Special Needs Dentistry for kids
Looking for special needs dentistry for kids? Dental care for children with special needs requires specific knowledge which is acquired by additional training. Skills such as, awareness, attention, adaptation, and being able to accommodate any methods beyond the routine are important.
Dr Levi Sorenson and his team are specialized in providing the compassionate care to children with special needs, they are trained and have special techniques to help your child be comfortable and eventually learn to feel at ease at the dentist. We specialize with children who have autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and more! Schedule an appointment for your child, with our Sorenson Pediatric Dentistry, in Las Vegas to receive the care your child deserves.
Dental Care for Children with Special Needs
It’s pretty normal for children to feel nervous or anxious when visiting the dentist. But a dental visit can be even more challenging for a child with special needs, where sensory experiences and unfamiliar rooms can be quite overwhelming.
A child with special needs requires a dentist who is understanding and able to gently work with them to ensure that their mouths and teeth are healthy. Our team at Sorenson Pediatric Dentistry have special training to work with children who have special issues like autism, cleft lip and palate, childhood cancer, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other medical and genetic disorders.
Our goal to meet the needs of your child with special needs while working within the limitations of your child’s conditions. Our mission is to find what will work best for your child and to make them feel safe and secure during every single dental visit. Our team will build a relationship with your child that will enable them to give them the great dental care that they need. Dr. Levi Sorenson will work with you to form a customized plan of action that will address the dental care for a child with special needs, in a smooth and comfortable manner.
What is the definition of “special health care needs”?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry defines it as: “any physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional impairment or limiting condition that requires medical management, health care intervention, and/or use of specialized services or programs.”
Whether your child’s needs are developmental, congenital, the result of previous trauma or disease, it’s important to receive the quality, specialized care to provide their special dental care needs.
Why should I choose a board certified pediatric dentist?
A board pediatric dentist has the extra training and the unique expertise to treat children with special needs.
Your child deserves dental care from a competent and trained professional, who is attuned and aware of the capabilities and constraints of the patient.
Dental tips for a child with special needs
- Ask your pediatric dentist to schedule a desensitization visit.
- There are special techniques and strategies that you can ask your dental provider in how to brush and/or floss.
- When scheduling the dental visit, ask if there is a private dental room if your child prefers a quieter, less busy atmosphere
- Try using flavor-free toothpaste if your child has aversions to taste
What is a desensitization visit?
It’s a visit to the dentist with the intent of just having fun. Schedule a tour of the office, bring toys to play with, ask if they can bring their favorite show or movie and have it play on their screens. The purpose of the visit is to help your child familiarize with the sounds and signs of the dental office.
What we can provide for a child with special needs
- Private rooms, where we can even dim the lights and/or close blinds to help them feel comfortable
- Sunglasses so that the light doesn’t bother them
- Flavor-free toothpastes
- Ceiling-mounted TVs to help distract them
- Weighted blankets
Let us know if your child has a special request or need that would help them feel more comfortable in our dental office!
If you live in Las Vegas and are looking for a dentist for your child with special needs, call us today! It will be our privilege to team up with you and help keep your child smiling brightly!
Call us and schedule your child’s appointment today: (702)586-4347