Sleep and Sedation Dentistry for Patients with Disabilities
Patients with disabilities require special attention when undergoing dental procedures. These patients are hard to restrain and have difficulties remaining still for extended periods especially in the case of complex dental surgery. The treating dentist puts the patient in a deep state of relaxation or complete sleep by administering sedation medication or general anesthesia. Patients with disabilities can find dental care solution with sedation and sleep dentistry.
Patients who are afflicted with physical and developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome, Cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s and those who have behavioral issues require the expertise of a certified sleep dentist. Their situation demands special care and attention different from the regular dental procedures performed on non-special needs patients.
How does sedation and sleep dentistry work?
First and foremost, the treating dentist will review the needs of the patient. After identifying the needs of the patient only then a treatment plan will be prepared. The levels of sedation varies with each case. Some patients are easily put into a relaxed state while others require more sedative drugs before they can achieve the desired level of deep relaxation. In other cases such as patients with severe mental disabilities, it is important to put them to complete sleep.
During surgery, the sedation is administered through a combination of breathing mask and medication. Laughing gas or nitrous oxide will gradually put them in a relaxed state. Oral pills and intravenous medication are administered depending on the needs of the patient. These are administered in graduated levels until such time complete relaxation is achieved.
In the past, these procedures are performed in the hospital where proper facilities are available. Today, innovation in dental art technology allow patients to have oral surgery at their dentist’s clinic. These dentists and anesthesiologists have secured general anesthesia permits from the state and have undergone training to comply with state requirements in the administration of anesthesia.
Not all dentists are licensed to perform sedation and sleep dentistry. Make sure to do a background check before committing to a dentist.
Tags: patients with disabilities, patients with special needs, sedation dentistry, sleep and sedation dentistry, sleep dentistry
