Complex Medical History Dentist
Treating Patients With
Complex Medical Histories
Here at the Dental Anesthesia Center, we specialize in working with patients who have complex medical histories in St. Louis. We realize that special care and special needs dentistry is very important, as no matter who you are or what your history is, everyone deserves the right to proper dental care.
Whether a patient has special needs or they’ve just grown older, as time goes on and patients live out their lives, their medical histories tend to become much more complex. Unfortunately, many of these same patients have a difficult time finding dentists who are willing and able to provide them treatment in a safe environment.
The inability to find a dentist only leads to increased rates of other issues like periodontal disease. We know what it is like to treat patients with special needs and complex medical histories, and it is important for us to provide you with the proper evaluation to assess our individual treatment planning for those with different levels of cooperation.
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The only board-certified dental anesthesiologist in Missouri, including St. Louis.
What Are Complex Medical Histories
The term might seem a bit vague, though a patient with a complex medical history may have had cancer, cardiac concerns, organ failure, or an immune system that was compromised at one point or another. Before seeing a dentist and initiating treatment, whether a checkup or an extensive procedure, it may be necessary to have a medical consultation.
Preparing To Treat Patients With Complex Medical Histories or Special Needs
It is good for you to know that the Americans With Disabilities Act prohibits any business from keeping their services from someone based on the fact that they have a disability. This means that every dentist’s office should have accessible pathways in and out of the building, as well as facilities that are equipped to treat any kind of patient that comes through the doors.
The ability to treat patients who have complex medical histories is not a skill that every dentist has. In many cases, it requires some form of special training, though more importantly, requires empathetic nature and the ability to adjust certain procedures on the fly dependent upon the needs of the patient.
When it comes down to getting a checkup or going in for a procedure, it is important that the dentist makes sure there will be other team members who are specifically trained and available in the event assistance is necessary.
Accessing Medical History
The dentist must always get an accurate health history before they treat a patient, whether the first appointment the patient has is a comprehensive examination or an emergency appointment. Of course, it is not always possible to question the patient about their medical history, which is why it is important to either have a knowledgeable caretaker around or a complete, comprehensive health history form.
This can help the dentist to determine the medical history of the patient, including any medications they are on, allergies or medical conditions they have, surgeries they’ve had performed, or times that they have been hospitalized.
Dentists should also be well aware of any anomalies that might be a part of the patient’s medical history. For example, patients with Down Syndrome tend to have gingival hyperplasia or are congenitally missing teeth.
The medical history should also include any problems that the patient has with their kidneys or liver, as this will let the dentist have a better understanding as to how they might be able to metabolize certain medications.
Making Your First Appointment
We recommend contacting us and letting us know of any concerns with your medical history before your first visit. Make sure to discuss requested accommodations and any appointment preferences.
When it comes to working with patients who have complex medical histories in St. Louis, MO, our team at the Dental Anesthesia Center is top-notch. Having a complex medical history is no excuse to avoid prioritizing your oral health. Make sure to contact us so that we can speak to you further about any concerns you might have. We look forward to meeting you!
Call Us Today
The only board-certified dental anesthesiologist in Missouri, including St. Louis.