What’s Different About A Pediatric Dentist?
Most families take their kids to a general or family dentist. But some families need specialized or extra care. Pediatric dentists have specific qualifications, like offering gentler care and education for young kids and treating them with disabilities or special needs.
Read this guide to help you learn more about the difference between general and pediatric dentists and the benefits of pediatric dentists.
What Does a Pediatric Dentist Do?
Pediatric dentists in Magnolia emphasize treating children and adolescents with disabilities and special needs. The program involves 2-3 years to further training after dental school.
The program includes working with kids who need dental emergencies and severe dental treatment and working in hospitals. Pediatric dentists learn orthodontic teeth-straightening methods. Pediatrics work with general dentists and pediatricians.
General dentists and pediatricians refer select patients to pediatric dentists. In addition, some pediatric dentists work in hospital training facilities and teach in dental schools to conduct research for developing better methods of preventing dental health problems in kids.
What Benefits Do Pediatric Dentists Offer to Kids?
Like other dentists, pediatric dentists aim at dental health and the prevention and treatment of tooth decay and diseases. They also educate other dental professionals and parents on how best to treat kids.
Also, pediatric dentists are good at explaining procedures to kids and building trust. The methods used by pediatric dentists to communicate with children are:
Positive reinforcement: Pediatric dentists praise their young patients for good behavior, including following directions and sitting still.
Tell-show-do: Your pediatric dentist explains the treatment in the language or words the child will understand. They show them the medicine in a simplified manner and start the procedure.
Tone: The pediatric dentist might use a soothing or friendlier tone for the kid’s patients to build trust and demystify a dental appointment.
How Old are Pediatric Dentist’s Patients?
Pediatric dentists treat children from birth to college. Suppose you need dental treatment as a young patient in a hospital because of a medical condition; a pediatric dentist is uniquely qualified.
Pediatric dentists still treat patients with special needs above 18 years because your dentist knows your special treatments, dental history, and procedure needs.
Why You’ll Choose a Pediatric Dentist Instead of a General Dentist
All general dentists get their training from pediatric specialists in dental school. As a result, some general dentists are comfortable treating children with special needs and young children. However, if a general dentist is uncomfortable treating them, they refer the children to a pediatric dentist.
Pediatric dentists from Tamborello Dentistry perform dental procedures like general dentists. But because of their specialized training, they handle many difficult behavioral situations.
Kids respond to dental visits differently than adults. For example, a kid may be fearful or anxious in unfamiliar surroundings. This anxiety may be severe when the young patient needs extensive treatment. Therefore, the pediatric dentist may give sedation or general anesthesia when a patient with disabilities or a child requires comprehensive dental treatment.
How to Find the Right Pediatric Dentist
First, you should ask your kid’s pediatrician for recommendations. Then, ensure you choose a pediatric dentist who has completed a 2-3-year program. A pediatric dentist in Magnolia, TX, helps create a lifetime of healthy smiles for your kids and make sure you get positive dental office experiences.
What Sets A Pediatric Dentist Apart?
Like all dentists, pediatric dentists must obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and complete dental school. In addition, pediatric dentists have to train and study in a 2-3-year program dedicated to pediatric dentistry after school.
During the program, they learn special techniques and skills to treat children. It also provides in-depth, comprehensive knowledge and experience about dental problems that affect kids, such as tongue thrusting, tooth decay, fluorosis, and thumb sucking.
Equipment
Since pediatric dentists work with kids of all ages, they have kid-friendly tools for every stage of life. Often, kids struggle to stay still during dental cleanings and exams because the dental appliances are uncomfortable and too big in their mouths.
That’s why pediatric dentistry near you has equipment perfectly suited for children. They also have tools for the youngest patients. For example, they may show parents how to clean baby mouths with tongue cleaners and finger brushes.
Also, the offices and staff are kid-friendly because they usually have bright colors and characters throughout the clinic to make the kids feel at home.