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Dental Sedation Is Optimal For Patients With Special Needs

Posted on 11/22/2021 by Office of Dr. James A. Krippaehne

If a visit to our dentists can be sometimes slightly uncomfortable for neurotypical adults, it is the same for people with special needs. There are a variety of sounds, smells, and lights that can trigger overstimulation, increasing their anxiety. That said, at our offices, we want to make sure our patient's visits are just as comfortable for everyone. Because of this, we have a variety of options that can foster calm in our special needs patients.

Conventional Treatment

With patience and empathy, people on the spectrum or with special needs might be able to attend our dental offices without additional sedation. This will require guidance throughout the procedure and with an emphasis on positive reinforcement.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, inhaled through a nasal mask together with oxygen, is a safe anti-anxiety anesthetic for all types of patients. Side effects are very rare, including nausea and vomiting, which if they appear are very short-lived. It is a type of sedation that will guarantee a stress-free environment.

Conscious Sedation

Conscious sedation is the use of anesthetic medications that will produce a state of lethargy and relaxation, without completely losing consciousness. During this type of sedation, one of our trained specialists will constantly monitor the patient's vital signs. It is usually administered in liquid form one hour before the procedure, and we can supplement it with nitrous oxide and protective stabilization.

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia involves a total loss of consciousness, and is usually our last option in patients with special needs; we only use it in case the other alternatives do not work. A specialized anesthesiologist will administer it, and will continually check on our patient's vital signs. Whichever option works best for our patients with special needs, in our offices we take care of their comfort. To learn more about sedation options, we invite you to schedule an appointment with us today.

WE TREAT OUR PATIENTS WITH RESPECT

We believe in educating patients about their treatment options and listening to their questions and concerns.

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We focus on prevention so that you keep your smile healthy. We provide excellent comfortable care for all procedures.

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Office: (503) 446-2957
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Dr. James Krippaehne

West End Dental
833 SW 11th Ave Suite 300
Portland, OR 97205

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Dental Blog | Portland OR | West End Dental
West End Dental, 833 SW 11th Ave, Suite 300 Portland, OR 97205 ^ (503) 446-2957 ^ west-end-dental.com ^ 9/12/2024 ^ Tags: dentist Downtown Portland ^