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Special Needs

Special Needs and Medically-Compromised Patients

Many patients with special needs (i.e. Autism, developmental delay...) require special care. They may be more susceptible to tooth decay, gum disease or oral trauma. Due to their medical diagnosis or behavior therapy they may require medication or a diet that is detrimental to their dental health. The dentists of Distinctive Dental Services of New York, P.C. are well trained and experienced in caring for patients with special needs. Each dentist has received comprehensive education in behavior management, sedation and anesthesia techniques. After examination, our dentists will discuss which technique should be used based on your family member's or your child's own unique health and treatment needs.

How can our practice meet your child's or other family member's special needs?

Our doctors work closely with the other health care providers who are caring for your child's or other family member's special health needs. Our doctors will consult with you regarding any special health concerns or medications that the patient may be taking. They will also consult with the primary care physician to ensure each concern is addressed. Our office is wheelchair accessible for patients who are physically challenged.

Dr. Mary George, Dr. Paul Elkin, and Dr. Gina Sajnani, our pediatric dental specialists, will give your child a thorough dental examination in order to determine your child's specific dental needs. Parental involvement is important in this process. A child may feel more relaxed if he or she sees mom and dad in the room while he or she is getting their dental examination. If the child is young enough they may sit on mom or dad's lap with their head resting on mom or dad's shoulder. If the child is too big to sit on your lap, it is helpful if you hold their hands to help them reduce anxiety. Your child may require X-rays. Sometimes your child may be unable to cooperate on his or her own. It may be necessary for you to stay in the treatment room and assist the doctor in taking your child's X-rays.

If your child or other family member requires dental treatment, there are several options for treatment:

Our pediatric dentists and general dentists will select a technique based on the amount of dental treatment your child or other family member requires and their ability to cooperate for dental treatment. They will then discuss the benefits, limits and risks of that technique with you. If you and the dentist choose general anesthesia in our office, Dr. Ralph Epstein, our dentist anesthesiologist, will be included in your consultation.

Dr. Derek Zimbardi or Dr. Cristina David will provide the dentistry for our adult patients with special needs. Dr. Ralph Epstein will provide the intravenous sedation or general anesthesia should that treatment modality be required in our facility.

Care for Medically-Compromised Patients

There are many patients who have medical problems that prevent them from receiving care in a conventional dental setting. Patients with assorted neurological diagnoses may have uncontrolled movements, which make dental treatment without sedation or general anesthesia impossible. Patients with some cardiac problems are better treated with sedation, which can reduce cardiac stress during treatment. Due to some cardiac problems patients may require intravenous antibiotics. Dr. Epstein can administer these antibiotics for dental treatment in our office. Some patients may only require cardiac monitoring, without sedation during their treatment. Dr. Epstein can also provide this monitoring.

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