What is a Pediatric Dentist?

A Pediatric Dentist Cary North Carolina, or Pedodontist, is a dentist who specializes in the care of children up to the age of 18 years. A young adult may be able to continue care with their Pedodontist past the age of 18 if they have special needs or circumstances. This is the dental professional to consult as you learn how best to care for your child’s teeth and gums and eventually, teaching your child to care for their own teeth and gums! We see children of all ages here at Wake Dental Care and will make a referral to a pedodontist if the need arises, however, this is a rare occasion. In our office we encourage the parent to be in the operatory when we are providing treatment so that both you and your child can feel more comfortable and so that parents can be better informed about why we might need to refer to a pedodontist when that occurs.

What does a Pediatric Dentist do?

Pedodontists complete the same dental school education as your general dentist but go on to further their education with an additional two to three years of specialized training, enabling them to focus their skills and practice on the oral healthcare of children. A Pediatric Dentist will help guide and teach you, as a parent, how to create healthy habits with your child so they can eventually care for their teeth and gums on their own. Parents of children with special needs may want to consider the gentler touch their child would receive when they utilize a dentist with the education and experience required to communicate with special needs children.

How old are Pediatric Dentist’s patients?

Patients can visit their Pedodontist up to age 18! Your child’s first visit should be scheduled as soon as you see teeth beginning to erupt through the gum tissue, usually before their first birthday. If your child has special needs and would benefit from the continued care of a familiar doctor, they typically can continue to see their Pediatric Dentist through adulthood. This varies from office to office so make sure to inquire about the transition age when looking for a Pediatric Dentist. When your child does age out, the Pediatric office will happily help you transition your child into your family dental office.

Why choose a Pediatric Dentist instead of a General Dentist?

Opting for the specialized care a Pediatric Dentist can provide can greatly benefit your child. Children can have behavioral conditions that respond better to focused attention the staff at a pediatric office can provide. While general dentists do acquire pediatric training in dental school, they are not trained in the same way as a Pedodontist is. At a pedo office, everyone cares only for children, giving them the experience and skills necessary to make sure your child is comfortable throughout their entire visit. Once your child is old enough to switch to your family dentist, the staff at your child Pedodontist will help you transition your child easily. If your child has special needs, your Pediatric Dentist may continue to see them through adulthood.

What benefits do Pediatric Dentists offer to children?

Having specialized their education and training in the care of children, Pediatric Dentists give parents and children the tools they need to care for their developing teeth and gums! Your child’s diet affects their teeth and their dentist can help you both understand how as well as knowing when to begin using toothpaste and dental floss. Helping to guide you and your child in the right direction will help instill healthy habits that will last your child throughout their life!

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