FAQs about Hospital Dentistry

Hospital dentistry is a specialized branch of dentistry that makes it easier for children and other patients with certain conditions to receive much needed dental care that would otherwise be extremely difficult to carry out. At South Miami Pediatric Dental Associates, Dr. Mario Martinez and Dr. Rebecca Lenard are your pediatric dentists for hospital dentistry in South Miami, FL.

What is hospital dentistry?

Hospital dentistry is a specialized branch of dentistry in which patients with certain conditions receive dental care in a hospital or similar setting. Providing dental care in a hospital setting makes it possible to administer general anesthesia and allow patients to sleep through dental work. Hospital dentistry helps patients who usually cannot tolerate dental procedures feel more comfortable undergoing such procedures.

Who can benefit from hospital dentistry?

Hospital dentistry is best for children and other patients who experience extreme anxiety during any type of dental or medical treatment or who have a medical condition that makes it difficult to undergo dental procedures. In South Miami, hospital dentistry can benefit patients with the following conditions or concerns:

  • Severe anxiety
  • Special needs
  • Behavioral disorders
  • Certain medical disorders
  • Down Syndrome
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Autism

Hospital dentistry can also benefit patients who need to undergo extensive dental procedures. Some patients cannot tolerate undergoing extensive procedures all at once and need to return for multiple appointments to complete their dental work, which can be inconvenient. Since hospital dentistry makes it possible for patients to sleep during dental work, all necessary dental work can be completed in a single appointment with discomfort, anxiety, or pain.

How do I know if hospital dentistry is right for my child?

A pediatric dentist can assess your child to determine if hospital dentistry is the right option. A special instrument referred to as the Frankl Behavioral Rating Scale, developed by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, is used to evaluate a child’s potential level of cooperation when undergoing dental treatment. A child who is resistant to dental work and demonstrates an unwillingness to cooperate during treatment could benefit from hospital dentistry, as could a child with severe fear and anxiety.

Hospital dentistry makes it possible for children to receive necessary dental care who could otherwise not tolerate undergoing any type of dental treatment, whether due to special needs, severe anxiety, or a medical condition. For hospital dentistry in South Miami, schedule an appointment with Dr. Martinez or Dr. Lenard by calling South Miami Pediatric Dental Associates at (305) 666-2068.