, it is very helpful if you can bring your child’s dental history. Some children may have no history, while others may have extensive histories. Be prepared to discuss your concerns, but also know that we can do a full examination to determine what should be done to help your child maintain good oral hygiene.
What to Expect During Your Child’s First Pediatric Dentist Appointment
Children with special needs should have their first dental appointment before they turn one year old, just like any other child. Although this may seem early, it’s not, because the early identification of common dental problems and introduction to dentistry can help your child get used to receiving dental care and good oral hygiene.
During our typical dental examinations, we will take X-rays, clean the teeth so they’re free of plaque and tartar, polish your child’s teeth, and look for cavities and other dental issues.
Our first appointment with your child with special needs may not involve an examination. Instead, we may provide you with a tour and education on how to clear your teeth or spend time answering your questions. Then, we can schedule a formal examination to address concerns you have about your child’s dental health and ensure your child receives appropriate dental care on the right timeline.
Sedation Dentistry
We know that children with special needs may struggle to sit still or could have severe anxiety that makes a normal dental appointment difficult for them. That’s why we offer a number of sedation options to keep them comfortable while we perform examinations, extractions, or other kinds of dental work.
We provide in-office sedation and are happy to discuss this option with you if you believe your child may need sedation to get through their first (or any subsequent) appointment.
Are You Concerned About Your Child With Special Needs’ Dental Health?
At Raya Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that children with special needs may have significant dental health issues to address. It is always our goal to provide warm, friendly service and to help them feel comfortable when they’re in the office and receiving treatment.
We’re happy to say that we offer:
- Supportive, friendly care. Everyone in our office likes to work with children, and we have a patient, welcoming environment that helps them feel comfortable when they come to see us.
- An office environment designed for kids. From the moment you come into the office, you will see that we’ve spent time and energy creating a kid-utopia. We want them to feel comfortable and at home when they’re in our space, not feel like they’re in an adult dental office.
- Sedation dentistry for fearful, anxious, or combative children. We know that children with special needs may be fearful, anxious, or combative, just like children who don’t have these challenges. We offer gentle Sedation dentistry that helps children relax. We are happy to speak with you about the types of sedation we offer and what might work best to keep your child comfortable.
- Support for parents and guardians. We want parents and guardians to feel comfortable with the care their children are receiving. We’ll go over everything from how to clean their teeth to what goes into an examination with you.
Visit Us at Raya Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry in Chandler, AZ
Are you ready to take the next step to find your child a special needs dentist in Chandler, AZ? At Raya Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry, our team is here to welcome you with open arms. We have the experience and compassion to help your child with any dental issues they have, and we’re happy to support you as you learn to manage their unique dental needs. Call us today at 480-701-8046 to schedule your first visit to our office.