Oral surgery for healthy patients is typically met with trepidation. When patients with special needs require oral surgery, additional care and compassion are vital to guarantee a comfortable procedure and a successful outcome. Most often the use of general anesthesia will be recommended for dental patients identified as having special needs which include:

• Geriatric patients
• Patients with mobility issues
• Mentally disabled patients
• Patients with underlying health concerns
• Mentally ill patients
• Children with emotional or behavioral issues

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are experts in surgery of the face, mouth and jaw. Their extensive training prepares them to perform complex oral surgical procedures for patients with special needs.

OMS procedures include:

• Wisdom teeth management
• Head, neck, and oral pathology
• Dental implant surgery
• Dental and soft tissue surgery including the extraction of diseased teeth
• Treatment of facial injuries

In addition, as board-certified oral surgeons, they are trained in the administration of IV anesthesia and perform surgeries in operatories which are equipped to handle any anesthesia emergencies which may arise.

Medical Director experienced with special-needs patients

At Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we employ a board-certified anesthesiologist who also serves as our medical director. Dr. Penelope Duke is experienced in the care of patients with special needs and can provide the additional attention and treatment that they may require. Dr. Duke will visit with the patient and the patient’s caregiver prior to surgery. She will administer the IV anesthesia and remain with the patient throughout the procedure, monitoring the patient’s vitals before, during and after surgery.

Following surgery, the oral surgeon and anesthesiologist will confer with the patient and the patient’s caregiver about what to expect after the anesthesia wears off and how to care for the patient post-operatively. It is our goal at Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery to provide the best and safest treatment to our patients, including those with special needs.