Is it Necessary to Go to a Pediatric Dentist?
As a parent, you want the best for your child, but there are times when convenience might sway your opinion when making decisions about their dental health. If you already have a dental professional that you love, you might be considering taking your child to an adult dentist, and you might be asking yourself if there really is a difference between an adult dentist and a pediatric dentist.
Pediatric dentists might not differ in their overall knowledge of dentistry, but where they shine is in their approach and their attention to the special needs that your child might have. A pediatric dentist develops a fantastic approach to working with kids.
They Know How to Reduce Anxiety
The experiences that you have with a dental professional early on has a huge impact on how frequently you visit the dentist once you are an adult. If you had a lot of anxiety about going to the dentist when you were a child, it leaves a lasting impression, even if you aren’t consciously aware of it. Pediatric dentists work to alleviate this by focusing on the whole child, not just their oral care.
They often pay attention to their office decor and their waiting rooms, creating a kid-friendly atmosphere. To a young child who is already a little anxious about going to the dentist, having those kid-friendly additions can really put your child at ease and make the whole experience a bit less fearful, and a lot more positive.
They Have Education in Pediatrics
There are different things that a pediatric dentist might use that an adult dentist might not think about. Worried about early intervention, a pediatric dentist is specially trained in how to look for bite and mouth abnormalities in young children. Just like any other medical specialty, pediatric dentists have the education and experience to spot things in kids that can sometimes get overlooked.
Should there come an occasion where your child is experiencing too much anxiety or needs sedation for a dental procedure, someone who is specifically trained in helping children might be the best person to administer dental sedation safely and effectively.
Both regular dentists and pediatric dentists will provide similar oral care, but the pediatric dentist might be able to do it with a little more child-know-how. To make your child’s oral visits go as smoothly as possible, it is a good idea to consider seeing a pediatric dentist, especially for your child’s early years.
Pediatric Dentists in St. Louis
At The Dental Anesthesia Center, our pediatric dental specialists have advanced training that allows them to interact positively with children who have physical or mental disabilities. Your child’s initial oral examination will include a visual examination, charting, diagnosis and treatment recommendations. We work hard to make your child feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere. Depending on your child’s circumstances, we will discuss if sedation or anesthesia is right for your child. Click here to learn more.
