Pediatric Dentists vs General Dentists

Your child's first teeth have emerged and you are now looking for a dentist to help them get a great start. 

But, what should you choose: a pediatric dentist or a general dentist? 

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What Is a Pediatric Dentist?

A pediatric dentist is in charge of taking care of children’s oral health, from the early stages of childhood to the teenage years. 

Baby teeth start developing after approximately 6 months of life and they change to permanent teeth when a child reaches the age of 6 or 7 years. A pediatric dentist makes sure the child’s teeth grow and develop in healthy ways, preventing oral problems later in life.

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What Is a General Dentist?

A general dentist or a family dentist provides oral care for people of all ages. They diagnose, implement a treatment plan and help patients prevent further oral problems. They provide restorative services, cosmetic solutions and address overall dental matters.

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What's the Difference Between a Pediatric Dentist and a General Dentist?

• While both categories of dentists can have extensive knowledge and experience in treating oral health problems and have similar training backgrounds, a pediatric dentist is specifically trained in treating children. 

• Adults and children experience a lot of different dental problems, but they require different kinds of treatment. A good general doctor can have the knowledge and expertise to successfully treat an adult cavity and restore their dental health, while a pediatric dentist will successfully tackle any oral issue a child experiences during the development of their teeth.

• A pediatric dentist is trained to work with teeth and jaws that are still developing. 

• A pediatric dentist understands the anatomy of a baby tooth and applies the treatment that is the most beneficial for them. A general doctor is trained to work mostly with adult teeth.

• The environment in which a child is successfully treated is most likely to be different than the one for an adult. Both children and adults can experience anxiety and fear, but a pediatric dentist can approach it in a way that is more suited for children and that enables communication. 

• The equipment used to treat children and adults is also different, as well as the methods. In a pediatric dental office, it is easier to find child-friendly tools, furniture, and maybe even uniforms. Pediatric dentists are trained to work with both parents and children, giving them the right tools to maintain a child’s oral health.

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Are You Looking for a Pediatric Dentist?

Harmony Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics offers pediatric dentistry and orthodontics for all ages. When you choose to work with us, you can rest assured that your child is in good hands, no matter if they are still babies or teens 

Drs. Maddy Goodman and Heather Sholander are board-certified specialists that provide a caring and nurturing environment while approaching oral health with life-long overall wellbeing.

We like meeting new people and making new friends, so don’t be a stranger. 

Contact us and get in touch.