Dental Care for Special Needs
For special needs patients and their loved ones, going to the dentist can be challenging and stressful.
Dr. Andrew Lunn and his team in Chattanooga, TN, are proud to offer comprehensive dental care for special needs patients.
Learn more about how we can accommodate your loved one’s needs...
We Warmly Welcome Patients With All Types of Needs
Everyone deserves a healthy smile. Dr. Andrew Lunn of Chattanooga Family Dentistry has nearly three decades of experience working with special needs patients. They are warmly welcomed at our Chattanooga, TN, dental practice. We can treat patients with special needs at our office or at a local hospital or surgery center, depending on which accommodations they need.
High-Quality Care in a Calming Environment
Here at Chattanooga Family Dentistry, we cater to patients with special needs. Everyone deserves a healthy smile, and our caring team is here to make sure each and every patient experiences the benefits of excellent oral health. Our team is dedicated to providing your loved one with the accommodations they need.
A Dentist Trained to Help Special Needs Patients
Dr. Lunn has treated patients with conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, spinal cord injuries, visual and hearing impairments, muscular dystrophy, and more. Since 1997, Dr. Lunn has treated mentally and physically challenged patients in his office and at the local hospital. He offers a range of general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry procedures. With extensive training in treating patients with special needs, he has dedicated a portion of his practice to providing dental care to those with disabilities.
Preventing Oral Health Problems
Special needs patients often face a greater risk of developing dental problems, making it essential to stay on top of regular checkups and cleanings. For example, those with Down Syndrome face a greater risk of gum disease due to an impaired immune system. Certain physical limitations can also prevent a patient from properly performing oral health tasks such as brushing or flossing. Here at Chattanooga Family Dentistry, we believe preventative care and patient education to be a vital part of providing optimal dental care.
Patients with special needs can experience high levels of anxiety when visiting a dental office. This can be caused by being in a new environment with unfamiliar people, sensory stimulation, of fear of the unknown. We understand that visits to the dentist can be overwhelming, and we strive to make every visit as pleasant and comfortable as possible for our patients. Sedation is available as needed to help patients relax.
"I Am Happy to Have Found Them."
Amber G
2020
I absolutely recommend this office. The staff are so warm and welcoming. I am happy to have found them.
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Chad Myers
2020
I feel very comfortable with the care provided here. Dr. Lunn and everyone there do an excellent job! Highly recommended.
View On GoogleBook a Consultation Today
We understand that every patient has unique needs and preferences. We work with you as a team, learning as much about you and your loved one as possible in order to provide compassionate, quality care. Let us know what is needed before, during, and after the dental appointment. We’ll work with you to deliver a positive, stress-free dental experience. To book your appointment, contact us online or call
(423) 553-8858
Our Office Is Designed to Meet Special Needs
Our office is compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements in terms of our dental chairs, doorways, restrooms, and a wheelchair ramp. Regardless of your needs, you can expect an environment designed to maintain your safety.
We also provide various amenities throughout the office to help patients feel more at home. Noise-reduction headphones are available for patients who may be sensitive to sound. Patients are more than welcome to wrap up in one of our warm blankets and watch a movie. If there’s anything we can do to make a visit more comfortable, please let us know, and we’re happy to accommodate.
Sedation Dentistry
We offer sedation dentistry options to ensure patient comfort. In some cases, this solution can be tremendously helpful in being able to provide dental treatment safely and efficiently. Dr. Lunn is one of only two general dentists who can administer IV sedatives in the Chattanooga, TN, area.
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Nitrous Oxide
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide induces a state of relaxation when inhaled. Nitrous oxide is safe and easy to control, with effects wearing off immediately after treatment. It is effective for calming nerves and allowing patients with disabilities to feel at ease during the duration of their visit.
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Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral sedatives are taken before coming into the office. For patients with disabilities that make it difficult to sit still, oral sedatives allow dental services to be performed safely.
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IV Sedation
The effects of sedatives delivered through an IV are immediate and long-lasting. The levels can be adjusted accordingly and monitored by the dentist throughout the appointment. Patients typically have no recollection of receiving dental care and can relax during any treatment.
State-of-the-Art Technology Helps Us Meet Special Needs
For patients with a disability or other special needs, it can be difficult to remain still for the duration of a dental exam. We’re proud to use state-of-the-art technology that allows us to perform efficient and precise treatment in our Chattanooga, Tennessee, office. These tools include:
Digital X-Rays
Our advanced technology allows for less time spent in the chair while providing precise and accurate results. Complex conditions are evaluated quickly by our dentist using clear computer-generated images.Intra-Oral Camera
This tool consists of a small handpiece containing a camera. It gives patients a first-person look at their gums and teeth in real-time, helping them understand their treatment.Surgical Telescope
Dental health issues are not always immediately apparent to the naked eye. Dr. Lunn ensures no details go unnoticed by using a magnifying tool during treatment."One of the Best Dentists and Best Staff!"
Gary Hertzberg
2019
One of the best dentists and the best staff. We actually look forward to seeing everyone there and I don't really like going to the dentist. Very particular about the care they provide and are very concerned about their patients. And you've got to meet Winston!
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Nick Ervin
2019
Friendly staff, clean office. Everyone seemed very focused on patient education and explaining in-detail why they were doing everything. I also had questions about insurance coverage on certain findings, and they provided a very easy-to-understand written estimate for everything that would fall on me.
View On GoogleWhat to Expect When You Visit Our Office
Before the Visit
Patient communication is key to dental success. It’s crucial for us to learn as much about a patient’s needs as possible, including medical history and medications. We prepare our treatment plans on a case-by-case basis. The more details provided to us, the better equipped we are to create the appropriate atmosphere and approach for a patient’s visit.
During the Visit
We understand that a new environment can be overwhelming to a patient. Our staff acts slowly and accordingly, giving time for the patient to adjust to their surroundings until they are comfortable. Some cases require extra time and attention, but we have unlimited patience and are happy to provide a safe, calming environment for you and your loved ones.
After the Visit
For patients with disabilities, hygiene tasks like brushing teeth can be difficult. After the visit, our team will share practical tips to help the patient practice proper hygiene at home. We can recommend specific toothbrushes or devices that may make it easier for patients to take care of their oral health, resulting in fewer unexpected trips to the dentist.
