PATIENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Access to Comprehensive Dental Care for Special Need Patients is a life-long challenge and Hospital services are often scarce. Office-Based Anesthesia Services is an Invaluable Resource for Families with individuals who have Autism, Fragile X, and other Congenital or Acquired Syndromes as well as Dementia.
Patients with Special Needs
The special need patient population we regularly care for is very diverse. Our patient's range in age from infancy to elderly. They may exhibit neurological and or physical impairments, as well as emotional limitations, which makes completion of necessary dental treatment when awake all but impossible. Yet their oral health needs and the challenges of providing excellent dental care will continue throughout their lifetime.
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The anesthesiologists at Anesthesia for Dental Health have extensive experience treating patients with special needs in an office-based environment with a high degree of success. This is accomplished in several steps beginning with a thorough review of each patient's health history with a parent or guardian and family. Every case is reviewed in advance by our anesthesiologists. We will address their limitations with you to provide a safe environment which will enable the completion of needed dental and or surgical care.
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We frequently consult with our patient's physician(s) or other medical caregivers to understand individual needs and limitations. A pre-anesthetic in-person evaluation can be arranged for a more in-depth evaluation of your family member where indicated. We subsequently review the scheduled treatment in detail with the treating dentist or surgeons, and in some cases both where several clinicians are involved.
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Some of the diagnoses of patients we treat in-office include:
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Autism
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Cerebral Palsy
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Down Syndrome
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Intellectual Disability
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Dementia/Alzheimer’s
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Parkinson’s Disease
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Craniofacial Disorders
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And many more, including rare syndromes.
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What is general anesthesia and intravenous sedation?General anesthesia and intravenous sedation are distinct levels of anesthetic management that use intravenous and inhalation anesthetics. Both levels provide a means of completing all of your dental or surgical needs while comfortable, pain-free, fully monitored and either asleep or sedated. Medication is routinely administered intravenously during the procedure rather than by gas anesthesia. The majority of our patients receive a light general anesthetic.
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Is anesthesia safe for me or my child?Drs. Boorin and Gluckman are experienced clinicians, trained in the delivery of anesthesia for adults, children, and patients with special needs. They are responsible for each patient's anesthetic management and utilize the most up-to-date monitoring equipment. There are never any compromises in our patient's safety comfort, and care throughout the entire perio-operative period; during preparatory planning, before the day of treatment to beyond treatment completion. Prior to the day of the planned procedure there are several steps that are taken to ensure our complete understanding of your health history. A careful interview and evaluation process by the doctors and their staff and a medical evaluation by your primary care physician is required. Where indicated, phone consultations with your medical team are made to ensure we understand the planned treatment, medical limitations, and your or your child's ability to safely undergo an office anesthetic.
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Do patients remember the treatment?Patients remain asleep throughout a general anesthetic and do not have any memory of the dental or surgical procedure. Patients awaken soon after their dentist or surgeon is finished without memories of the treatment, intravenous tubing, or the monitors. Within several hours of returning home, your energy level will begin to increase to near normal levels. Children are usually interested only in returning to their usual routines and play. When sedation is chosen for a dental or surgical procedure (not typically for children) patients may recall afterward hearing voices at the conclusion of the procedure but will not experience pain at any time.
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What special preparation is needed for the anesthesia appointment?Prior to your appointment, our staff will contact you to review your health, or the health of your child, and the anesthesia plan. You will be informed about food and fluid intake restrictions. It is extremely important to not eat before anesthesia. If an illness develops prior to the scheduled procedure, you must contact our office so we may address the severity of the illness and discuss options. Several recommendations will be made in preparation for the day of treatment. This will ensure a smooth transition from your arrival in the dentist’s office to discharge after your recovery. Patients will be tired and sleepy following the anesthetic. You will need to return home and maintain minimal activity until the next day when following a regular routine is expected unless dental or surgical procedures require futher rest at home.
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We still have concerns and would like to speak to someone about the anesthetic appointment.We are happy to speak with you at any time during the planning stages of the anesthesia visit, on the treatment day, and following the completion of treatment. Questions for the doctor can be answered in most cases by arranging for a followup phone call to you. We will be available to address your questions and concerns.
CONTACT
Inquiries
The first step towards a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment. Please contact our office by phone or complete the appointment request form below. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment. If you are an existing patient, this contact form should not be utilized for communicating private health information.
Head Office
P.O Box 107
Dix Hills, NY 11746
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Tel: (631) 940-3690
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