Compassionate Pediatric Dentistry at Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp.
Pediatric Dentistry is a specialized type of dentistry that caters to infants and young adults, essentially up until adolescence. It is geared towards children who have a hard time staying still in the chair, children with complex medical histories, or those who need to be anesthetized at an advanced level. These specialized dentists are trained for an extra two to three years beyond regular dental school to handle complicated cases for children.
What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a regular dentist?
A regular dentist sees everyone in the family, young and old. A pediatric dentist is specialized in treating only children and undergoes an extra two to three years of training after dental school. This is usually for complex cases. A general dentist typically does not have this advanced training in pediatric dentistry.
When should my child see a pediatric dentist?
If your child can't sit still due to their temperament or if the general dentist is not comfortable seeing children, it's better to send the child to a pediatric dentist. If your general dentist is comfortable treating children and your child is happy, you can continue with them. However, if your child is autistic, has complicated medical histories, or can't sit still, a pediatric practice is preferable. Additionally, if the child needs advanced anesthesia for dental work, that would be a better choice.
What types of treatments do pediatric dentists provide?
They provide cleanings, fluoride treatments, baby root canals, and in cases where a child has multiple cavities and cannot sit still, sedation is an option. Pediatric dentists have advanced training to sedate children and perform general anesthesia in most cases.
How long do kids go to a pediatric dentist?
From infancy until about age 18. Once you turn 18, you transition to a regular dentist.
What should I look for in a pediatric dentist?
Look for the communication skills and demeanor of the doctor towards your child or other children. It varies case by case. If I see children in general, but in certain situations when a child is better off in a pediatric practice, we refer them. Ensure the match is right. If your child is comfortable and the dentist is comfortable treating your child, maintain that relationship. If it's better to refer the child to a specialized dentist for kids, do so.
How do pediatric dentists make dental visits less frightening for children?
They cater to the child's emotional, physical, and medical needs. If a child is autistic, a general dentist is usually not equipped or trained like a pediatric dentist. Additionally, if the child is very young, scared, and needs a lot of dental work, a pediatric dentist is a better choice because the child will likely need sedation for dental treatment.
Are pediatric dentists trained to accommodate autism and special needs?
Yes, they are. That's part of the additional two to three years of training they undergo after dental school. If your child has autism or special needs, send them to a pediatric dentist.
What is the difference between a baby root canal called a popotomy and an adult root canal?
The difference is that in a baby root canal, or popotomy, it is always performed on a baby tooth. Part of the nerve, as you can see here, is removed, filled in, and then finished with a stainless steel crown.
In an adult tooth, the entire nerve is removed, and the empty area is filled with special root canal filling material. After a root canal is completed on a back molar or premolar, it is finalized with a crown. A crown on a back molar or premolar is necessary because when a root canal is performed on an adult tooth, it becomes very brittle, and if not protected with a crown, it is very likely to break off.
How can I schedule a pediatric dental appointment for my child?
Give us a call. If we determine that your child would benefit from a specialized dental office for children, we'll make that referral. If not, bring them in to say hi to the office. We make kids feel welcome. It's case by case. If the general dentist is not comfortable seeing children, it's not a match. If they are comfortable, bring them over. If the child is better off with a pediatric dentist, call us. If you're in the Ninda, California area and want to see a pediatric dentist, give us a call for a referral.