What is a Pediatric Dentist?
Looking for a dentist who specializes in the dental needs of your child? Pediatric dentists are the heroes you need! Pediatric dentistry is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of dental conditions for infants and children up until adulthood.
Starting by age 1, routine preventive dental examinations and cleanings are necessary, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Unfortunately, statistics recorded from 2019 to 2020 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that the annual dental examinations and cleanings for children aged 1-4 years and 12-17 years decreased. This article will give complete information about Pediatric Dentist.
What is a Pediatric Dentist?
What is a pediatric dentist? We have the answer for you in this section. Continue reading to learn the meaning of pediatric dentist.
Pediatric dentistry is a branch of dentistry that involves managing the oral health of children. A pediatric dentist, also referred to as a pedodontist, has additional training and qualifications to care for the teeth, gums, and jaws of infants, children, and teenagers. These specialists help care for your child’s baby teeth and permanent adult teeth throughout their development.
Pediatric dentists focus on the unique dental issues that children face, which can vary from adults. Research reports that greater than 50% of children have cavities in their baby teeth. Regular visits to the pediatric dentist throughout childhood are necessary to prevent future dental problems and help your child maintain their teeth for a lifetime.
Pediatric Dentist vs. General Dentist
Wondering how a pediatric dentist vs general dentist compare and contrast? Read more below to find out about these two types of dental professionals.
Both pediatric dentists and general dentists receive a dental degree following four years of dental school. However, pediatric dentists attend an additional two to three year pediatric residency program after dental school. Although pediatric dentists can perform similar tasks as general dentists, their additional training provides them with knowledge and expertise in handling childhood dental needs.
Since the dental needs of children and adults can vary significantly, its advantageous for a child to see a pediatric dentist over a general dentist, as they have the proper equipment and qualified training specifically for children.
What Kind of Training Do Pediatric Dentists Have?
Pediatric dental specialists go through extensive training to be able to provide dental care for kids. A pedodontist must complete four years of dental school after obtaining a bachelor’s degree. They are also required to complete a pediatric residency program, which is often a two or three year program that focuses on treating infants, children, teenagers, and children with special needs.
Some pediatric dentists even gain additional credentials after completing a rigorous examination process to become board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentists.
What Does a Pediatric Dentist Do?
So, what does a pediatric dentist do? Pediatric dental specialists have many responsibilities. Continue reading below to discover the common tasks of a pediatric dentist.
Comprehensive Oral Health Care
Comprehensive oral health care is key to the overall health of your child. Pediatric dentists provide a range of services, including preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental procedures to maintain the health of your child’s smile. They will diagnose and develop a treatment plan tailored to each individual patient.
Early Assessments
Pediatric dentists will perform early assessments of your child’s smile to ensure their health. They will thoroughly evaluate their teeth, gums, jaws, and other associated oral structures. Early assessments help catch dental issues before they develop into more serious problems.
Cavity and Tooth Defect Repair
Cavities are surprisingly the most common chronic disease faced by children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pediatric dentists will diagnose cavities and tooth defects and determine the appropriate treatment. They may use dental fillings, or dental crowns to restore your child’s tooth. In more severe cases of tooth decay or injury, the pediatric dentist may recommend a pulpotomy or tooth extraction.
Diagnosis of Oral Conditions
Following a thorough clinical examination, your child’s pediatric dentist will diagnose dental conditions. They will use diagnostic tools such as dental X-rays to screen for issues and monitor your child’s developing teeth.
Management of Gum Diseases
Pediatric dentists can diagnose and treat gum diseases. They will also educate you and your child on ways to prevent gum disease. Pediatric dentists commonly perform dental cleanings to help reduce harmful oral bacteria that contribute to gum disease.
Care for Dental Injuries
Pediatric dentists are trained to handle child dental emergency situations. They will care for dental injuries, including knocked-out teeth and tooth fractures.
Behavior Management
Children may require specific behavior management techniques to aid in their dental treatment and overall dental experience. Pediatric dentists may implement behavioral guidance methods during your child’s dental visit such as the tell-show-do technique, positive imagery, positive reinforcements, distraction methods, and dental sedation medications.
Education and Prevention
Prevention of oral diseases is essential for your child’s overall well-being. Pediatric dentists focus on education and prevention of oral problems to protect your child from harm. Services such as dental sealants, fluoride application, routine check-ups, dental cleanings, habit management (i.e. pacifier use, thumb-sucking, nail biting, tongue thrusting), and nutrition and oral hygiene education are provided by pediatric dentists to keep your child healthy.
Is a Pediatric Dentist Necessary for My Child's Dental Care?
Does your child need to see a pediatric dentist? Continue reading below to determine if a pediatric dentist is right for your child.
The short answer is yes, your child should visit a pediatric dentist for specialized dental treatment and oral health education. Your child’s dental care is important to help them maintain overall health. A pediatric dentist can help your child avoid dental issues that in some cases can even be life-threatening. Pediatric dentists are qualified to provide exceptional care for your child to meet any of their dental needs.
How to Find the Right Pediatric Dentist?
There are several factors to consider when finding the right pediatric dentist for your child. Consider asking friends and family for recommendations of a good pediatric dentist. In addition, checking out online reviews may be helpful, although it is important to take caution when reading reviews, as they are opinions and not necessarily factual.
Once you find a pediatric dentist, schedule an initial consultation with them to determine if they are a great fit. It is important to find a pediatric dentist who you can trust and who makes you and your child feel comfortable. Ask them any questions you may have and take note of how you feel about the overall environment and experience.
What to Expect During a Pediatric Dentist Visit?
During your child’s first visit with a pediatric dentist, a comprehensive evaluation of their oral health can be expected. The pediatric dentist will go over oral hygiene habits, inspect your child’s teeth, gums, and jaws, and diagnose any present oral conditions. They may take dental X-rays to help aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.
A treatment plan, including a dental cleaning and any other necessary treatments will be discussed. In general, your child will be scheduled for regular check-up visits approximately every six months, as recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA).
Conclusion
So, what is a pediatric dentist? In summary, pediatric dentists are qualified dental specialists that care for children. Pediatric dentists offer a range of services tailored to meet all the dental needs of your child. If you are looking for exceptional pediatric dental care, the pediatric dental specialists at Great Lakes Family Dental will provide the best care for your child.
