Special Needs

Whether you or a loved one has special needs, you need dental care providers who understand your unique challenges. At the office of Heather M. Wilmore & Cuong Ho DDS, The doctors and her team know that every person is different, so they offer personalized dental care for special needs children and adults. From the office in Houston, Texas, the team specializes in treating patients with developmental, physical, sensory, mental, and other types of disorders or impairments. Call the office or book an appointment online for gentle dental care that puts your needs first.

Do special needs individuals require different dental care?

Yes. In many cases, individuals with mental disabilities or special needs require uniquely tailored dental care. If you or your child have a developmental, physical, sensory, mental, or another kind of disorder, impairment, or challenge, special needs dentistry can make the dental care process calmer and easier. 

Sometimes, special needs individuals have more oral health problems than others because of difficulty doing oral care at home, a medication that damages oral health, mouth trauma related to seizures, or other reasons. 

Dr. Wilmore and Dr. Ho understand these challenges, and they specialize in dental care for special needs and high-anxiety patients to help you or your loved one achieve continued excellent oral health. 

How can special needs individuals prevent dental problems?

Your special needs dentist at the office of Heather M. Wilmore & Cuong Ho DDS, recommends a personalized preventive dentistry plan. This usually includes:

• Daily brushing and flossing at home
• A healthy, low-sugar diet
• Regular professional teeth cleanings
• Regular check-ups

Dr. Wilmore and Dr. Ho may also recommend treatments to protect your vulnerable teeth, such as dental sealants. 

Dental sealants place a thin barrier over tooth chewing surfaces' many small pits and fissures. This can repel bacteria and prevent food particles from lodging in the teeth to cause decay. 

What is special needs dentistry?

The special needs dentistry services available at the office of Heather M. Wilmore & Cuong Ho DDS, ensure adults and children with cognitive, physical, or developmental disabilities receive the dental care they need in a comfortable, safe space.

Dr. Wilmore and Dr. Ho has extensive experience assisting individuals aged 4-92 who have difficulties sitting in a dental chair for X-rays or treatment. They take a patient-focused, compassionate approach to managing physical or emotional challenges and ensuring the best outcome for each visit.

When would I need special needs dentistry services?

You can benefit from the special needs dentistry services at Heather M. Wilmore & Cuong Ho DDS, if you or your child have physical, mental, or emotional issues that can interfere with dental exams or treatment.

Dr. Wilmore and Dr. Ho provide high-quality dental services for adults and children with:

• Autism
• Cerebral palsy
• Down’s syndrome
• Learning disabilities
• Neuromuscular conditions
• Behavioral or mental disorders

Accommodations are also available for those with mobility issues that use a wheelchair or walker.

If you or your family have special circumstances that make routine dental care challenging, contact Dr. Wilmore and Dr. Ho to discuss your options. Before an exam, Dr. Wilmore and Dr. Ho meet with you or your child to learn more about the disability and assess your overall physical and emotional needs.

What are the benefits of special needs dentistry?

The specialized care Dr. Wilmore and Dr. Ho provide those with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities helps people feel more comfortable, confident, and empowered to practice good dental hygiene.

Dr. Wilmore and Dr. Ho patience and skill increase patient safety and lower risk factors for cavities, tooth loss, and gum disease. The staff ensures the office remains quiet and can adjust lights to accommodate those with sensory or overstimulation concerns.

The office is fully equipped with advanced sedation dentistry technologies, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), to help adults and children relax or fall asleep during challenging exams or complex treatments.

Special needs dentistry also provides resources you and your family can use to protect against cavities and other dental complications. Dr. Wilmore and Dr. Ho also show you how to care for your loved one’s teeth if they have difficulties brushing or flossing on their own.

What if I or my loved one is anxious or scared?

Dr. Wilmore and Dr. Ho dedicate to creating a calming and serene environment for her special needs patients. They confer with you regarding what works best for you or your loved one’s needs and makes any necessary adjustments to ensure a successful visit.

Before your first visit, the practice will discuss any additional measures of comfort they can provide, such as IV Sedation, wheelchair accommodations, or additional appointment times if you need to be accompanied by a paramedic or caretaker. 

If you or your loved one have special needs, it’s essential to have a dental care team you can trust. Heather M. Wilmore & Cuong Ho DDS, take a compassionate approach to special needs dentistry, and its experts are ready to help now. Call the office or schedule a visit online anytime.