Special Needs Dentistry is a specialized field of dental care that caters to individuals with physical, developmental, or emotional challenges. In Garden City, Small Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, led by Dr. Manpreet Dhillon and Dr. Ravneet Dhillon, is dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. This approach ensures that all patients, regardless of their health care needs, receive the highest standard of care in a compassionate and understanding environment. The practice is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a team trained to handle a wide range of special needs, ensuring comfort and safety for every visit.
Why Should I Get Special Needs Dentistry?
Choosing Special Needs Dentistry ensures that individuals with unique challenges receive personalized care that addresses their specific dental health needs. This specialized approach not only focuses on the technical aspects of dental care but also considers the emotional and psychological comfort of the patient. By opting for Special Needs Dentistry, you ensure that the dental experience is as stress-free and positive as possible, which is crucial for maintaining oral health and overall well-being. Additionally, professionals in this field are equipped with the knowledge and tools to manage complex cases, providing peace of mind for both patients and their families.
DID YOU KNOW?
Special Needs Dentistry adapts techniques to ensure comfort for all patients.
The Benefits Of Special Needs Dentistry
Personalized Care
Special Needs Dentistry offers individualized treatment plans, ensuring that each patient’s unique requirements are met with precision. This personalized approach enhances the overall dental experience, making it more effective and comfortable for patients with special needs.
Enhanced Comfort and Safety
Practices specializing in Special Needs Dentistry are equipped with facilities and tools designed to accommodate various physical and developmental challenges. This ensures that patients receive care in a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment, reducing anxiety and stress during dental visits.
Comprehensive Support
The dental team at Small Smiles Pediatric Dentistry provides comprehensive support not only to patients but also to their families. This includes guidance on oral hygiene practices tailored to specific needs, ensuring that dental health is maintained between visits.
The Special Needs Dentistry Treatment Process
Initial Consultation and Assessment
The treatment process begins with an initial consultation, where the dental team conducts a thorough assessment of the patient’s dental health and specific needs. This step involves gathering detailed information about the patient’s medical history, current medications, and any behavioral or sensory challenges. The goal is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s unique situation, allowing the team to create a customized treatment plan that addresses all aspects of their dental care.
Customized Treatment Planning
Following the assessment, the dental team collaborates to create a tailored treatment plan that aligns with the patient's individual needs. This plan outlines the specific procedures and techniques that will be employed, ensuring that each step is designed to maximize comfort and effectiveness. The team also discusses the plan with the patient and their family, providing clear explanations and addressing any concerns. This collaborative approach ensures that everyone involved is informed and confident in the care being provided.
Gentle and Compassionate Care
During the treatment phase, the focus is on delivering care with a gentle and compassionate approach. The dental team utilizes specialized techniques and equipment to minimize discomfort and anxiety, ensuring a positive experience for the patient. Communication is key throughout this process, as the team provides reassurance and support to both the patient and their family. By prioritizing empathy and understanding, Small Smiles Pediatric Dentistry creates a welcoming environment where patients feel safe and valued.
Before & Afters
stop scrolling and start straightening!
Dental Trauma Guide
What to do in the event of trauma to the teeth and mouth:
If bleeding occurs:
%402x%20(2).svg){kind=icon}
- Apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze
- Try to identify the source of the bleeding
- If the gums or teeth are bleeding see a dental professional
- If the lips or face are injured visit the emergency room
If a tooth is chipped
- If the tooth fragment that chipped off is found, store it in milk, saliva or saline. Do NOT store in alcohol, water or mouthwash
- Contact a dentist for an emergency appointment
If a baby tooth is knocked out
- Baby teeth are not advised to be re-implanted but should be brought to the dentist to be evaluated
If there is a shift in the position of a tooth/teeth
- This is urgent! Contact a dentist for an emergency appointment ASAP
- If injury occurs outside of business hours visit the emergency room
If an adult tooth is knocked out
- Handle the tooth by the crown, try to avoid touching the root
- Rinse the tooth with milk or saline, DO NOT SCRUB
- Place the tooth back into the socket if possible
- If not, store the tooth in milk, saliva or saline. Do NOT store in alcohol, water or mouthwash. Adult teeth can be re-implanted by a dentist
- This is urgent! Contact a dentist for an emergency appointment ASAP
- If injury occurs outside of business hours visit the emergency room
If unsure whether a baby or adult tooth is knocked out
- Store the tooth in milk, saliva or saline and allow the doctor to determine. Do NOT store in alcohol, water or mouthwash
- This is urgent! Contact a dentist for an emergency appointment ASAP
- If injury occurs outside of business hours visit the emergency room
In all cases, focus on controlling bleeding (with gauze/clean cloth and pressure) and managing pain with motrin/tylenol (follow manufacturers instructions for dosing). Some dental emergencies are more urgent than others but all cases of dental trauma should be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible.
%20(1).avif)
How to Reduce the Risk of Dental Trauma
Dental injuries are very common amongst active children. Here are some tips to reduce your child's risk of experiencing serious dental trauma.
Safe Play Environments
- Check play areas for younger children for hard surfaces and sharp corners, try to child-proof or limit access to such areas
- Keep hard objects and toys away from young children especially when they are teething (ages 0-3)
Preventing Sports-Related Trauma
- Helmets, facemasks and mouthguards reduce both the frequency and severity of dental/facial trauma.
- Mouthguards are highly recommended for all collision and contact sports and help prevent injuries such as broken or displaced teeth, jaw-joint injury, lip/cheek/chin lacerations and even concussions
- Custom mouthguards made by a dental provider offer the highest level of protection and can be made for children of all ages
- Pre-formed stock mouthguards and boil and bite mouthguards are more affordable alternatives which offer a lower level of protection than custom mouthguards but still reduce the risk and severity of injury
Education and Preparation
- Even with safeguards in place injuries happen! Learning how to manage dental injuries will help the adults managing the situation stay calm and act fast
- Some children are more prone to dental injury depending on their unique dental anatomy. Regular dental check ups will help identify potential risks and a dental provider can offer personalized suggestions
Frequently Asked Questions
