Every child deserves gentle, personalized dental care and at Smiles of Bulverde, we’re proud to provide it. Our special needs dentistry in San Antonio, TX is designed to support children with physical, developmental, sensory, or emotional needs in a calm and understanding environment. We take the time to get to know your child, adjust each visit to their comfort level, and use a patient, compassionate approach that makes dental care easier for the whole family.
48% of patients with special needs don’t get a yearly checkup, compared to 35% of the general population.
Dr. Lisa has nearly 30 years of experience caring for patients with kindness and skill. She is dedicated to her patients’ utmost comfort and optimal oral health. Each patient is treated like the unique individual they are — something you’ll notice from the moment you walk through our door. We are honored to care for our patients, and we value the trust you have placed in us!
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Sedation dentistry is specifically designed to ease the fear and anxiety that can come with dental procedures. Our sedation options help patients relax, transforming what could be a stressful visit into a calm and serene experience.
Inclusive Care For All
Reduces Anxiety
Creates a Positive Experience
Our board-certified San Antonio pediatric dentist and the rest of our team are credentialed to practice in multiple facilities, so your child can get the care they deserve, regardless of their needs.
Using general anesthesia through pediatric hospital dentistry can help ensure that children with special needs develop a positive relationship with oral healthcare and that every child gets the chance to smile.
Your child’s dentist can do things like adjust office lighting and sound for patients with sensory issues, use special equipment to treat patients, and provide additional staff to ensure that special needs patients get the personalized care they need.
Special needs dentists know how to treat patients with a wide variety of physical, mental, and developmental impairments. Your child’s dentist will know how to keep them safe and comfortable as they get the dental care they need.
A wide variety of sedation options are available, which allow their patients to rest, relax, and even sleep soundly through their appointment. Sedation is a very useful tool for patients who may otherwise have trouble being treated in a traditional dental environment.
To begin, your special needs dentist will meet with you and/or your child, and review their medical history, records, medications they're taking, and other details. Every special needs patient is different, so it’s important for our San Antonio family dentist to develop a full understanding of their health and disabilities.
The first step toward better oral health is a comprehensive oral exam and pediatric dental cleanings and exams tailored to your child’s needs. This gives our team the opportunity to learn more about your child’s health, identify potential oral health issues, and understand the next steps for a healthier mouth.
After their consultation, your child’s dentist will discuss their oral health with you. They will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan, including both any necessary in-office care and recommendations for at-home oral hygiene.
Sometimes children with physical, emotional, behavioral, intellectual or communication disabilities may find it difficult to properly brush their own teeth. They may not possess the fine motor skills needed, and will need your help to maintain good oral health. Here are a few tips to help you brush your child’s teeth: Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles that’s made for children. Your child may be more interested in brushing if the toothbrush has their favorite character on the handle or if it’s their favorite color. Use oral hygiene aids, like brushes with larger handles. If your child has trouble holding their toothbrush, try fastening the toothbrush with a string, strap or your own hand and guiding them on the right technique. Pick a fluoride toothpaste that your child likes. They come in many different flavors and colors, so you should be able to find one that they enjoy. Monitor the amount of toothpaste used. You should apply the toothpaste to the brush, so they don’t use too much, and monitor your child as they brush, so they don’t swallow the toothpaste. Make it fun! Sing songs, count, or say the alphabet while your child brushes so they get a sense of how long they should brush, and stay entertained while brushing.
Several kid-friendly, liquid medicines contain a syrup base with added sugar so children will actually take the medication and benefit from its effects. However, these sugars can cause cavities if they’re not properly rinsed or brushed away after use.
Other medications can cause a reduction in saliva, or dry mouth. And since saliva helps clear away food particles, sugars and bacteria from the mouth, dry mouth can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, or infection. It’s important that you share a list of medications your child uses, so our team can provide oral care recommendations that work around your child’s medical needs.
The most common indicators that your child may have a special health care need include:
Teeth grinding or bruxism: Although many children grind their teeth and often grow out of the habit, the condition can be caused by stress and anxiety. It’s important to treat the underlying issue to stop bruxism and protect your child’s teeth.
Food pouching: Food or sensory sensitivities can cause children to hold food in their mouths for longer than they should. This creates a place for cavity-causing bacteria to thrive.
Bad breath: Certain conditions such as digestive diseases, diabetes or chronic sinusitis can cause bad breath.
Conditions that may affect your child’s dental care include:
When you call to inquire about an appointment, let our team know your child’s condition and needs, and we’ll work together to determine if our practice is the right fit for your family.
Your child’s oral health may be affected by therapies or medications that have been used to treat their condition. The condition itself may also affect how the teeth and oral structures grow, how much calcium is in the body (affecting tooth enamel), how much saliva your child produces (saliva helps clear away food particles), and your child’s diet.
Nutrition plays a critical role, not only in the health of our bodies, but in the health of our teeth. Even your child’s ability to chew solid foods will affect their dental health, as the pressure of chewing creates stimulation in the jaw bone and the friction helps clear away tartar and plaque build up.
At Smiles of Bulverde Family Dentistry & Orthodontics, we make it simple for families in North San Antonio, TX to access high-quality dental care close to home. Our office on Bulverde Road is easily reachable for patients traveling from Northwood Hills, Roseheart, Emerald Forest, Encino Park, Redland Ridge, Redland Woods, Sendero Ridge, Emmitt Park, Gold Canyon, Oak Haven Heights, Hollywood Park, Kentwood Manor, Semora Oak, Cibolo Canyons Resort Community, Stone Oak Park, Hidden Canyon, Terra Bella, Summit, Wilderness Pointe, Far North Central, Cibolo Green Park, Christian Park, Timberwood Park, Franklin Park, Burlington, Ravello Oaks, Amalfi Oaks, Fossil Ridge, Palm Point, Creek River, Dusty Canyon, Montrose Wood, Park Hollow, Hardy Oak Blvd offering a convenient location for all your dental needs.
From preventive and family dentistry to orthodontics, cosmetic treatments, and emergency dental care, we offer complete dental services under one roof to support healthy, confident smiles for every stage of life. Our dental office is designed with your comfort and convenience in mind to ensure stress-free visits for patients of all ages. Located at 22103 Bulverde Road, Suite 108, San Antonio, TX 78259, we offer ample parking, flexible scheduling, and a warm, welcoming environment. Call (210) 907-8666 today to schedule your appointment and discover why families across North San Antonio trust us as their dental and orthodontic home.
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