We wanted to start out this month’s feature on Frisco Kid’s Dentistry by diving deeper into why you should choose a Pediatric Dentist for your kiddos. There is so much we didn’t know until we got to know the team at Frisco Kid’s Dentistry and we are so grateful to know the differences! Please read below:
Difference between a Pediatric Dentist and Family Dentist?
The difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist or general dentist who sees kids hinges on education and experience in dealing with and treating the oral healthcare issues of children, from infants through their teenage years. A general dentist typically completes an undergraduate degree, then goes on to complete four years of dental school to become a dentist, Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). In order to become a pediatric dentist, a general dentist must then complete a minimum of 2 years of full-time residency training in all manners of pediatric dentistry and surgery.
This 2-year intensive pediatric dental training includes:
- Treatment of medically compromised and special needs children
- Management of developmental and growth issues, as they relate to the mouth, jaw, face, and head
- Treatment of children under anesthesia and sedation by dental sedation services
- Management of preventive and invasive oral care of children
During this time, a pediatric dentist is honing his or her skills to provide dental care in the least traumatic, most child-friendly and sensitive way possible. Child psychology, childhood development, and understanding and recognizing conditions which require orthodontic care are also a part of their continuing education.
Services Provided by a Pediatric Dentist
Pediatric dentists provide initial oral health exams, typically recommended to begin as soon as a child’s first tooth appears or by his or her first birthday, and continuing every 6 months into adulthood. Your pediatric dentist will advise you on your child’s dental development and how to care for your child’s teeth. As your child grows, your dentist will help you with teaching your child proper methods of preventive care to encourage a lifetime of good dental health. Other services provided by a pediatric dentist include:
- Repairing dental caries (cavities)
- Counseling for habits that may affect teeth, such as pacifier use or thumb sucking
- Diagnosing and treating developmental problems with teeth
- Assessing improper bite and other orthodontic concerns
- Providing sports mouth guards to prevent dental injuries
- Diagnosing and treating pediatric periodontal disease
- Diagnosing and managing oral conditions that can present in association with childhood diabetes, ADHD, asthma, and other medical issues
- Providing care for dental trauma in children or injuries, such as broken, knocked out, or fractured teeth
While general dentists do offer many similar services, a pediatric dentist is specially trained to diagnose, treat, and manage these conditions particular to children.
Also, good to know is that Frisco Kid’s Dentistry are continuing COVID-19 Office Policies and Procedures until further notice (linked here). They are taking extra precautionary measures to help minimize possible contact with other patients, while still providing each patient with the best possible care, and keeping their entire team safe.
We highly recommend visiting Frisco Kid’s Dentistry and making them your kid’s dentist! As an added BONUS, all new patients receive a FREE 6 Month Membership to Brush4Brush, which is a bamboo tooth brush company that donates one toothbrush for a child in need for every toothbrush purchased!
Call 214-618-5200 TODAY to book your appointment and Mention ‘Frisco Area Moms’ and receive 10% off your first visit!