Sedation Dentistry for My Adult Special Needs Daughter

Posted by AllSmiles

Can you tell me how sedation dentistry will affect the anxiety medication my adult special needs (Tourette Syndrome) daughter already takes? Will it prevent her from being eligible for sedation? I don’t want to get my hopes up and then get disappointed. If there is a conflict with medications, what are my options for getting dental treatment for her? Thanks. Kyrstin from ID

 

Kyrstin,

Thank you for your question. We understand your concerns about getting dental care for your daughter and ensuring she has positive dental experiences.

Finding a Dentist for Your Daughter’s Unique Needs

You first need to see a dentist to review your daughter’s medical and dental history. Before scheduling an appointment, when you contact the dental office, be prepared to do the following:

• Provide your daughter’s age
• Explain your daughter’s medical condition
• Explain the reason for the dental visit
• Ask if a dentist at the practice is willing to treat your daughter

Parents with minor children can contact pediatric dental offices for treatment.

Sedation Dentistry for Special Needs

Many experienced sedation dentists are familiar with treating patients with unique or specific needs and those who already suffer from anxiety and take medication for it. Sedation dentists do not all use the same anti-anxiety sedative medication. A dentist may select a medication based on experience and each patient’s medical and prescription history. Before the appointment, you can take these steps:

• Speak with your daughter’s primary care physician and ask about any concerns the doctor may have about your daughter’s dental care.
• List all the medications and supplements your daughter takes and bring the list with you for the initial appointment.
• List any known reactions your daughter has to medications.

A dental office may have a secure patient portal and request that you provide a list of medications before your appointment. The dentist will review the list of medications to ensure they do not conflict with the anti-anxiety medication used for sedation dentistry. Sometimes, the medicine the dentist prescribes is the same as what a patient already takes. A complete list is essential to prevent a negative interaction.

If you have any concerns or questions about the recommendation from the dentist, you can consult with your pharmacist or medical doctor. We advise patients not to sedate themselves before a dental appointment without letting the dentist know what medication they will use. Some patients schedule at least two consultations before choosing a provider for sedation dentistry.

Chandler, Arizona dentist Dr. William Walden sponsors this post.