Our Approach to Special Needs Care
Children with special needs often face unique challenges with dental care. Sensory sensitivities may make standard dental procedures overwhelming. Communication differences can make it difficult for children to express discomfort or understand instructions. Medical complexities may require modified treatment approaches.
Our Pickering pediatric dental team understands these challenges. Board-certified pediatric dentists complete additional training specifically in treating patients with special needs, learning techniques to adapt care for children with a wide range of conditions and abilities.
Creating Comfortable Experiences
We take time to learn about each child's specific needs, triggers, and preferences before beginning any treatment. Some children benefit from shorter appointments with more frequent visits. Others do better with longer appointments that allow time for breaks and adjustment.
Visual schedules, social stories, and pre-visit information help many children prepare for what to expect. We can dim lights, reduce sounds, provide weighted blankets, or make other environmental modifications based on your child's sensory needs.
Our team uses clear, simple communication and gives children as much control as possible. We explain procedures in advance, offer choices when appropriate, and move at a pace that allows your child to stay comfortable.
Sedation Options
When children need additional support to receive dental care, we offer several sedation options. Nitrous oxide provides mild relaxation for children who need slight help staying calm. Oral conscious sedation creates deeper relaxation for children with more significant anxiety.
For children who cannot tolerate dental care even with sedation, or who need extensive treatment, sleep dentistry under general anesthesia allows us to provide comprehensive care while your child sleeps comfortably.
We carefully evaluate each child to determine the safest and most appropriate approach, considering their medical history, dental needs, and ability to cooperate with different levels of care.
Working with Families and Caregivers
Parents and caregivers know their children best. We rely on your insights to understand what works for your child and what doesn't. You're always welcome to stay with your child during appointments, and we'll work together to develop strategies that help your child succeed.
We're also happy to communicate with your child's other healthcare providers, therapists, or educators to coordinate care and share information that helps everyone support your child's health.
Families from Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and throughout Durham Region trust Hi Five Kids Dental & Braces for special needs dental care that meets their children with patience, expertise, and respect.
