What is the difference between a general dentist and a pediatric dentist? Why should you take your child to see a Pediatric Dentist in Kinnelon NJ as opposed to your regular dentist? Are there different techniques that pediatric dentists use that set them apart from a general dentist? If you have asked any of these questions, the answers are right here for you.
General Family Dentist vs Pediatric Dentist
When it comes to children, everything is different. As the saying goes “children are not little adults,” and because of that, they need special care and patient understanding when experiencing new things. Going to the dentist can be a worrisome thing for adults (sedation dentistry anyone?) so you can imagine how a child must feel! When it comes to deciding whether to take your child to a Pediatric dentist or not, there are some things to consider.
For one thing, pediatric dentist must go through three additional years of training and education in order to practice pediatric dentistry. During these three extra years, they are taught about the special needs of children’s teeth and also how to handle special needs children. Second, pediatric dentists tend to be affiliated with pediatricians and children’s hospitals, so they are usually more knowledgeable and better connected to information regarding children’s health. As a result, if emergencies arise with your child, a pediatric dentist may be able to recommend you to the right person faster.
Techniques and Technology
Every parent wants to protect her child, and when it comes to exposure to harmful substances or procedures that can cause anxiety in her child, she wants to limit them at all costs. A Pediatric Dentist in Kinnelon NJ caters his equipment and techniques to his tiny patients, and takes great care to make them as safe and comfortable as possible.
Using a procedure like a laser drill instead of a typical tooth drill cuts down on both pain and anxiety. Lasers are more accurate and make very little noise, eliminating the awful drill sound that everyone is afraid of. Digital radiography is another useful and less harmful technique that most pediatric dentists use for their mini patients. With digital radiography, there is less exposure to radiation and a more accurate picture. Also, the use of nitrous oxide analgesia for sedation is a common practice in pediatric dentistry because it eliminates the need to fast before a procedure and doesn’t restrict airway reflexes.
