Special Needs Dentistry – Lake Zurich, IL
Every Child Deserves Exceptional, Personalized Dental Care
At G&G Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of Lake Zurich, working with special needs patients is one of our passions. We’re always happy to provide special accommodations and added attention when individuals with physical, behavioral, mental, or sensory needs come by for a visit. Here, you can expect that we will always work with you to establish a comfortable and inviting environment for your child, and our compassionate team will make sure they feel safe and secure. We look forward to welcoming your family to our office in Lake Zurich, so call us today. Also don’t hesitate to let us know about any specific accommodations you’d like us to provide.
Why Choose G&G Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics for Special Needs Dentistry?
- Family-Oriented Dental Team That Prioritizes Comfort
- Sedation Options Available for Nervous Patients
- Children of All Ages and Needs Accommodated
Serving All Special Needs
Our team is here to treat patients with all types of special needs, some of which include those with:
- Autism
- Down Syndrome
- Cerebral Palsy
- Children who are wheelchair-bound
- Children who are deaf or visually impaired
Special Needs Can Present Unique Oral Challenges
Many parents struggle with helping their kids build and maintain happy, healthy smiles, but if your child has a certain medical condition, disability, or disorder, they may be more likely to face unique dental concerns, such as:
- Higher risk of teeth grinding, which can damage enamel or contribute to a misalignment.
- Inherited oral traits, such as extra, missing, or malformed teeth.
- Early onset gum disease in children with compromised immune systems.
- Dental injuries or trauma due to seizures or other protective reflexes.
- Early, late, or stagnant tooth eruptions.
- Bite concerns, especially among those with muscular dystrophy or craniofacial disorders.
- Challenges brushing and flossing, which increases the risk of decay, disease, and other damage.
How Do We Help Patients with Special Needs Feel Comfortable?
It’s natural to want to provide your child with quality dental care that considers their unique needs. Our pediatric dental experts look forward to getting to know you and your child(ren) and can provide additional accommodations as needed.
For example, we are licensed to administer two types of dental sedation so that if your child is not a good candidate for one type, they might still benefit from another. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is considered safe for most kids and is inhaled through a mask placed over their nose while we work. T
But our team can also provide general anesthesiology that is administered intravenously to help those with certain challenges successfully undergo everything from routine preventive care to more complex procedures.
Preparing Your Child for Their First Visit
Before your child’s first appointment, we recommend that you call our office to inform us of any special accommodations they might need during their visit. We also suggest that you bring anything from home that allows your child to feel calmer and more comfortable, which includes any toys, blankets, music, or other security items. We will be happy to work with you in any way possible to ensure that they have a positive experience while visiting our office.
Dental Tips for Patients with Special Needs
Helping your child keep their teeth and gums clean outside of the dentist’s office can be particularly challenging if they have an intellectual or physical disability. For instance, brushing and flossing twice daily can help remove plaque and bacteria that contribute to dental problems, such as cavities and gum disease. But your child might resist one or both tasks if they struggle with grasping or moving the toothbrush or waxed string around their mouths.
That means you may have to take special precautions or try different products to help them maintain their still-developing smile. Our team is happy to discuss your questions or concerns and provide professional suggestions to help improve your child’s dental condition.
