Special Needs Dentistry – Carrollton, TX

Meeting Your Loved One's Needs & Creating Positive Experiences

What Patients Are Saying

“DD dentistry is the best. So patient and they really make my handicapped daughter feel at ease.” Addie G. Carrollton, TX

“I cannot say enough GREAT things about DD Family Dentistry! I have had bad experiences from previous dentists and my anxiety level usually hits the roof - or I just avoid going to the dentist all together... I feel so very taken care of - not rushed, not embarrassed - just an excellent and efficient appointment and personal level of care you just don't see anymore.” Lisa M. Carrollton, TX

Special Needs Present Unique Oral Challenges

an adult in a wheelchair traveling under a bridge

Did you know that patients with certain disabilities could face additional oral challenges? For example, those with missing or malformed teeth or who have poor dental alignment as a result of certain medical conditions can increase their risk of developing common oral health problems like cavities and gum disease. Patients with cerebral palsy are also more prone to grinding their teeth, leading to an increased chance of damaged or cracked teeth. Our team knows to keep an eye out for these dental issues to provide children and adults affected by them with the top-tier care they deserve.

How Do We Help Our Patients with Special Needs Feel Comfortable?

a young child hugging their mom while taking a walk in a park

Our expert-trained anesthesiologist, Dr. Jocelyn Wicks, is not only experienced in helping patients with special needs but also qualified to offer any type of sedation you or your loved one may need to feel more comfortable in the treatment chair. Dr. Durga also has years of experience providing restorative and preventive dentistry for patients with varying types of special needs.

Dental Tips for Patients with Special Needs

a parent looking at their young child in their lap and smiling

Caring for one's smile with disabilities can sometimes be a struggle, especially if the person is unsure how their unique needs can affect dental health. Our team is here to help navigate this challenge! Here are a few tips to take care of your or your loved one's teeth and gums:

Stick to a routine of brushing twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once daily to remove food debris and plaque between teeth to prevent cavities and gum disease.
For children, ask Dr. Durga about fluoride treatments to help strengthen tooth enamel and protect against cavities.
Visit the dentist every six months for routine checkups and cleanings.

Cost of Special Needs Dentistry

Cash in piggy bank

If you or one of your loved ones has special needs, it is comforting to know that accommodating dental care is available. However, you may be wondering about how much special needs dentistry costs. It is very difficult to determine how much treatment will cost until we meet with you personally, but here are some things you should take into consideration in the meantime.

Type of Dental Treatments Needed

The cost of your or your loved one’s dental visit depends mostly on the kind of treatment that is needed. If it just consists of a cleaning and checkup, it will likely cost less than if significant restorative treatments are necessary. This includes everything from root canal therapy and dental crowns to gum disease therapy and tooth extractions. During your initial visit with us, we can discuss which treatments are necessary for you.

The Cost of Dental Sedation Options

Many special needs patients like to opt for sedation dentistry to help them remain comfortable, still, and relaxed during their dental treatment. The cost of sedation depends on several factors, including the chosen sedation method, the patient’s age, and the patient's size. Generally speaking, the stronger the sedative, the higher the cost. We offer three different sedation methods:

Nitrous Oxide Sedation: The patient inhales nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” through a mask.
Oral Conscious Sedation: For oral conscious sedation, your dentist will prescribe you medication to take before your procedure so that you are relaxed by the beginning of your treatment.
IV Sedation: This type of sedation is administered intravenously for the most relaxing effects.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Special Needs Dentistry?

This depends on the types of treatments that are needed. Every insurance plan is different, but many of them operate on a 100-80-50 coverage structure. This means that they often cover the following treatments:

100% of Preventive Care: This includes regular cleanings, checkups, routine X-rays, and more.
80% of Basic Procedures: Basic procedures are fillings, gum disease treatment, and other non-invasive procedures.
50% of Major Procedures: Things like root canal therapy, dental implants, crowns, and orthodontic treatment often fall into this category.

In most cases, sedation dentistry is not covered by dental insurance, but there are sometimes exceptions. Patients with medical conditions that require sedation and those who are undergoing complex procedures may receive coverage. It is always best to contact your insurance provider to learn exactly what’s covered so you don’t have any unnecessary surprises.

Other Options for Making Treatment Affordable

If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t mean that you are completely out of luck. With our Dental Savings Plan, patients can save 15% on treatments completed at our practice. We also work with CareCredit – a third-party financing company that can split the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little to no interest. For more information on your financial options, don’t hesitate to give us a call !

Special Needs Dentistry FAQs

Young girl with special needs smiling on playground

On this page, we’ve covered everything from the unique oral challenges for patients with special needs to helpful dental tips. Of course, if you still have questions on your mind, we’d love to hear from you! You’re always welcome to give our team a call so we can provide you with a specific answer over the phone or at your next appointment. Or, you can read on to learn a few frequently asked questions on the topic.

What Should I Do Before the Appointment?

If you or your child have behavioral, physical, emotional, developmental, cognitive, or other disabilities, know that our team is here to help make each and every patient feel comfortable and cared for at our office. That’s why we recommend sharing any specific accommodations that need to be made ahead of time. This will help ensure that your time with us is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

How Does Sedation Make Treatment More Comfortable For Patients?

Sedation dentistry is known for its calming effects, which makes it a popular option for patients who struggle with dental-related anxiety. However, it’s also a great solution for patients with special needs! At DD Family Dentistry, we offer multiple solutions, including nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation.

Nitrous oxide is the most mild, and it’s administered through a nose piece that lays comfortably over you or your child. Within a few minutes of breathing in the odorless gas, the effects will begin to set in. Not only is this extremely effective at keeping patients calm, but the effects start to dissipate almost instantly at the end of the treatment.

Oral conscious sedation and IV sedation are more powerful. They are often recommended for patients who need extensive dental work done since this allows our team to get more dentistry completed in a single visit. Plus, it ensures you or your little one can get the preventive, restorative, and emergency treatment you need without the stress or discomfort.

Why Is Consistent Dental Care Important?

Consistent dental care is of the utmost importance for patients of all ages. There are several reasons for this. In addition to creating a gorgeous smile, healthy teeth and gums help you chew effectively and speak clearly. Furthermore, skipping biannual checkups and cleanings can allow oral health problems like cavities and gum disease to fly under the radar, wreaking havoc on you or your child’s teeth and gums in the process. While toothbrushes, floss, and other oral hygiene products are effective, the special tools at our office are the only ones that can effectively remove stubborn plaque and tartar as well. In short, if it’s been more than six months since your last visit to our office, get your next appointment on the calendar today.