Special Needs Dentistry – Lawrence, KS

Compassionate & Gentle Dentistry for Special Smiles

Group of friends smiling after special needs dentistry in Lawrence

At Kansas Center for Sedation Dentistry, we go above and beyond to serve patients who typically have a difficult time getting the oral healthcare they need. We are happy to offer special needs dentistry in Lawrence for our patients with neuromuscular conditions or intellectual or physical disabilities to help make dental appointments more accommodating, comfortable, and even pleasant! Our team of highly experienced dentists are compassionate and take the time to get to know each of our patients in order to deliver personalized, compassionate, and gentle dentistry for special smiles. To learn more or schedule your next appointment, give our office a call.

Special Needs Present Unique Oral Health Challenges

Young boy getting special needs dental care in Lawrence

As a patient with special needs or a loved one of a patient with special needs, it can be easy to let oral healthcare slide while juggling multiple priorities and responsibilities. However, it’s important to remember that patients with intellectual, physical, or neuromuscular disabilities are more likely to experience dental problems. They may have malformed or missing teeth, significant delays in tooth eruption, and poor alignment. Other issues like dental anxiety, teeth grinding, cavities, and gum disease are also very common among patients with special needs. Our team focuses on preventive care to address oral health problems while they are still small and easy to treat. We provide dental checkups, cleanings, treatments, and hygiene tips that are specialized for our patients with special needs.

How Do We Help Our Patients with Special Needs Feel Comfortable?

boy and Lawrence special needs dentist laughing together

Each of our dentists have advanced training and a true passion for making dental care relaxing and comfortable. As a sedation center, we specialize in helping patients who face all manner of challenges when visiting the dentist, from dental phobia, sensitive gag reflexes, physical and intellectual disabilities, and many more. Our friendly and understanding team never rushes our patients, but instead takes a gentle, step-by-step approach to each appointment, ensuring that you are comfortable the entire time.

All of our doctors are specially trained in sedation dentistry, and offer nitrous oxide sedation, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. These safe and reliable methods can be customized to fit each unique need of our patients, including both children and adults. Beforehand, we thoroughly review our patient’s medical history and current health to determine which option would be the safest and most effective. Then, during treatment, they are carefully monitored by our caring and attentive staff, who can adjust the sedation as needed.

Learn More About Sedation Dentistry

Dental Tips for Our Patients with Special Needs

Family eating breakfast after special needs dentistry in Lawrence

To make caring for their oral health at home easier, we will be happy to offer personalized dental tips and guidance for our patients with intellectual or physical disabilities. This could include tips like:

Make brushing and flossing part of their daily routine and a regular habit.
Use specialized, easy-to-handle toothbrushes and flossers to make oral hygiene easier.
If you are assisting your loved one with their oral hygiene, use gentle and slow movements.
Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water, as this helps keep the mouth healthy.
Visit us for routine checkups to feel more familiar with our office and team.