Special Needs Dentistry in Charlottesville VA

Call (434) 817-1817 to schedule an appointment for your child.

At Children’s Dentistry of Charlottesville, we believe that all children deserve the best dental care possible. From top to bottom, our entire staff is dedicated to ensuring that children with special needs get the dental care they need. 

Our dentists are compassionate and respectful of your child’s needs and sensitivities. We make use of the latest advancements in special needs dentistry to make your child’s visit relaxing and comfortable.

Questions or concerns about how we make sure every child has an enriching and affirming experience at the dentist? Contact us today.

Our dental team has over 30 combined years of special needs dentistry experience. We’ve worked with children affected by:

  • Autism
  • Down syndrome
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Seizure disorders
  • Anxiety/Depression
  • Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
  • Heart defects
  • Other physical, cognitive, and mental disabilities

“You do such a wonderful job with my special needs son. Everyone has also been sweet and has taken things slow, while making sure he gets the care he needs. He doesn’t dread the dentist anymore!”

— Emilie W.

There is no better way to keep your child’s teeth healthy than through regular dental cleanings and exams.

We work with ALL children to ensure their teeth are healthy and developing properly. If your child hasn’t been to the dentist recently, get in touch to schedule a dental cleaning and exam.

Learn More About Dental Exams

Special needs dentistry treatments

We offer our full range of dentistry treatments for patients with special needs. This includes:

Dental Exams

Dental Cleanings

Restorative Treatments

Fluoride Treatments

Sealants

General Anesthesia

View All Treatments

Preparing for your child’s appointment

If you or your child haven’t been to the dentist in a while, we know it can be intimidating. No need to worry! Your child’s dentist will be happy to answer questions and help you prepare for your child’s appointment. They’ll also prepare after-care instructions depending on the dental care they’re receiving.

To help us provide the best possible care for a child with special needs:

  • Be prepared to discuss your child’s full medical history with the dentist
  • Bring a list of any medications your child is taking (both prescription and over-the-counter medications)
  • Notify us of any sudden changes in your child’s health (such as developing a cold or flu)
  • Avoid food and drink a few hours before and after your child’s appointment
  • Choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to assist in the application of patient monitors
  • Bring a favorite toy, stuffed animal, or security blanket to help your child feel at ease
  • Follow any instructions regarding the appointment that are given to you by our dental team

Sedation dentistry for our special needs patients

When it comes to dentistry, every child has their own unique needs. When working with special needs patients, we may recommend the use of laughing gas (nitrous oxide), conscious sedation, or general anesthesia. These techniques make it possible for your child to safely receive the treatment he or she needs without unnecessary stress.

Nitrous Oxide

Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide may be enough to help some children with mild to moderate disabilities relax throughout their visit. 

Nitrous oxide is administered by wearing a mask.

Conscious Sedation

Taken orally, this option provides an even more relaxed state for children who:

  • Are especially anxious
  • Have a medical condition that requires deeper sedation
  • Can’t wear a nitrous oxide mask during treatment
  • Are unable to follow a dentist’s directions

General Anesthesia

The best choice for children with special needs who cannot tolerate dentistry and where laughing gas or conscious sedation aren’t appropriate.

For this option, your child will be kept asleep while we monitor them closely and administer treatment.

We Accept Most Insurance & Medicaid

We believe every child should have access to the best restorative dental care possible. We proudly accept Medicaid and many other insurance plans, including those from:

  • Anthem
  • Metlife
  • Guardian
  • United Concordia
  • Delta Dental
  • Cigna

Meet Our Doctors & Staff

Our restorative dentists are compassionate, caring, gentle, empathetic, and sensitive to the needs of every child.

Learn More About Our Doctors & Staff

Call (434) 817-1817 to Schedule Your Special Needs Dentistry Appointment

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Special Needs Dentistry FAQ

How do you decide if sedation dentistry is right for my child?

We treat every child as the unique individual that they are. We’ll take his or her physical coordination, emotional state, ability to follow a dentist’s instructions, and your feelings as a parent or guardian into account before we make a recommendation for sedation dentistry. And we’ll continue to evaluate your child’s needs as he or she grows up. Some children who require general anesthesia at a young age will need less sedation (or none at all) in the future.

Can I accompany my child during his or her dental treatment?

Absolutely! We encourage parental involvement in your child’s dental appointment. You know your child better than anyone and your presence can be soothing, relaxing, and comforting.

Can my child return to school after his or her appointment?

It depends. If your child’s procedure was performed with only numbing agents (like lidocaine) or nitrous oxide, it should be alright for your child to resume their regular activities right away. However, if sedation is required, your child will be too drowsy to return to school after his or her appointment. Please be aware that it may take a few hours for any numbing agents to wear off, making speech, eating, and drinking challenging.

Children’s Dentistry of Charlottesville

Address: 1470 Pantops Mountain Pl Ste 1 Charlottesville, VA 22911 (Click for Directions)

Hours: Mon-Thur: 8AM-5PM | Fri: 8AM-4PM

Phone: (434) 260-6836

Fax: (434) 817-1819

Email: email@childrensdentistryofcharlottesville.com