Dental care for people with special needs
We plan dental treatment for people on the autism spectrum or with intellectual or physical disabilities without rushing, together with the family. If treatment in the chair is not possible, treatment while asleep with an anesthesiologist is an option.
Last updated: 9 November 2026
Who is it for?
Dental treatment can be a difficult experience for children and adults on the autism spectrum, people with intellectual disabilities, patients with limited movement such as cerebral palsy, and anyone who cannot tolerate being touched inside the mouth. In someone who cannot describe their pain, tooth decay and gum problems may go unnoticed for a long time and disturb sleep and eating.
At our practice, our founding dentist Eslem Şahan Divanoğlu, DDS has treated patients who cannot cooperate in the chair with sedation and general anesthesia for more than 15 years. Many of these patients are people with special needs.
First, meeting and examination
At the first visit we talk with the family about the person’s daily routines, way of communicating, medicines and general health. If possible a short mouth examination is done; if not, we simply get to know each other and plan the next step together.
- We try to book appointments at quiet times to keep waiting short.
- The person can bring a favorite toy, headphones or object.
- Lights, sounds and touch are shown and explained beforehand.
- The family is part of every decision from the first visit.
Send us your question and our dentist will answer based on your situation. A definite plan cannot be made without an examination; the first step is a short consultation.
Which approach is used?
The approach is chosen according to how well the person can cooperate and how much treatment is needed:
- In the chair, with local anesthesia: for people who can cooperate and need little treatment.
- With sedation: for people with high anxiety who can manage short procedures with their reflexes preserved.
- With general anesthesia: when treatment in the chair is not possible or many teeth need treatment. It is given and monitored throughout by an anesthesiologist.
The decision on general anesthesia is made together by our dentist and the anesthesiologist. If there is a heart, lung or neurological condition, a report from the treating doctor may be requested. If general health means a hospital setting is needed, we will tell you clearly.
The treatment day under general anesthesia
- Preparation: you are told in writing from what time to stop eating and drinking.
- Going to sleep: the anesthesiologist calmly puts the person to sleep while the family is present.
- Treatment: fillings, root canal treatment, cleaning and any necessary extractions are completed in the same session as far as possible.
- Waking up: the person stays under observation until fully awake and goes home with the family.
After treatment: preventive care
After extensive treatment under general anesthesia, the main goal is to prevent new decay. We show the family brushing methods that suit the person, and plan fluoride treatments and regular check-ups. At each check-up we aim for the person to become a little more used to the practice and our team.
Frequently asked questions
Can people with disabilities have dental treatment while asleep?
Yes. For people with disabilities who cannot be treated in the chair, general anesthesia is a commonly used approach. Suitability depends on general health and the anesthesiologist’s assessment.
My autistic child won’t even allow an examination. What can we do?
We can use the first visit only to get to know each other. If an examination is not possible, we plan the examination and treatment together, using information from the family and, if needed, under general anesthesia.
Can I stay with them during treatment?
You can be present while they go to sleep. During treatment you wait in the waiting area, and you are brought back when they wake up.
They take regular medication. Is that a problem?
Usually not, but all medicines must be reported to the anesthesiologist. For some medicines, the treating doctor’s opinion may be requested.
How often can general anesthesia be repeated?
This is an individual decision. Our aim is to reduce the need for another general anesthesia as much as possible through good preventive care.
Istanbul University Faculty of Dentistry. Spent nine years at the dental clinic of Pendik Regional Hospital; more than 15 years of experience with general anesthesia and sedation.
Dentist’s pageThe information on this page is for general guidance only. The treatment that suits you is decided by your dentist after an examination and any necessary tests; the duration and outcome of treatment vary from person to person.
Treatments often planned together.
General anesthesia and sedationDental treatment under general anesthesiaChildren who cannot cooperate in the chair and adults with dental fear are treated while asleep, with an anesthesiologist present.
General anesthesia and sedationGeneral anesthesia for childrenChildren who cannot be treated in the chair can have all their teeth treated in one session, monitored by an anesthesiologist.
General anesthesia and sedationSedation dentistryYou drift into a sleep-like state with your reflexes preserved; you do not feel or remember what happens during treatment.
ChildrenPediatric dentistryTreatment of baby teeth, space maintainers and preventive care. The first visit is only for getting to know each other and playing.