Pediatric Dentist Vs. General Dentist: Which is Better?
Everyone gets confused between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist, which is understandable because both are dentists and have gone through dental school. However, there’s still a difference between pediatric dentistry and general dentistry, and deciding where you should take your child is hard.
The key difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist is that the former focuses solely on dental care for children while the latter does not. When it comes to treating children, pediatric dentists have additional training and knowledge that other dental professionals may not have.
It is important to have an informed decision about who is going to take care of your child’s dental health. Read this blog to know more!
General Dentists vs. Pediatric Dentists: The Differences
Despite the fact that both general dentists and pediatric dentists are capable of providing dental care for children, the training requirements for each are different. Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degrees are required for all dentists, pediatric and general, following their undergraduate training. After obtaining a DDS or DMD, it’s what individuals do next that makes all the difference.
Pediatric Dentists
Doctors who specialize in pediatric dentistry must complete an additional two years of residency training in order to receive their accreditation. This program teaches pediatric dentists how to work with children, understand their needs, make them feel at ease, and identify and solve unique dental difficulties that children face; thus, they are trained to understand child behavior. Children with special needs, as well as newborns, children, and teenagers will all benefit from the added dental hygiene instruction.
Specialized training is required for dentistry for children, as well as children’s oral and dental health as well as their physical development and any special requirements they may have. Tooth decay and tooth placement, crowding, crooked teeth, and missing teeth are all common problems they deal with. Pediatric dentists can prevent and treat tooth decay before it affects permanent teeth because youngsters are more susceptible to it. Some of the most common methods they use include:
- Fluoride
- Sealants
- Interpreting X-rays
- Filling cavities
- Fixing broken teeth
- Managing spacing issues
- Encouraging and helping break bad dental habits
- Cleanings
General Dentists
Dental care for patients of all ages is sometimes referred to as “family dentist” when provided by general practitioners. The qualifications of general dentists, however, must be taken into consideration. General dentists have DMD or DDS degrees. The dentist has finished four years of undergraduate education and four years of dental school, which includes classroom and clinical training. Most general dentists are ABGD-certified.
Dentists who specialize in general dentistry can diagnose, prevent, and treat a wide range of dental problems, including those related to the overall health of the patient. Even though they haven’t received further education training to become pediatric dentists, they can still treat children. Treatments that they frequently use include:
- Gum disease care
- Veneers
- Crowns and bridges
- Cleanings
- Dental implants
- Preventing diseases
- Interpreting X-rays
- Sealants
- Root canals
- Preventative education
General Dentists vs. Pediatric Dentists: Dental Tools and Office Environment
Pediatric Dentists
A pediatric dental office must have an ambiance that is welcoming and warm. Their office must give off a compassionate experience for the child. An office that helps kids feel more at ease by creating a welcoming, entertaining and playful environment. Distractions like video games, television, and books are sometimes offered to divert kids’ thoughts off of potentially worrisome feelings. Moreover, They need kid-friendly tools that are small enough to fit in little mouths and get around baby teeth.
General Dentists
Due to the fact that the majority of their patients are over the age of 18, they may not have the most kid-friendly setting. Also, treatment may be more difficult and uncomfortable for the kid if the dental office isn’t equipped with pediatric dental instruments.
Which Should You Choose?
For each family, the choice of a dentist is based on their own needs and preferences. There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to your family’s dental and overall health. However, there is a lot that a pediatric dentist can do for children. The health of your children’s baby teeth can have a huge impact on their future if they are diagnosed and treated by an expert. If you use a pediatric dentist, your child’s dental care will be in good hands.
Contact Junior Smiles of Stafford to learn more about tooth spacers
Pediatric dentists and general dentists have the same goals: taking care of your dental health and keeping your teeth beautiful. However, if you need a dentist for kids, you might want to consider pediatric dentists. Contact the most reputable pediatric dentist to experience firsthand how compassionate and caring they are with kids. We offer the skills and equipment necessary to make your child’s dental appointments joyful and stress-free.
Why Choose Junior Smiles of Stafford?
Our Stafford, VA team is well-versed in working with clients of various ages and backgrounds. They’ll take the time to get to know you and your family’s requirements, and they’ll work with you to design a treatment plan that suits your schedule. Sealants and fluoride treatments are just two of the many preventative care options we provide to keep your mouth healthy.
About Us
Visiting Junior Smiles of Stafford means you’re in good hands when it comes to receiving high-quality care. Your child’s dental health improves with each visit, ensuring a brighter smile for years to come. We adhere to the ADA and AAPD’s guidelines for best practices.
Where Are We Located?
Phone: (540) 699-2441
Fax: (540) 699-2464
Email: info@juniorsmilesofstafford.com
Monday and Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesdays and Thursdays: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fridays and Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (By appointment only)
How to Book Your Kids First Appointment at Junior Smiles of Stafford
Fill out the form on our website. Within 24 hours, a member of our team will get back to you.