Special Needs Dentist NYC
We are committed to caring for children with special needs. Each child is different, with unique challenges and strengths. We believe every child deserves to receive the best dental care, delivered with empathy and respect. Our team strives to create a welcoming and safe environment for your child, regardless of their needs.
Why Choose Us For Special Needs Dentistry Manhattan
Special needs children are those with chronic physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional conditions. They usually have limitations on daily activities, and require more extensive dental and medical services.
We have many years of experience treating children with Cleft lip or palate, Down syndrome, neurological disorders, cerebral palsy, and vision and hearing impairments which are common medical conditions requiring special dental care, as well as learning and developmental disabilities.
Oral Conditions Down syndrome and other genetic disorders can cause delays in tooth eruption, sometimes up to two years additionally, these children may also have malformed or extra teeth erupt, or congenitally missing teeth.
What Makes Us Different:
- Compassionate Care: The quality and compassion of our staff is what makes Open Sesame Dentistry stand out
- Comfortable Environment: Your comfort is a high priority. We offer high quality care in a clean, modern setting
- Efficient Treatments: Visiting the dentists is a time to focus on your child and your time is precious, so we emphasise quick appointment turnarounds
- Low Stimulation, Safe Setting: Our office is safe, warm, comfortable and inviting, your child will have a wonderful first-visit with us and lay a foundation of happy dental appointments
Book A Special Needs Dentist Near me
We invite you to join our dental family at Open Sesame Kids. Our goal is to make every visit enjoyable and educational, helping your child develop a positive attitude towards dental care that will last a lifetime.
Our Approach To Special Needs Dentistry
Using kid-friendly instruments, our skilled dental hygienists will gently clean your child’s teeth, eliminating any accumulated tartar and plaque.
1. Customized Care Plans
At our practice, we recognize that no two children are alike, especially when it comes to their dental care needs. That’s why we develop individualized care plans tailored to the specific requirements of each child with special needs. Our approach begins with a thorough understanding of your child’s medical history, behavioral tendencies, and any sensory sensitivities they may have. We take the time to listen to parents and caregivers, as their insights are invaluable in helping us create a care plan that best suits their child.
2. Close Colloboration with Parents / Care-Givers
Our approach is based on collaboration. Our team works closely with parents, caregivers and other healthcare professionals involved in the care of your child. Our dental treatments will be fully integrated into the overall care that your child receives. We are dedicated to providing an integrated, comprehensive approach to your child’s care, whether it is a specific accommodation during the visit or ongoing changes to the plan.
3. Behavioural Techniques
We know that going to the dentist can cause anxiety in many children, especially those with special needs. We use a variety of behavioral techniques to help make the experience as stress-free and positive as possible.
Desensitization is a key technique we use. It involves introducing your child slowly to the dental environment, and the procedures that are performed in it. We can ease their fear and help them gain confidence by slowly introducing them to the sights, sounds and sensations associated with a dental appointment.
Tell-show-do is another effective method. We explain the steps of a procedure in a simple and reassuring manner, before showing it to the child, then performing the procedure. This allows children to know what they can expect, and helps them feel in control of their visit.
4. Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is also a key part of our approach. We acknowledge and reward the efforts and cooperation your child has shown throughout the appointment. Positive reinforcement, whether it is through a verbal compliment, a small gift, or just recognizing bravery can increase their comfort level and willingness to attend future appointments.
Our team has been trained to adapt the techniques to each child’s individual needs, making sure that every visit will be as positive and comfortable as possible. We focus on the emotional and psychological wellbeing of your child to create a positive dental experience that promotes their overall health.
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Our Helpful Advice For Special Needs Dental Visits
Certain medications can also cause an overgrowth of the gum tissue, so be sure to ask your doctor about side effects. Home Care and Nutrition Start your infant’s home care routine as soon as you come home from the hospital by wiping his or her gums with a wet gauze pad. Once teeth have erupted, brush his teeth at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush, and floss daily.
We can recommend, when to start using fluoride toothpaste and how much to use. If your child can’t rinse or gags easily, you can brush with a fluoride rinse, which can improve your child’s defenses against tooth decay. Only do this with older children after coming into the office for a consultation.
Tips Before Your Dental Visit
- Start The Conversation Early: Discuss the upcoming dental visit using positive language. Focus on the fun aspects, like sitting in a special chair, to build excitement and ease any fears. You can also tell them about meeting Sesame our support dog.
- Use Books or Videos for Familiarity: Introduce your child to the dentist through children’s books or videos. This helps them know what to expect and reduces anxiety by making the visit feel more familiar.
- Create a Comfort Routine: Bring a favorite toy or blanket to the appointment and plan a small reward afterward. A comforting routine can make the visit more relaxed and enjoyable.
Searching for a Special Needs Dentist in New York? Book an Appointment Today!
Make sure the utmost care is being given to your child’s dental health—don’t wait. Contact Open Sesame Dentistry in New York City to make a special needs dental appointment. In addition to helping your child have a happy, healthy smile, our helpful staff is here to answer any questions you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Special needs dentistry is an area of dental care devoted to providing tailored treatment to patients who have physical, developmental or behavioral challenges. This involves adapting dental treatments to meet the individual needs of every patient.
We can create a calm environment and use gentle techniques to make the children feel more comfortable. For example, we can adjust the lighting, the sounds and the weight of the blankets.
We encourage parents to remain with their children during the appointment in order to comfort and provide support. You can reduce anxiety and make the experience more pleasant by being present.
We provide a variety of sedation methods, including nitrous dioxide (laughing gases), oral sedation and, if needed, general anesthesia. All are administered by professionals who have the experience to ensure that your child is safe and comfortable.
Pre-visit consultations are recommended. You can bring your child in to meet with the dentist, staff and explore the office. Discuss any concerns or needs. This familiarizes your child with the office and helps reduce anxiety the day of their appointment.
Schedule a stress-Free Special Needs Dental Visit
Are you ready to brighten up your child’s smile? Open Sesame Dentistry can help you schedule a consultation to discuss our safe and effective services for cleaning kids teeth.