You want what’s best for your child, so when it comes to choosing a dentist, you may have questions about which type of dentist can best care for their oral health. Although a general dentist may be a likely choice if your child isn’t exhibiting any dental issues, you may want to consider a trained pediatric dentist for all your child’s dental needs. So, what’s the difference between a general dentist and a pediatric dentist? Let’s take a look.
What Are the Differences between a General Dentist and a Pediatric Dentist?
Although both general dentists and pediatric dentists are trained to provide excellent dental care to their patients, the following differences should be taken into consideration when choosing a dentist for your child:
Services Offered
A pediatric dentist is specially trained in oral health exams, early orthodontic assessment, dental injuries, and preventative dental care for children.
General dentists, on the other hand, offer preventative and restorative dental treatment to patients of all ages. General dentists often see children, but they aren’t specifically trained to treat children’s oral health concerns.
Education Required
A pediatric dentist completes two to three years of residency beyond dental school. This additional training focuses solely on treating infants, children, and teenagers. For this reason, pediatric dentists are more equipped to deal with children’s dental anxiety and oral health needs.
General dentists, on the other hand, complete dental school and are certainly qualified to provide dental care to their patients. It’s just that they don’t have the specialized training in treating children.
Equipment
A pediatric dentist will have kid-friendly tools that are sized appropriately for infants and children.
General dentists, on the other hand, may not have the specialized equipment, which could cause your child to be uncomfortable during a dental procedure.
Kid-Friendly Environment
A pediatric dental office is dedicated to treating children, so their office is often set up with toys and bright colors. The dental team is trained to make both the parents and the children feel comfortable.
General dentists, on the other hand, may not focus on appointing their office with kid-friendly décor or toys.
Are You Looking for a Pediatric Dentist in Spring Branch, TX?
If you need a pediatric dentist and live in or around Spring Branch, the expert dental team at Echeverri Dental Center is ready to take your call! We specialize in dental care for your child, and we can make them calm and comfortable before any procedure. Please get in touch with our dental office at (713) 956-8767 for more information or to schedule an appointment.