For people with autism, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, sensory processing difficulties or other special needs, dental and medical visits can be particularly challenging. Bright lights, unfamiliar sounds, being touched and lying still can all be overwhelming.
As a result, essential care is sometimes delayed, and problems become more serious over time.
How sedation can help
Sedation can allow necessary treatment to be done calmly and safely, often completing several treatments in one visit. Because Joburg Sedation is a mobile service, the treatment can take place at the patient’s usual dentist or doctor, which many families find less stressful than a hospital.
Planning together
Every patient is different. Before the appointment, Dr Khan will discuss:
- The patient’s medical history and medicines
- What tends to cause distress and what helps them stay calm
- How best to place the drip, for example with a numbing cream or in a calm moment
- Whether in-rooms sedation is suitable, or whether a hospital setting would be safer
On the day
A parent or caregiver can usually stay with the patient while sedation starts, which can be very reassuring. Bring comfort items, any communication aids and a list of medicines.
Safety
As with every Joburg Sedation case, two health practitioners monitor the patient’s ECG, oxygen level, heart rate and blood pressure throughout, with full emergency equipment on site.
If you care for someone who has struggled with dental or medical visits, contact Dr Khan to talk about whether sedation could help.
Talk to Dr Khan
If you have questions about sedation for your procedure, call or WhatsApp Dr Khan on 071 646 1513, or get in touch here. Dentists and doctors can also book a sedation team for their rooms.
This article is general information and not a substitute for medical advice. Dr Khan assesses every patient individually before sedation.