Special care dentistry for patients diagnosed with sickle cell disease: an update for dentists

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a relatively common genetic disorder. Patients diagnosed with SCD may encounter barriers to dental care. Consequently, dental care providers should update their knowledge regarding the management of patients with SCD to reduce the possibility of triggering sickling events and potential damage to the body. The purpose of this article is to discuss the oral and dental management of patients with SCD and to clarify the risk factors that can lead to the sickling of the red blood cells during dental care. Adherence to clinical guidelines for preventive dentistry, effective pain and anxiety control, and stress reduction is crucial. Conscious sedation techniques, such as inhalation sedation with nitrous oxide and oxygen, can help to reduce episodes of stress and the potential for sickling. For patients with SCD, intravenous sedation should be provided only in a secondary care setting by a suitably experienced specialist in dental sedation.