General Dentist vs. pediatric dentist, which is better for children?

Parents often struggle to decide whether to take their kids to a general dentist vs. a pediatric dentist because they both deal with dental health issues. However, it is essential to understand that dentists differ in various ways.

General dentists commonly deal with the dental problems of adults, whereas pediatrics treat only children's teeth. Moreover, children require special treatment because it's often tough to relax during treatments. Therefore, parents need to understand the difference between general and pediatric dentists for children.

General Dentist vs. pediatric dentist: facts you need to know.

Pediatric and general dentists have the expertise and knowledge to diagnose and treat dental health issues in children. However, pediatric dentists are more specialized in the field. You should know pediatric and general dentists will maintain the healthy smile of your kids.  

“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.”

William Arthur Ward

Before deciding, it is essential to know how general and pediatric dentists work and the dental issues they can treat in children.  

General Dentist  

General or regular dentists commonly deal with the dental issues of adults and focus on the problems related to permanent teeth. They will diagnose, treat and prevent permanent teeth problems and maintain patients' oral health. They can treat children as well, but they have not undergone special training to become pediatric dentists. The typical dental health issues that general dentists can treat are.  

• Root canals  
• Teeth cleaning 
• Sealants  
• Fillings  
• Veneers  
• Bridges and crowns  
• Dental implants  
• Gum diseases treatment and care  
• Diseases management and prevention  
• Oral health maintenance education  
• X-ray interpretation  

Pediatric Dentist  

Pediatric dentists are specialized professionals trained to treat oral issues related to children's developing teeth and jaws. It deals with a variety of dental health issues for children.  

• Tooth decay  
• Crowding 
• Tooth placement  
• Crooked teeth  
• Missing teeth  
• Sealants  
• Tooth cleaning 
• X-ray interpretation  
• Fluoride related issues  
• Removing teeth  
• Cavities filling  
• Treating spacing issues  
• Broken tooth fixation  
• Improving oral health habits  

Pediatric dentists ensure to treat oral health issues in children and prevent them from damaging permanent teeth in the future.  

Tips for finding the best general dentist for your children  

If you cannot find a pediatric dentist and do not know how to select the best general dentist, here are a few tips to help you.  

1- Schedule an appointment with the dentist and staff members  

Before taking your child to a general dentist, it is better that you fix an appointment with them. A single charge will give you a clear idea of whether the dentist will be your best choice. It will give you an idea of how they will treat your children. Share your child's concerns, and the dentist will let you know their approach. Ask them how they will deal with your kid's anxiety and satisfy him for the treatment.  

2- Know more about specialty certificates and training of the dentist  

When you visit the dentist's office, you can ask them about their experience and expertise in pediatric dental health issues. Even if he is a general dentist, he may have the expertise to deal with kids' oral health issues.  

3- Get recommendations  

Getting recommendations from friends and family is the best way to find the best general dentist for your kids. You can also check the reviews of their previous patients online to know whether they are good with children.  

Final Thoughts  

Hope this quick comparison of general and pediatric dentists will help your decision. If your kid is experiencing any dental issues, you should consult a dentist as soon as possible. Even if you have a general dentist, consulting him will be better than waiting. With immediate diagnosis and proper treatment, you can save your child's teeth and ensure they maintain a healthy smile for a lifetime.

Contact your dentist in Union City, Dr. Zafar Sayeedi, at Noble Dental Care to learn more about General dentists vs. pediatric dentists.

Resource:

Essential Preventive Dental Procedures For Kids.

*This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition*