For most people, going to the dentist is inconvenient and perhaps mildly painful. But for individuals with special needs or complex medical problems, even the most routine dental care can become complicated.
Thomas Leinbach, DDS, and his colleagues care for dental patients with conditions such as:
- Blood clotting disorders
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Autism
They also see people who are simply scared to go to the dentist.
In some cases, tooth decay or periodontal (gum) disease can lead to an infection that interferes with medical care. With other conditions, like autism and Alzheimer’s, patients don’t understand what’s happening and don’t want hands in their mouths.
Learn more about how dentists at UVA care for patients with special needs or complex medical conditions. Listen to this week’s podcast:
Hi, I am from NC and have a relative who is an Autistic Adult (34 yrs.). He desperately needs dental care but we are unable to find any dentist that will see any autistic patients over 18. He doesn’t talk at all but just makes sounds and is not very cooperative with doctors. He has been squealing for over three months now. We know it is his teeth/mouth because when his father rubs his gums with the toothache gel, he seems to get some relief. Can you please help us find someone in the NC area that will assist him.
Thank you for any direction you can offer.