You probably have a pediatrician to take care of your child’s general health care needs. But, who do you go to for their oral health? Pediatric dentistry fills a vital role in oral medicine. Having an age-based specialist to take care of your child’s dental health care is important, as they are specially trained to treat children.
Pediatric Dentistry: The Best Oral Care for Children
What is a Pediatric Dentist, and What Do They Do?
You may consider them as the pediatricians of dentistry. Pediatric dentists are dental health care professionals who have finished a special course of dentistry that deals with children, particularly the ones who need gentler care or have unique needs. Following dental school, a pediatric dentist undergoes two to three more years in specialty training where they work mostly with children who have severe dental needs and other dental emergencies. They also train in many different orthodontic methods and techniques. Pediatric dentists provide dental care to children of all ages, from infancy to adolescence.
Pediatric dentists use a different approach for each patient, depending on their unique dental needs, type of treatment required, and health history. They work closely with general dentists and pediatricians who may refer some of patients for specialized treatment that needs a pediatric dentist’s advanced training.
Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist Over a General Dentist?
General dentists are all trained in pediatric dentistry during dental school by pediatric specialists. General dentists, whose practice mostly serves families, are more familiar with what common behavioral conditions need to be addressed while treating young children. However, not all of them are comfortable treating young children. If a general dentist is not that familiar or comfortable treating children, then they need to refer them to a specialist. Likewise, if the child has special care needs, a referral is still in order.
Types of Treatments Pediatric Dentists Provide
Some of the treatments provided by pediatric dentists include.
- Mother and child risk assessment for caries during infant dental health exams
- Habit counseling
- Preventive oral health care, which includes nutrition and diet recommendations, as well as fluoride and cleaning treatments
- Early evaluation and treatment for correcting improper bite and straightening teeth
- Gum disease management including ulcers, pediatric periodontal disease, and mucoceles
- Diagnosis of dental conditions related to diseases such as hay fever, diabetes, asthma, and, congenital heart defect, as well as attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder.
- Care for dental injuries
- Tooth defects or cavities repair
When looking for a pediatric dentist in Chandler, you need to consider a lot of things. This is for the oral health of your child, after all. The friendly dentists and staff at Pediatric Dental Specialists are dedicated to the dental health of children from infancy through their teenage years.