Why should you take your child to a Pediatric Dentist?

Pediatric Dentist vs. Regular Dentist

Most parents may believe that their child does not need to see an oral specialist, but there are definitive benefits to visiting a pediatric dentist versus a general dentist. It is recommended that you child first see the Dentist six months after her first tooth erupts, and no later than one-year-old, even if the child has no teeth. The main reason for this is to allow your child to realize that visiting the dentist is required for good health just as going to the pediatrician.

You may be wondering what is the difference between a general dentist and pediatric dentist. A pediatric dentist will receive approximately two to three years of additional training above and beyond dental school. This training could involve postgraduate work in children’s hospitals, learning about child-specific issues regarding specialized anesthesia and behavior guidance.The skills acquired during this time will prepare the doctor to treat exceptional populations, including children and adults with special needs.

Benefits of a Pediatric Dentist

At this earliest of age, a pediatric dentist primarily focuses on preventative treatment. A good pediatric dentist will take a holistic approach and make recommendations that incorporate all aspects of day to day living. Such guidance will include suggestions for healthy diet, proper brushing technique, advice on thumb sucking and pacifier use, and provide info regarding growth and development.

Sedation techniques are unique to this specialized group, and may offer a variety of options. Because you have choices you can decide on the least invasive, yet best alternative. The doctor will be skilled in sedation techniques from choosing an oral medication to safely calm anxiety to general anesthesia. In unique cases a pediatric dentist will have the ability and facilities to accommodate complicated procedures. This offers convenience and arguably a better level of care being that the doctor is more familiar with the patient.

A pediatric dentist is more likely to have relationships and affiliations with hospitals, pediatricians, and other specialists, creating a network of health professionals and an invaluable resource for information. This combination can produce an exemplary circle of care for your child.

Pediatric dentists are trained to work with disabled children. Because their offices are usually outfitted with special equipment, they can even be a great resource for treating adults with disabilities as well. These doctors are trained to provide specific care for behavior problems or abnormalities in the mouth. Pediatric dentists just seem to have a knack for calming the most difficult situation.

Just as with choosing a pediatrician, choosing a dentist for your child should involve many of the same basic questions and techniques:

Visit the office and meet the doctor and staff, and get a tour of the office – do you feel comfortable and at ease?
Check the dentist’s credentials…is the doctor a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry?
Make sure the doctor keeps current with the latest technology – has the doctor completed continuing education or attendance at conferences and seminars?
Find out you able to remain with your child during examinations and procedures – what is the office policy and recommendation?

Tooth Fairy Smiles does our best to give your child the best quality dental care in a safe and caring environment. Every effort will be made to work to help your child to gain peace through understanding, gentle guidance, humor, and charm. When these fail, there are other management techniques that can be used to eliminate or minimize disruptive behavior.

Contact Tooth Fairy Smiles today to if you have questions or to schedule an appointment.