Dental Implant Care For Patients With Special Needs

by Andrew Mueller, DMD, MD | May 31, 2024

At Doctors Implants, our dedicated team of doctors, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and support staff are committed to a universal and fully inclusive approach to dental implant treatment. No matter the needs of our patients, we plan and adapt accordingly to ensure not only a successful outcome but also an overall accommodating and positive experience.

Undergoing full mouth (or full-arch) dental implant surgery is a major life decision that can feel even bigger when special needs are part of the equation. At Doctors Implants, we wholeheartedly understand this and tailor treatment plans to the individual needs and circumstances of each and every patient—regardless of age, medical conditions, or any other factor. This differentiated approach allows us to meet patients where they are at and work collaboratively toward achieving the goal of a healthy and beautiful new smile.

Read on to learn more about our progressive, compassionate, and fully individualized approach to treating patients with additional needs with the utmost respect, flexibility, forethought, and dignity.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are an advanced tooth replacement solution that closely mimics natural teeth. A titanium screw is placed directly into the jawbone and attached to a prosthetic tooth (or multiple prosthetic teeth) above the gumline by a small connector known as an abutment.

At Doctors Implants, we specialize in full mouth and full-arch dental implants (top or bottom) that restore the full function of an aligned and dazzling smile. Thousands of patients have undergone and benefitted from our proprietary 6 Hour Smile, a same-day implant procedure that has been continually refined and perfected over the years.

Special Considerations for Implant Surgery

Many patients living with special needs require extensive dental care throughout their lives. The causes of such dental issues may be genetic or physical in nature (e.g., malocclusions, predisposition to weak teeth) or caused by poor oral hygiene (e.g., tooth decay, periodontal disease). Either way, aware and sensitive treatment is key.

At Doctors Implants, we approach implant surgery for patients with special needs on a case-by-case basis. We consider modifications or adaptations that may be beneficial on the day of the procedure as well as how to effectively plan for after-care and the maintenance of prosthetic teeth over the long-term.

Post-Surgical Care Adaptations

Properly caring for dental implants in the period immediately following surgery and in the subsequent months is crucial to ensuring effective osseointegration, avoiding dental infections and other complications, and supporting overall well-being. The physical, intellectual, and emotional needs of patients must be taken into consideration in developing a robust plan for post-surgical care.

An effective post-surgical care plan for a patient with Down Syndrome may look quite different than one for a patient with Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or Dementia. At Doctors Implants, our doctors are experienced and well-versed in setting up comprehensive after-care plans for patients of all needs and abilities. We also work directly with patients and their caregivers to further enable effective post-surgical treatment on an ongoing basis as needed.

Training and Support for Caregivers

Working collaboratively with caregivers, especially in cases where a caregiver is largely or wholly responsible for dental hygiene, is often fundamental to successful implant treatment for patients living with special needs. At Doctors Implants, we work directly with caregivers to offer individualized education, demonstrate effective treatment and maintenance practices, and provide support in cases where non-standard interventions may be indicated.

Are you a caregiver considering full mouth or full-arch dental implants for a differently abled individual? If so, our experienced leading doctors and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons can help. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can support you in accessing life-changing care and treatment for your loved one.

At Doctors Implants, our professional practice is underpinned by a welcoming approach to every person who enters our clinic. Our inclusive team of doctors, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and support staff work with patients with a diverse array of needs on a daily basis and are always available to take the extra time necessary to make each and every one of them a priority.

Seeking specialized dental implant care for someone with special needs? Contact our office directly today to set up a consultation with our exceptional doctors!

About the Author

Andrew Mueller, DMD, MD

Dr. Andrew Mueller loves being an oral and Maxillofacial surgeon. After completing both dental and then medical school, he did a general surgery residency and an oral/maxillofacial surgery residency (both at Parkland hospital in Dallas, Texas). He has performed countless general anesthetics in the operating room, learning how to safely put patients to sleep and wake them back up.

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