Both a pediatric dentist and a traditional dentist have the education and experience to meet all your dental needs. However, a pediatric dentist has further credentials that come in handy for treating families. Learn what makes a pediatric dentist different from a regular dentist.
Training
Pediatric dentists go through the same training that traditional dentists do; both learn how to identify oral health problems and treat patients accordingly. However, pediatric dentists receive further training to enable them to treat very young patients. These dental professionals are skilled at helping children undergo basic and more extensive treatments. To some degree, pediatric dentists also learn how to specialize in special needs' dentistry, so they can help children who have autism, cerebral palsy, and other conditions feel comfortable.
Patience
Pediatric dentistry specializes in the care of children, and while many of them see adult patients as well (making them effective family dentists) the patience a pediatric dentist in comparison to a traditional dentist is noticeable. When you have a child who fears the dentist or is unpredictable in the dental chair, going to a pediatric dentist can make a world of difference. Pediatric dentists often have tactics to distract young patients or make the experience more fun and less daunting.
Expertise
Some children experience dental maladies that are difficult to treat with traditional dental care. For example, children who are lip or tongue tied, or who have a cleft lip condition, may require special dental care to give them a better quality of life. This is where a pediatric dentist comes into play. Pediatric dentists have experience dealing with small mouths and difficult oral complications that traditional dentists may not have as much experience with.
Your dentist is likely to refer your child to a pediatric dentist if your child has a unique dental problem or has special needs. If you are uncomfortable with your current dental practitioner, ask for a referral to a family dental practice that has pediatric dentists. You can make an appointment with a pediatric dentist office to see the difference with how they operate in comparison to a regular dentist.
Your child can benefit from a pediatric dentist in many ways. Keep in mind that just because a dentist practices mostly on children doesn't mean they will exclude you or your spouse from their services. Make an appointment with a pediatric dentist for all of your family's dental needs today.
Share28 September 2018
Toddlers should see a dentist for the first time by the age of twelve months or by the time their first tooth comes in. But if you are a parent with toddlers anything like mine, the prospect of going to the dentist (let alone anywhere!) can be pretty intimidating. My kids were a handful growing up. They had tantrums any time we would have to sit in a waiting room, and they refused to get in the dentist's chair during their first few visits. So, I had to employ a professional to help me make the transition to finally getting them in that dental chair without all the screaming and crying. I know I'm not the only parent in this situation, so I decided to share the information I've learned with others who can use a little help. You can find all my advice right here on these pages!