Special Needs Dentistry In Chicago

Why Is Dentistry So Important For Special Needs Patients?

Dentistry is important for special needs patients because it’s important for everyone. A child with a mental, developmental, or physical disability still needs to get expert care to ensure their mouth is healthy and free of common problems like cavities and gum disease.

Both children and adults with special needs are more vulnerable to oral health issues, as they may have issues cleaning their teeth properly, and they may not be able to see a dentist regularly. For this reason, dental care from Dr. Amy Shah at Milktooth Pediatric Dentistry is critical for any child who has special needs, since it will help their mouth stay healthy as they grow. 

At our office, we create a customized treatment plan for every special needs patient, and we offer a wide variety of accommodations, including sedation dentistry, that can make your child’s experience feel more safe and comfortable. Contact us online to schedule an appointment right away.

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Did you know…

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About 12.8% of children in the United States are estimated to have special health needs.

Does your child need emergency treatment?

Call (773) 904-0095

What To Expect At Your Child’s Special Needs Appointment

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Pre-appointment consultation

First, you and your child can meet with Dr. Amy Shah. You can discuss their special needs and how these needs may affect your child’s ability to receive dental care. Dr. Shah will take this information into account when preparing for your child’s appointment.

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X-rays, teeth cleaning
& oral exam

At your child’s first appointment, a dental hygienist will clean their teeth and will typically take x-rays, if recommended. Then, Dr. Shah will gently examine their teeth for signs of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health conditions.

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Treatment plan

After your child’s appointment, Dr. Shah will provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan. Depending on her findings, this may simply involve seeing us again in six months, treatments like fillings and crowns to treat tooth decay, or periodontal treatment for gum disease.

Have Questions About Special Needs Dentistry? Find Answers Here

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What Special Needs Do You Serve?

We can serve pediatric patients with almost any physical, mental, or developmental impairments. This includes ASD (autism spectrum disorder) and sensory issues, as well as physical disabilities like MS and developmental disabilities such as Down’s syndrome.

If you are not certain that we can treat your child, please call us at (773) 904-0095 or contact us online to provide us with more information about their unique needs.

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Can Sedation Dentistry Help?

Sedation dentistry can be very beneficial for children who have special needs and may be afraid of the dentist, who have behavioral issues, or who cannot understand what’s happening or cannot sit still during their appointment.

Sedation is not appropriate for every child, and some special needs children may have health issues that may prevent sedation from being used. However, when properly administered, sedation can dramatically simplify the process of special needs dentistry. To learn more, we recommend discussing sedation with Dr. Amy Shah before your child’s appointment at Milktooth Pediatric Dentistry.

Did you know…

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Sedation may help your child feel more comfortable at the dentist.

Does your child need to see a Dentist?

Call (773) 904-0095