How Is a Pediatric Dentist Different From a Kid-Friendly Family Dentist?

Finding the right pediatric dentist is crucial for your child’s oral health. You want your son or daughter to feel at ease with dental treatment and not to be scared of visiting the dentist. A good pediatric dentistry office can diagnose, treat, and prevent serious dental issues. You may wonder whether your child will get the same type of care from a kid-friendly general dentist. There are differences between the two practices. In many ways, a pediatric office makes more sense.

The importance of seeing the dentist

Visiting the dentist regularly should not be optional. People of all ages need professional examinations and cleanings at least twice a year. For children, these visits should start when the child starts getting teeth. Some pediatric dentists recommend that babies as young as 6 months start coming into the office.

Consistently seeing the dentist helps young patients feel comfortable in the office and in the dental chair. Coming often helps to establish good habits such as brushing, flossing, and healthy eating. At checkups, the dentist can identify emerging concerns such as gum disease and decay. Intervention can ensure that the problems do not become too severe. The dentist can also provide education and tips on caring for teeth and gums.

What a pediatric dentist does

This type of dentist must earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. The person will then complete dental school and do a two-year residency program. Dentists who do pediatrics will get additional training and do more study on dental work specific to young patients. This will include pediatric surgery and medicine training.

A pediatric dentist focuses on working with children of all ages. This will include preventive care and restorative care. Dentists in this area are trained to work with patients under sedation, as well. The dentist will become familiar with each patient from a young age and work with the patient through adolescence.

Differences from and similarities to a kid-friendly dentist

A general dentist will work with patients of all ages, including young adults, adults, and seniors. A general dentist might also handle the needs of younger patients. In this way, the dentist may use techniques to reach the needs of children. But, a general dentist will not have the same training as a pediatric dentist.

The office atmosphere

A pediatric dentist makes a significant effort to create a familiar ambiance for young patients. The aesthetics of such an office will cater to children. This means the office will have colors, designs, and artwork designed to make the patient feel comfortable. There may be toys, televisions, and video game consoles available for the children to enjoy. A kid-friendly general dentist will likely have more of a professional atmosphere.

Visit your pediatric dentist today

You do not want your child to be afraid of going to the dentist. Visiting a pediatric dentist is a good way to solve this concern. As you can see, these offices focus on the needs of the boys and girls from the time they first start getting care. Find a pediatric office near you today.

Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Middletown, NY.