I have a son who is special needs-severely special needs.  He will let me touch him and no one else.  Even with me it’s not a guarantee that he’s not going to fly into a panic and disappear into his private world.  I try to help him clean his teeth as best I can, but you can imagine that isn’t easy.  Now I’ve noticed what I think is a cavity starting on one of his teeth. I don’t know what to do and  I don’t think he’ll respond well to a dentist.  I’m desperate. Any advice?

Melissa B. – Conway, AR

Melissa,

You’re in an incredibly difficult situation.  I’m sure you feel stressed all the time, not to mention the pain when you can’t hold your son.  I want to take one worry off your shoulders. There is a way you can get your son the treatment he needs.

I would get a pediatric dentist who is also a sedation dentist. Your son can be given a pill to take before his appointment that will make him oblivious to what is going on around him.  It will completely relax him and they your dentist will be able to do whatever procedure is necessary.

There are other types of sedation too, such as I.V., but a needle might be harder for your son that a pill.  I would schedule an apppointment with the dentist and give him a full picture of what your son is like. Pediatric dentists are generally good with these kinds of situations.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.