A pediatric dentist is a type of dental and oral health specialist who has two or more years of additional training after dental school, and focuses on treating the dental needs of children, infants, and teenagers.
Visiting a Pediatric dentist can be vital in helping your child get comfortable with the dentist at a young age and helping them begin to develop a sense of familiarity with regular dental checkups.
Pediatric dentists are required to successfully complete a 2-3 year residency after dental school which focuses specifically on the treatment from the newborn to the adolescent as well as those with special needs. Pediatric dentists receive training that makes them proficient and well versed in child psychology, child development, mild to moderate sedation and general anesthesia.
Pediatric dentists provide a wide range of oral health care treatments. Infant oral health exams include risk assessment for cavities. Habit counseling can help manage things such as thumb sucking and pacifier use. Early assessments and treatments can be performed to straighten teeth and correct improper bites. Preventive dental care such as fluoride treatments, cleaning, and diet recommendations can help avoid problems before they occur. Cavity repairs and caring for dental injuries such as displaced, fractured, or knocked-out teeth can help prevent further damage to your child’s teeth. Pediatric dentists can also diagnose conditions such as tongue and lip ties, manage gum disease, ulcers, and diagnose and correct minor malocclusions.
The sooner your child starts getting regular dental checkups, the healthier their teeth will be. Early checkups can be instrumental in helping to prevent tooth decay that may lead, if untreated, to discomfort, pain, swelling, and other medical issues. Our team strives to teach parents how to properly care for their children’s teeth and provide guidance on what to expect with their developing teeth. With the right care and developing good habits, cavities can be largely prevented. Luckily, Great Grins Children’s Dentistry is here to help you learn how to do just that!
Great Grins is pediatric dentistry you can really stand behind. Set up an appointment today!