In 2020, if you are considering switching from a pediatric dentist to a general family dentist, please read the article below before making a final decision.
Pediatric dentists have the education, training, and experience necessary to provide top-notch dental care to children of all ages.
Whether you have an infant, toddler, elementary school aged child, preteen, teen, or special needs child, a pediatric dentist can care for your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth.
A pediatric dentist at Wells Family Dentistry will ensure your child feels comfortable when visiting our office. They will answer your child’s questions, address their concerns, and educate them on what it takes to maintain excellent oral health for years to come.
Is a Pediatric Dentist Right for Teenagers?
As your child gets older and reaches their teen years, you may wonder whether it makes sense to continue taking them to a pediatric dentist. The answer to this question is “yes.” Although your teen may not be a child anymore, they are likely experiencing important growths in their face and jaw. In addition, they are probably getting the last of their permanent teeth which are particularly vulnerable to decay.
Continuing to visit a pediatric dentist is also ideal for teens because their dentist will know their history and be able to provide them with the personalized care they deserve. A pediatric dentist can screen for orthodontic related issues as well. As children start to grow into adults it is always a good idea to have the same healthcare providers that know that person.
There may be a time when an orthodontist or oral surgeon is needed for a teenager or college student. We will be more than happy to offer referrals or suggestions when the time arises. There are a number of great dental or oral health experts in the Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill area that can assist with the needs of your child.
When to Stop Seeing a Pediatric Dentist
A pediatric dentist at Wells Family Dentistry will continue to provide your child with dental care for as long as you feel it is necessary. Sometimes, children switch to a regular dentist when they turn 18 and other times, they stay with a pediatric dentist all through college. It all depends on your child’s particular needs, behavior, and overall dental health. Our friend and Spring Hill dermatologist Dr. Amy Ross has always stated that finding a medical professional you and your children like is imperative.
Differences Between a Pediatric Dentist and Regular Dentist
While both pediatric dentists and regular dentists have the same goal of helping their patients maintain healthy teeth and gums, there are some differences between the two. The first difference is in their education. Pediatric dentists are required to complete at least two additional years of training during a pediatric residency. In these two additional years, they learn how to manage and treat the developing teeth of children, become experts in child behavior, and educate themselves on how to treat children with special needs.
Although regular dentists are able to treat children, they do not have the additional two years of training that pediatric dentists have, meaning they are not experts in child behavior and may not be the best option for children who are anxious when visiting the dentist. In addition, regular dentists may not know how to approach children with special needs as they have not received any specialized training on how to do so.
If you bring your child to a regular dentist as opposed to a pediatric dentist, you may also find that their staff is not trained on management techniques that are geared toward infants, children, and teenagers. Regular dentists may be more familiar with management techniques that focus on adults or the elderly population.
Lastly, you may notice that the environment in a pediatric dentist office is different than the one in a general dentist office. Pediatric dentists usually make it a priority to create a kids-friendly environment that makes children feel comfortable and relaxed. There are usually toys, children’s books, brightly colored walls, and contests in the waiting area of a pediatric dentist office. In a general dentist office, the environment is designed to cater to patients of all ages, meaning you probably won’t see any toys or bright colors.
Having a team of three dentists along with many dental assistants, we are confident we can provide a safe, comfortable and accommodating experience for your child or teenager. No matter the age of your child, we will do everything we can to help them enjoy each dental experience.
2020 Pediatric Dental Checkup in Raleigh, NC
If you have a son or daughter that needs a dental checkup in 2020, we are more than happy to set up an appointment as soon as possible. As a family dentistry, we work with all ages. This makes it much easier as you no longer have to wonder if your child needs to switch dentists. Our Raleigh female dentist, Anna Gladwell, loves working with children and will be more than happy to provide the best oral health care for your son or daughter.
Schedule an Appointment at Wells Family Dentistry Today
To determine whether your child should continue visiting a Rolesville NC pediatric dentist, schedule an appointment at Wells Family Dentistry today. Simply give us a call at (919) 266-5332 and we can evaluate your child’s situation and provide a recommendation.