Taking your kids to a pediatric dentist with specialized training has a lot of advantages. There are several differences between a general and pediatric dentist, even though they may appear interchangeable from a distance given that both specialize in dental treatment. Let’s examine the specific services offered by these two categories of dentists.
- Differences Between General and Pediatric Dentists
Naturally, both general and pediatric dentists are qualified to look after your teeth and provide you with top-notch dental treatment. However, there are significant distinctions between the two, such as the following characteristics of care:
Services and remedies provided
Pediatric dentists offer a wide range of services to children under their care. Pediatric Dentistry Indianapolis IN handle everything from child oral health examinations to preventative dental care, early orthodontic evaluation and treatment, tooth restoration, and care for dental accidents. On the other hand, general dentists (sometimes known as family dentists) provide patients of all ages with preventative, restorative, and aesthetic dental treatment. They are not professionally educated in pediatric dental treatment, however, they may and frequently do treat youngsters.
Training
Pediatric dentists, like ordinary dentists, must graduate from dental school after earning a bachelor’s degree from an authorized university. Fundamental knowledge of general dentistry is required for all dentists! Dentists, however, have a few options after graduation. They can choose to pursue a specialization or immediately begin a residency or practice. Pediatric dentistry requires special training and education, which must take place in a two- to the three-year curriculum. They pick up specialized treatment methods and skills in this program for kids. Additionally, it offers in-depth, complete knowledge regarding a variety of dental issues that typically impact kids, including tooth decay, thumb sucking, fluorosis, tongue pushing, “shark teeth,” and more.
Ones they see
Patients of any age are frequently seen by general dentists. They are also referred to as family dentists and usually treat the entire family. Pediatric dentists treat all children, from young newborns to older teens, with specialized care. This encourages a family-friendly atmosphere and provides a variety of specialized kid-sized equipment and gadgets for optimal comfort.
Equipment
Pediatric dentists have kid-friendly instruments for every stage of life, from infancy to early adulthood, because they treat kids of all ages. Due to the size and discomfort of the dental equipment in their mouths, children sometimes find it difficult to remain still during dental checkups and cleanings. However, pediatric dentists have tools that are ideal for children! Even the youngest patients can be treated using their equipment. For instance, they can demonstrate to parents how to use finger brushes and tongue cleaners to clean the mouths of infants.
Children are the focus of pediatric dentists’ practices. This indicates that both their workplace and personnel are kid-friendly. Children sometimes experience anxiety while visiting a dental office, but pediatric dentists frequently use cheerful colors and familiar figures to help them feel at ease.
Specialties offered
Pediatric dentistry is regarded as a specialty discipline and requires an additional 2-3 years of study to produce experts. This specialty has not been completed by general dentists.
Education
Dental school lasts four years, and both pediatric and general dentists must complete it. Pediatric dentists must nonetheless undergo an additional 2-3 years of residency training with an emphasis on young children, adolescents, and children with special needs. They are therefore experts in treating, soothing, and caring for children under 18, and have training in these age groups. Additionally, they have expertise in dealing with and reducing typical problems like a child’s fear of the dentist.
Experience
Pediatric dentists, such as that at Pediatric Dentist Indianapolis IN, have a lot of experience treating all types of children since they must complete a 2-to-3-year specialty school. They are skilled in managing behavior and communication with even the pickiest of children. Pediatric dentists are skilled at communicating with their patients and instructing them on how to keep their teeth strong and healthy.
The ability to swiftly assess whether a child’s teeth and jaw bones are developing normally is another skill that pediatric dentists learn. If not, they might suggest that your kid see a pediatric orthodontist who can address the issue before it worsens. The majority of pediatric dentists also treat and assist kids with special needs.
- What makes a pediatric dentist a good choice?
The particular requirements and preferences of your family will determine which dentist you select because every family is different. When it comes to the dental and general health of your family, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, children’s dentists do have a lot to offer. A specialist’s evaluation and care of your kids’ teeth can have a huge impact on their future. You can be confident that your child’s dental care is in good hands with a pediatric dentist.
Pediatric dentists not only have the training and equipment necessary to treat your kid, but they also really enjoy dealing with young patients. A sympathetic, caring pediatric dentist will go above and beyond to establish a good rapport with your kid so that they will have favorable memories of the dentist for years to come. Without this foundation of trust, kids could develop dental phobia as adults that keeps them from getting medical care. To keep healthy teeth from infancy to early adulthood, it is crucial to establish a dental home with a regular and dependable provider.
- How long is a pediatric dentist appointment for your child?
Your child will normally get pediatric dental treatment from infancy through early adulthood. Your child will be able to grow up with a dentist who is completely familiar with them and their medical history since they are trained to give professional treatment starting with their very first newborn appointment. This offers a wide range of significant advantages, especially after kids enter adolescence and may require braces. Around the age of 18, most patients “graduate” from their pediatric dentist.
Starting with their newborn patients, Children Dental Center Indianapolis IN provides pediatric patients with comprehensive dental treatment. As your kid develops and requires specialized orthodontic treatment, they may receive their braces in a familiar environment thanks to Childrens Dentist Indianapolis IN on-staff orthodontist.
- Speak to a dentist
You might be prepared to begin your own pediatric or orthodontic consultation now that you are aware of some of the fundamental distinctions between a general and pediatric dentist. We are here to address any queries you may have and to help you begin a professional consultation. Book appointment at Kids Dentist Indianapolis IN for any dental issue.
