Attention deficit disorder (ADD), more commonly referred to as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), can make an hour-long dental appointment extremely difficult. Patients may feel irritated, anxious, and unable to control impulsive behaviors. Choosing a dental practice with a team experienced in working with patients who have ADD, can be the difference in having a successful office visit. The specialized dental providers at Dental on Central have decades of experience working with patients who have special health care needs. Contact our Phoenix dentist for ADD today at (602) 266-1776 so we may schedule an appointment so we may provide the quality care you need.
ADD or ADHD is a chronic condition that often begins in childhood. Symptoms can include difficulty concentrating and staying focused, hyperactivity (over-activity), and impulsive behavior. The syndrome is diagnosed with the use of interviews and by ruling out other causes of symptoms being exhibited. There is currently no medical or psychological testing that can specifically and accurately diagnoses ADD. There are three subtypes to this condition, which include Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive, Predominantly Inattentive, and combined Hyperactive-Impulsive-Inattentive.
Common medications that are used to manage symptoms of ADD can cause dental-related side effects, such as:
Other habits, such as nail/lip biting, chewing on objects, and superficial brushing and flossing regimens can also lead to dental problems for people with ADD.
Results from a study that can be found on The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website, showed that children with ADHD were almost 12 times more likely of having a high number of diseased, missing, and filled teeth.
We commonly care for our patients by performing the following services and treatments:
With the use of behavioral techniques and stress management, the full range of dental procedures can be provided to both adults and children with ADD.
Scheduling appointments in the morning is recommended, that way it will be completed before fatigue sets in. Additionally, children with Attention Deficit Disorder who are on stimulant medications may also be more cooperative in the morning. Medications with an extended-release will typically last between 8 to 12 hours, which means the effects will begin fading late into the afternoon or when school hours are over.
Patients with ADD can also be given frequent breaks in order to split up the length of time needed to be still. Positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior has also proven to be very effective for children with ADD.
When anxiety and nervousness take over, patients or their caregivers have the option of choosing dental sedation. Sedation doesn’t necessarily mean that a patient is completely asleep, as there are other forms such as laughing gas or an oral sedative which can be administered while still conscious. Sedation can make patients comfortable and dental work a less stressful experience.
We have years of experience working with patients who require special accommodations for their dental care. If you are in need of an individualized treatment plan or sedation dentistry in order to obtain the dental treatment you need, contact us today. Our Phoenix dentists for ADD offer multiple forms of sedation at our office location and it is safely administered by our primary anesthesia provider who has 30 years of experience as an anesthesiologist and is a board-certified pain management specialist. Reach us online through our contact form or by calling (602) 266-1776.