Pediatric Dentist Los Angeles, CA
Pediatric dentistry is a specialized field of dentistry that provides comprehensive oral health care for infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, and special needs children and adults. A pediatric dentist concentrates their practice on the unique dental needs of children.
A pediatric dentist is available at Vatan Dental Group in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. Pediatric dentists work closely with pediatricians to ensure that your child's teeth and gums are healthy at every stage of life. Pediatric dentists know how to make children comfortable during dental care, taking away some of the fear associated with visiting the dentist. Call us at (310) 906-1300 to find out how we can take care of your child's smile to give your child a good start in oral health.
The Education a Pediatric Dentist Receives
Pediatric dentists are often referred to as a pedodontist. These dental specialists have gone through four years of dental school before attending two to three additional years of residency training for infants, children, teens, and children with special needs. A Board Certified Pediatric Dentist has undergone the training and additional testing to demonstrate proficiency and excellence in their specialty field.
Pediatric dentists not only study dental treatments for children's smaller mouths, but they also learn about the emotional and intellectual development of children. This allows them to approach dental care through a holistic strategy that includes the child's mental and physical needs. For example, many pediatric dentist offices can offer sedation to children who may not be able to undergo treatment successfully without it.
“Pediatric dentists not only study dental treatments for children’s smaller mouths, but they also learn about the emotional and intellectual development of children.”
Types of Treatment a Pedodontist Provides
Pediatric dentists offer comprehensive care for every stage of a child's life, from infant to adulthood. Baby teeth need to be taken care of just as much as permanent teeth do. Here are a few of the care options that pediatric dentists typically provide:
- Infant Oral Health Exams: These should begin when a child gets their first tooth or by age 1. This exam is important as a risk assessment for early dental problems.
- Preventative Dental Care: Involves cleaning, and fluoride treatments, as well as habit counseling and diet recommendations for a child’s growing teeth.
- Early Orthodontic Assessments: These are for correcting improper bites and diagnosis of oral conditions associated with chronic diseases, Type 1 diabetes, asthma, ADHD, and congenital heart defects. By examining the growth of your child’s jaw and craniofacial structure, your dentist can suggest early corrections.
- Care for Dental Injuries: These can include knocked-out or fractured teeth.
- Treatment for Cavities or Defects: Modern pediatric dentistry is more concerned with aesthetics than ever before. Instead of silver caps, tooth-colored composites are available to match the natural teeth.
“Pediatric dentists offer comprehensive care for every stage of a child’s life, from infant to adulthood.”
Long- Term Benefits of Seeing a Pediatric Dentist
One of the biggest benefits of seeing a pediatric dentist is their focus on preventive health and maintenance. These specialists can help children develop good oral hygiene habits at a young age. Developing these healthy habits early on will help children maintain them as they get older. Another benefit is that pediatric dentists know how to examine and treat children while helping them feel comfortable. This positive experience helps children develop healthy, positive relationships with dental professionals and treatment.
A pediatric dentist can also identify potential oral issues early on. This includes risk assessment for caries and early diagnosis of oral issues linked to problems, such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. Identifying potential issues helps the dentist and parents design a care plan or take preventive measures to prevent future problems.
“One of the biggest benefits of seeing a pediatric dentist is their focus on preventive health and maintenance.”
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Special Services a Pediatric Dentist Provides
Besides preventative care, pediatric dentists can also provide more specialized dental services. Some examples include providing counseling for children who are still sucking their thumb and the provision of early orthodontic treatment for children with crooked teeth or a misaligned bite. Children with special needs, such as autism, physical disabilities, Down syndrome, and ADHD, can also benefit from specialized pediatric dental care.
Pediatric dentists can provide special needs patients with the personalized attention, knowledge, and necessary accommodations they need. It is beneficial for patients with special needs to see a pediatric dentist since they know their dental history, special treatments, and procedure needs. Due to their specialized training, pediatric dentists can handle many difficult behavioral situations such as anxiety and fear.
“Pediatric dentists can provide special needs patients with the personalized attention, knowledge, and necessary accommodations they need.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are the long-term benefits of seeing?
Q. What special services can a pediatric dentist provide?
Q. How can parents choose the right pediatric dentist for their child?
Q. What additional education and training does a pediatric dentist have?
Q. What types of treatments does a pediatric dentist provide?
People Also Ask
Q. What makes a kid friendly dentist unique?
Q. How is a child's chipped tooth different from an adult's?
Q. When to consider a pediatric dentist?
Q. What services are offered by a general dentist?
Q. What's the right age to get sealants?
Q. How can dental sealants supplement a good oral hygiene routine?
Choosing the Right Pediatric Dentist
When it comes to a child's oral health, it is important to choose the right pediatric dentist. When looking for a pediatric dentist, parents should research thoroughly and ensure that they have completed a two or three-year residency program. The right pediatric dentist will help children feel safe and comfortable throughout treatment and provide a warm and welcoming environment.
Pediatric dentists should also genuinely care about their patients' oral health and educate parents and children about healthy dental habits. Picking the right dental provider for a child can help them maintain a healthy smile and ensure positive dental office experiences. Our team provides personalized care to meet each child's specific needs. We are always welcoming new patients and love helping them get established at our practice.
“The right pediatric dentist will help children feel safe and comfortable throughout treatment and provide a warm and welcoming environment.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why choose a pediatric dentist instead of a family dentist?
A. Family dentists have some training in pediatric dentistry. A pediatric dentist has additional training to care for a child's smaller mouth and development problems. This focused care can help children become more comfortable with the dentist. They also cater primarily to children and may have a kid-friendly office environment and various tools that assist in treating children.
Q. What age is too old to be seen by a pediatric dentist?
A. Many children continue to see their pediatric dentist through their college years. Special needs children may see a pediatric dentist well into adulthood because the dentist will know the dental history and special treatment needed. Of course, a child can choose to go somewhere else when they get older.
Q. Does my child need dental sealants?
A. Dental sealants are like raincoats for permanent teeth that keep the teeth cavity-free. Only you and your dentist can decide if your child needs sealants. Most dentists recommend them because they can protect teeth for years while your child is learning to take care of those pearly whites.
Q. Why do I need to worry about taking care of my child's baby teeth if they are just going to fall out?
A. Baby teeth, also called primary teeth, are an important part of your child's development. The baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth and help children speak and eat properly. Taking care of the primary teeth gives kids a good start.
Q. How do I know if my child is getting enough fluoride?
A. Fluoride strengthens the teeth. Your pediatric dentist can evaluate whether your child is getting enough fluoride. Most children naturally get enough fluoride by drinking water that is fluoridated, but fluoride supplements are available if your child drinks bottled water without fluoride.
Q. Are dental X-rays safe for my child?
A. Modern safeguards make X-rays much safer than ever before. The risk is very minimal, but pediatric dentists do take precautions to minimize a child's exposure to radiation. Not treating dental problems carries a much higher risk of future problems than the small amount of exposure to radiation with a dental X-ray.
Q. When should my child begin using toothpaste?
A. When a child's first teeth erupt, clean them with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. After age 3, children can start using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste while they brush. Parents should continue supervising the child while brushing and flossing. A pediatric dentist can help you teach your child to take care of their teeth.
Q. Is thumb and pacifier sucking harmful to a child's teeth?
A. Sucking a pacifier or thumb when a child is young is a natural soothing device for many little ones. If the habit continues for a long time, such as after the permanent teeth erupt, it can cause crowded or crooked teeth. Most children tend to outgrow these habits before it becomes a concern, but it is important to discuss this with your pediatric dentist to find out if something is amiss.
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Call Us Today
Do not hesitate to get your child the dental care they deserve. If you are looking for a pediatric dentist, our team at Vatan Dental Group can help. Call us today at 310-906-1300 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
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