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When to See a Pediatric Dentist

If it is time for your child’s first dentist appointment, you may be wondering whether you should see a pediatric dentist or general dentist. The answer depends on the type of dental care your child needs and whether or not they require a dentist with specialized pediatric training.

What Is a Pediatric Dentist?

A pediatric dentist is trained to care for dental problems that specifically apply to children, such as dental development problems. Typically, pediatric dentists have completed two extra years of training in dentistry for infants, children, teens, and children with special needs, in addition to four years of dental school.

What Does a Pediatric Dentist Do?

A pediatric dentist provides the same services as a general or family dentist including exams, cleanings, filling cavities, or pulling teeth. Under some circumstances, you may want a pediatric dentist because of their special training. These circumstances include:

  • Your child’s teeth are coming in crooked or the bite is uneven
  • Cavities are forming below the gum in the adult teeth beneath their baby teeth
  • Your child has special medical conditions, including heart, respiratory, or blood disorders
  • Your child’s baby teeth aren’t coming in or falling out when they normally would
  • Your child loses a tooth (or teeth) due to accident or injury

Should Your Child Visit a General or Pediatric Dentist?

To determine whether or not your child should visit a general or pediatric dentist, visit a Kool Smiles location near your. After your child’s first appointment with a general dentist, we’ll let you know if your child needs to see a specialist.

Although not all of our dentists are pediatric dentists, you won’t have to worry about finding a dentist who is great with kids. At Kool Smiles, all of our dentists are dedicated to making children feel safe and comfortable during their appointment.

Visit a Kool Smiles Today

Ready to make an appointment? Find a Kool Smiles near you or call us today.

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Sources:

Chron.com: http://work.chron.com/pediatric-dentist-do-13535.html

Healthychildren.org: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/health-management/pediatric-specialists/Pages/What-is-a-Pediatric-Dentist.aspx