How a Pediatric Dental Specialist Differs From a General Dentist

A pediatric dental specialist can deliver more specific services than a general dentist. Bringing your child to the former can help your child more during the formative years. This dental care provider has the skills and techniques to target your child’s oral issues. Here are the details on how a pediatric dental specialist differs from a general dentist.

Pre-assessing the need for braces

A general dentist will check the child’s mouth during this assessment. Providing clear aligners is possible if the child has mild to moderate dental misalignment. Severe cases will need a referral to a dentist who provides traditional braces. This provider often includes a pre-assessment for braces during a regular dental exam. This dentist may also offer minor dental straightening options.

Training and education

Becoming a general dentist needs four years of college education, four years of dental school, and a year of residency. This dentist can skip specific training to treat patients. A pediatric dental specialist must have a complete college education, dental school training, and two years of learning pediatric dentistry. The years of training make this dentist ideal for dealing with young patients. This dental care provider can treat adults with special needs and children up to 18 years old.

This pediatric dentist spent two years studying subjects like child development. Using simpler communication techniques helps their patients understand them well during each visit. It is also important to provide the right dental sedation technique. These aspects of pediatric dental care enable this dentist to work with the parents of young patients.

Dental tools and equipment

General dentists may not have a complete set of pediatric dental tools and equipment. This deficiency often makes treatments for kids more difficult. The child may even experience discomfort. A pediatric dental specialist has dental tools that fit the small mouths of children. These tools can also move around each tooth without issue.

Clinic environment

A general dentist’s usual patients are adults. That is why the clinic is not colorful or fit for children. A pediatric dental specialist’s clinic is inviting and fun. This type of environment helps kids feel more comfortable. Video games and books distract them from any fear they might be feeling.

Reasons for seeing a pediatric dental specialist

Visiting a dentist may be intimidating to a child, especially if it is a first appointment. A dentist for kids has the training to make kids comfortable during each checkup. A positive first visit allows a child to understand the value of good oral health. This realization can make good dental habits last until adulthood. Below are the reasons for visiting a pediatric dentist:

• Easing the child’s dental fears is one of the priorities of a pediatric dental specialist. This dental care professional can adjust the techniques based on the child’s needs.
• Experience makes a kids’ dentist the ideal dental care provider. This dentist is familiar with significant fields related to dealing with children.
• Providing individualized care is part of a pediatric dentist’s job. This dentist considers a child’s stage of development. Age is another factor when providing oral care. Educating kids on proper oral hygiene can motivate them to maintain good oral health. Positive oral care habits can continue into adulthood. Adding proper oral hygiene into the child’s routine can prevent serious oral issues. It can also prevent intrusive treatments later in life. A pediatric dental specialist can give way to easier adult oral care.
• Preventing bad oral habits can lead to good oral health beyond the formative years. Thumb-sucking, pacifier use, or biting on things may result in dental misalignment. These habits may also result in bite problems and pain. This dentist can work with parents to stop these negative behaviors. The child must not have negative feelings when stopping them. Parents can learn how to motivate their children to stop these habits without being sad or afraid.

Your pediatric dental specialist can provide your child with better oral care

It may be convenient to bring your child during dental checks. But this may not be helpful to your child. A general dentist focuses on adult mouths. The clinic environment may be intimidating for the young patient. Your child’s dentist must have the techniques and tools to provide ideal dental care for kids. Working with your pediatric dental specialist can make your child’s dental health journey more fruitful.

Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.

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