Dental treatments for patients with severe mental challenges

Chang,  Ju-Hea

J Korean Dent Assoc > Volume 49(12); 2011 > Article

The Journal of The Korean Dental Association 2011;49(12):739-748.
Published online December 31, 2011.

임상가를 위한 특집 2 - 중증 지적 장애인을 위한 효과적인 치과치료

장주혜

서울대학교 치과병원 장애인구강진료실

Dental treatments for patients with severe mental challenges

Ju-Hea Chang

Clinic for Persons with Disabilities, Seoul National University Dental Hospital

Abstract

Patients with severe mental challenges are often subjected to extensive dental problems. Their impaired communication and lack of cooperation unable to receive timely dental treatments, which deteriorates their adverse oral conditions. In spite of a limited time frame, well-planned comprehensive treatments can be delivered in an one-day operation setting under general anesthesia. This multidisciplinary treatment regimen primarily comprises of single-visit endodontics, direct bonded restoration, periodontal treatment, and surgical extraction. Further, one or two additional visits for prosthetic procedures are able to accomplish functional reestablishment and esthetic enhancement. This article discusses on clinical managements for severely mentally challenged patients under a single-day operation.

Key Words: Special care dentistry;Mentally challenged patient;General anesthesia;