Challenges and Strategies in Pediatric Dentistry for Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder

An Analysis of Appropriate Anesthetic Practices

Abstract

This article tries to explore some of the challenges in Pediatric Dentistry concerning treating a pediatric patient with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with special reference to appropriate anesthetic practices. Explores the historical evolution of the ASD diagnosis, from the earliest descriptions to the most recent revisions in diagnostic manuals such as the DSM-5-TR and ICD-11, and discusses how these changes affect dental interventions. This requires the use of individualized and adaptive approaches necessitated by the increased sensitivity and common communication difficulties among patients with ASD. Most importantly, it outlines different methodologies of anesthesia application: local anesthesia, conscious sedation, and general anesthesia, and how they should be chosen based on the patient's level of cooperation and nature of the procedure. It has also used pre-operative strategies such as the "show-tell-do" technique to minimize patient anxiety and assure a less traumatic experience. The essence will, in fact, be to make the practice more sensitive and competent in such a way that it ensures that the needs, especially with ASD, are effectively met with sensitivity.