Kids with medical needs or disabilities sometimes need more supportive dental care. Even routine teeth cleanings can be challenging in a typical dentist's office. 

Our pediatric dentists have special training that helps provide a more comfortable experience for kids with certain needs.  

For example, kids with sensory issues may be hypersensitive to touch and sounds. We know how to make visits less stressful. We also have adaptive equipment, so dental care is more accessible to kids with mobility issues. 

Children with certain conditions, like cancer or congenital heart disease, have medical needs related to oral health. We're experts at managing those needs, too. 

Dental care for children with heart issues

A child's teeth, mouth and jaw are directly linked to their overall health. For example, an infection in the teeth or gums can spread to the rest of the body. For kids with compromised immune systems, a regular dentist may not have the right training to provide dental care safely. 

We help support children with many different types of health issues. This includes medically complex conditions.  

Your child might need to see us if they: 

• Are being treated for pediatric cancer
• Have congenital heart disease or other heart conditions
• Have had an organ transplant
• Have a bleeding disorder
• Have a chronic breathing problem
• Have immunosuppression because of medicine or other health issues
• Have had oral or facial trauma 

Dental care for children with cleft lip and palate

Craniofacial conditions, which affect the bones in the head and face, are very treatable. Some children may need surgery and special ongoing oral care. 

Carilion's pediatric dentists work closely with your child's craniofacial and surgical care teams. We have partnered with Carillion Clinic plastic surgeons to treat kids with craniofacial differences and cleft lip and palate.  

Our services include: 

• Infant feeding obturators: These custom-made devices help infants with cleft lip or palate feed normally. The device also helps them breathe.
• Nasoalveolar molding: We do this treatment before cleft lip and palate surgery. It helps reshape the lips, nose and gums.
• Craniofacial orthodontics: This special type of orthodontics treats kids with head or neck conditions or disabilities. We offer pre-surgical and pre-prosthetic orthodontics.
• Care coordination: We work closely with the entire care and surgical team to support kids and families. 

Dental care for children with disabilities

Kids with physical or intellectual disabilities need more support when seeing the dentist. Even routine care is hard at a regular dentist's office.  

For example, children with autism spectrum disorder need special accommodations to feel comfortable in a dental office environment and during procedures. These changes may be to the environment or how the pediatric dentist provides care.  

We offer oral care for children with a range of disabilities, including:  

• ADHD
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Cerebral palsy
• Down syndrome
• Intellectual and developmental disabilities 

We're also able to use nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Sometimes, these children need full sedation, such as general anesthesia. We can do that safely at our pediatric dentistry practice. 

We offer basic and advanced dental care for kids with special medical needs. We focus on: 

• Prevention: We want to prevent cavities and oral health problems before they happen with regular cleanings, exams and X-rays.
• Education: We show kids who are able how to brush and flush. We help educate parents, too.
• Treating problems: We can fill cavities and fix knocked-out teeth.
• Monitoring growth: We make sure your child's teeth and jaw are developing as they should. Since some conditions can affect the mouth and jaw, this is a key part of what we provide. 

Some of the procedures we do in the office include: 

• Teeth cleaning
• Sealants
• Fluoride treatments, including varnish and silver diamine fluoride
• Fillings
• Tooth extractions
• Root canals for baby and permanent teeth
• Crowns
• Tooth replacements
• Space maintenance, which holds room for adult teeth to erupt 

The different arms of Carilion Dentistry accept different types of insurance. Many also require a doctor’s referral. Carilion Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics doesn't require a referral and is open to the general public.  

Pediatric dentistry accepts: 

• Medicaid
• Commercial carriers, including Delta Dental and Anthem 

Carilion's Financial Assistance Program also assists with medically necessary care.

At Carilion, we understand that every child is special and unique, including kids with special needs. That's why we make the first visit just right for each child.  

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit by age 1 or when their first tooth comes in.  

During the visit, your child might:  

• Get their teeth cleaned
• Have a check-up
• Have a special treatment to help protect their teeth
• Get pictures of their teeth (X-rays)  

We also know that some children may have different sensory needs, so we will work with you and your child to make the visit comfortable. This includes offering calming strategies, explaining the sounds, lights and equipment beforehand, and allowing extra time if needed.  

We’ll also show you how to care for your child’s teeth at home and give helpful tips for eating healthy. If you have any questions about your child’s teeth or sensory needs, we’ll make sure to answer them.  

We want to make your child feel safe, comfortable and happy at the dentist. We work to make every visit a positive experience, no matter their needs.