Going to the pediatric dentist is never fun. Even as adults, we would rather not have to go. It’s even harder for our youngsters. They are often frightened and upset, plus, their tiny, tender teeth need special attention.
A pediatric dentist specializes in kid’s teeth and overall oral health from their first tooth to adulthood. They train to treat their special needs for their teeth and gums.
A pediatric dentist is different from a regular dentist. They complete at least four years of dental school but they also need two more years of residency training in dentistry for infants, children, teens, and children with special needs.
Children are not always able to be patient and cooperative during a dental exam. There are noises and strange odors that can be very upsetting. Pediatric dentists know how to examine and treat children in ways that make them comfortable.
They also use specially designed equipment in offices that are arranged and decorated with children in mind. Children are made to be comfortable and put at ease. Your dentist knows how to talk to your child without upsetting them even more.
Carolina Dentistry
If you are looking for a pediatric dentist in Charlotte, make sure they are pediatric. They may share a space with other dentists, so make sure you stress that you are making an appointment for a child. (Carolina Dentistry)
A pediatric dentist will offer standard services but they specialize with children. Their teeth are smaller, tender, and constantly changing. They need a special touch with a practiced hand.
They are accustomed to the language needed to talk to young kids and adults. Showing as well as explaining, using appropriate language, and positive encouragement for good behavior.
Thanking the child for sitting still or not being scare is a big concern. If a dentist is impatient or short with an already upset child, they are only making their own job more difficult and upsetting the child even more.
It’s important that the child have a positive experience at the dentist. It will make continued visits to the dentist easier and less stressful. This will prove to be even more helpful if there are more intense treatments needed in the future.
Services that are offered for children will vary from that of the needs of an adult.
- Preventive care, cleaning, fluoride, and encouragement to brush themselves
- Dietary recommendations
- Infant oral health exams, which include risk assessment for caries in mother and child
- Repair of cavity or defects
- X-rays
- Early assessment and treatment for correcting or straightening teeth
- Referral to specialists, like orthodontists
- Habit counseling like pacifier use and thumb sucking
- Management of gum diseases
- Treatment for dental injuries, like a broken or chipped tooth
Another specialty that your pediatric dentist has is the ability to educate the adults and the kids. Parents always feel they know what is best for their child, but this not always the case. This can be a very good education for first-time parents.
They can take the knowledge and use it for the rest of their kids. Passing on good dental hygiene and oral health gives your kids an advantage for life. They will learn to take great care of their teeth and gums. (Carolina Dentistry)
Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist in Charlotte?
All dentists receive pediatric training while in residency or training. However, that is general training. If your family dentist is used to working with main adults, they may not cope as well as a pediatric dentist in Charlotte will.
Many general dentists will be more than comfortable and competent with children’s dental needs. But, for your child’s first dental visit, you should consider going to a dentist trained in dealing with children.
Taking the time to talk to your child, make them feel comfortable, and build up a life-long relationship is vital for their oral health and their trust in dentists. Knowing how to talk to them, show them the proper way to care for their teeth, and make them look forward to coming back again. That takes more than having cool toys in the waiting room.
Pediatric dentists perform dental procedures like general dentists. Yet, because of their specialized training, they can handle many difficult behavioral situations.
Children with special needs may find even a pediatric dentist overwhelming. If the child requires extensive dental treatment, the pediatric dentist can often provide sedation or general anesthesia.
A kid’s needs in dentists are often much different than that of an adult. They can chip or break their teeth which require repairs or treatments that are much different from what an adult would receive.
If you are looking for a pediatric dentist in Charlotte, you can ask your kid’s pediatrician, your family doctor, or a trusted friend for recommendations. You can look online and also check the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website.
Check websites online in your area and make sure you read the reviews. However, take those reviews for what they are. If they are mostly positive, you should be alright.
You can call the office with any questions you might have and make sure you mention the age of your child. This is important for them to know, especially when you are making an appointment for the first time.
You may want to arrive early so you can talk to the receptionist, ask any questions, and let your child adapt to the new room and surroundings. It will likely be very strange to them unless they have spent time in a doctor’s waiting area before.
Most pediatric dentists in Charlotte only treat children, from infants to teens. This is likely the direction you want to go to. That will mean that everyone in the office knows how to and are very accustomed to handling children.
That is great news when you are taking your child in for the first time. It can be a very scary place. If it is important that you accompany the child in, make sure you stress that when you make the appointment. It is a common practice to allow the parent in.
