Both general and pediatric dentists
treat health issues, but the approach differs significantly. Adult dentists diagnose and treat the teeth of adults, while the latter is more focused on children's teeth healthy. Treating a kid`s dental health requires a more compassionate approach, and more communication in their fashion, so the child becomes comfortable and cooperative while undergoing the treatment session. Extra care and patience are the hallmarks of a good pediatric dentist; they are trained for this purpose. It is always rewarding to visit a dentist specialized for kids, so the health professional can understand and resolve the issue making your kid relaxed.
Specialized training
Pediatric dentists need to undergo two years of extra specialization in
pediatric dentistry apart from the regular four years course on general dentistry. The supplementary classes teach them about child psychology, child development, pharmacology, pediatric sedation, and mixed denotation (both general and kid dental health care). More importance is given to communication, as children need to understand dental health care and recourse on their own terms. Pediatric dentists usually treat patients age eighteen but are eligible to take care of adult patients with special needs.
Pediatric dentists have in-depth knowledge about child psychology and behavior guidance technique that pacify the child and stimulates positive experience. This technique is applicable to children with a wide spectrum of personality and development. They are trained to teach children about oral hygiene and its significance of it.
Baby teeth anatomy
The specialized training given to pediatric dentists gives them knowledge of how to address dental issues related to children. As a child`s jaw and teeth develop, the pediatric dentist knows the available options that would not hamper the development and growth of the child`s teeth. The health profession knows when to extract awkward supplementary teeth in order to pave the way for the development of other teeth. As the anatomy of baby teeth is different from adult ones, pediatric dentists know the anatomy and fashion the treatment accordingly. They have the know-how of pediatric pulp therapy (baby root canal), a procedure only performed on
baby teeth whose roots are still undeveloped.
Certain dental issues are exclusive to children's dental such as natal teeth, early childhood caries, and tongue-ties that need specialized care. Some conditions need quick attention; otherwise, they aggravate rapidly; pediatric dentists are trained to diagnose and treat these issues.
Orthodontic pre-evaluation is an integral part of the dental examination for pediatric dentists as it averts major orthodontic intervention. On the other hand, general dentists refer patients to an orthodontist for those who require specific treatment.
Office ambiance
The office ambiance of pediatric dentists is always fun-filled and playful to unwind child patients. Sometimes there are video games, comic books, and TV sets to distract their mind so they do not feel nervous during diagnosis sessions. At the same time, the office of adult dentists is more formal as the patients are mostly adults.
Equipment size
The dental equipment of pediatric dentists differs in size from that of general dentists; it is of smaller size, so it fits and maneuvers in a baby's mouth. The equipment used by adult dentists is of regular size, unsuitable, and uneasy for a child.
