What is a pediatric dentist?

A pediatric dentist is a specialized form of dentistry that deals with treating the oral health of children and teenagers. These dentists work specifically with kids who are either still learning how to take care of their teeth or who have a hard time doing so. While general dentists are also capable of working with children, pediatric dentists tend to work with children more often than regular dentists do.

Some parents choose to take their children to see a pediatric dentist in West Hollywood at the very beginning of the child’s life – even before any teeth have erupted from the gums – so that the dentist can examine the development of the child’s jaw and make sure that everything is developing as it should be. This can help to prevent issues down the line and make sure that the teeth and gums are healthy from the very beginning of the baby’s life.

Pediatric dentists also tend to have a lot of fun toys and distractions for children in the waiting rooms and treatment rooms, which help to keep the kids distracted during the appointment. Often, pediatric dental offices have play areas for kids to play in as well. This helps to make the environment a bit more kid-friendly for children who are coming to the dentist for the first time.

Children who are at a stage in their life where they are still developing their permanent teeth are often especially good candidates for seeing a pediatric dentist. For example, if a child is still losing his primary teeth and has not yet received all of his adult teeth, then it is often recommended that the child first be seen by a pediatric dentist. A pediatric dentist will be able to provide care and guidance regarding development during this time, which will likely benefit the child in the long run.

Why should I see one?

A pediatric dentist specializes in treating children from birth through adolescence and young adulthood. They have experience working with kids, and they have all of the tools and equipment to make your child’s experience fun and comfortable. They also have a lot of experience with a variety of different issues that may be affecting your kids’ oral health. This means that they can detect a problem early and help you fix it before it gets too serious. Plus, with their gentle touch and no-pain methods, they can help your children feel calm and relaxed during their appointments.

Visiting a pediatric dentist regularly helps your kids to develop good oral hygiene habits that they’ll use for the rest of their lives. They’ll also get the education they need to prevent cavities and other common teeth problems as they grow into adulthood. The earlier you start taking your kids to the dentist, the better chance they have of maintaining healthy smiles throughout their lives.

What makes a pediatric dentist different than other dentists?

A pediatric dentist not only specializes in treating children’s teeth, but also adjusts their practice to the needs of young patients. If you aren’t sure whether a pediatric dentist is right for you or your child, take a moment to consider these benefits of choosing a dentist with specific knowledge about child dental care.

Your children may feel more comfortable visiting the dentist if they aren’t faced with any surprises. Dental offices designed for younger patients have bright colors and fun toys in the waiting room, as well as friendly staff members who aim to make kids feel at home from the first visit onward. Additionally, pediatric dental offices tend to have smaller chairs that are easier for your child to comfortably fit into. The office environment is also generally more kid-friendly, with bright murals on the walls and cartoon posters displaying healthy smiles. This helps set your child’s mind at ease and makes going to the dentist seem like a fun experience.

Children are also more likely to receive specialized care in a pediatric dental office. For example, many practices have specialized equipment that is better for young children’s mouths and needs. For instance, some handheld mirrors are designed specifically for pediatric patients’ mouths; they offer an angled view that allows your dentist to see the top and bottom of your child’s mouth at the same time. Also, the x-ray machines found in many traditional dental offices can expose children to too much radiation. For patient safety and comfort, many pediatric dental practices have digital x-rays that produce less radiation exposure. Lastly, anesthesia is often administered to children who are about to receive extensive oral procedures, such as fillings, crowns, or extractions. In a traditional dental office, however, sedation services are only offered to adults who have special needs and are undergoing cancer treatments or painful tooth extractions. Many pediatric dental practices provide IV sedation to children who need to undergo invasive treatments. IV sedation is an effective way to put your child into a