If you have a young son or daughter, then you know that the idea of going to the dentist can be a scary one for him or her.
However, it doesn’t have to be that way. When you choose the right pediatric dentist, going to the dentist’s office for a check-up and cleaning can be a fun activity for your child to eagerly anticipate.
Pediatric dentistry is a specialized field. Dentists who have chosen to focus on dentistry for young people love children and are able to set the minds of their young patients at ease.
If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist in the Nashville, TN area or anywhere in the country, read on. In this informative post, you’ll learn about all the things you should look for and consider when seeking dentistry just for kids.
Dentists who chose to specialize in pediatric dentistry did so because they love dentistry and they love children. Therefore, the love of both of these things should be evident during your first visit and during every subsequent visit as well.
A pediatric dentist is trained to provide checkups, cleanings, and other dental services to children from infancy all the way up through adolescence. Any pediatric dentist that you choose should be able to provide these services while keeping children happy and comfortable while in their care. They should be able to speak to children in a calm way and should be able to explain procedures in a way that children can understand. Most of all, they should be gentle and caring at all times.
Your child will remember his or her early visits to the dentist for the rest of his or her life. It’s crucial that you choose a dentist that your child likes, or else your son or daughter may end up developing a fear or distaste for going to the dentist that will stick with him or her for decades. Make sure the dentist that you choose for him or her will provide a positive experience, not a negative one.
When it comes to choosing a pediatric dentist for your son or daughter, there are several things you should consider. Take time to think about each of the following things before you commit to one.
First of all, do the dentists you’re considering have specialized training in dentistry just for kids? Qualified pediatric dentists have an additional two to three years of dental training on top of their four years of standard dental school.
The reasons for this are numerous. Children’s mouths are smaller and more sensitive than adults’ mouths, and they may experience dental care issues that are vastly different than those of adults. Also, their training includes direction on how to make kids feel comfortable at the dentist and how to make their dentistry experience pleasant.
A pediatric dentist’s office should be a fun and welcoming environment for children. Even when you first walk in the door, it should not look like a dentist’s office for adults. Staff should be excited to see you and your son or daughter, the decor should be child-focused, and the seating in the waiting room and in the exam rooms should be child-sized.
You’ll want a pediatric dentist that can connect with your child on his or her level. Dental staff should speak directly to your son or daughter about what to expect before they even ask them to open their mouths. Procedures should be explained using terminology that any child should be able to understand.
You’ll want to get a pediatric dental consultation before you commit to any dentist for your child. A consultation will give you and your child the opportunity to get to know the dentist and his or her practice a little bit before you make him or her your child’s full time dentist.
During the consultation, you’ll be able to get a feel for the dental office and for the personality of the dentist. You can ask questions during this visit about procedures and preventative care offered by the practice.
After the consultation, ask your son or daughter about his or her feelings about the dentist. Did they feel comfortable? Was the experience scary or pleasant? The answers to these questions matter immensely; if your child didn’t have a nice time during the consultation, you’ll likely find it difficult to get him or her back there in the future without stress for both of you.
Finally, when choosing a pediatric dentist, you’ll want to ask the same questions you’d want to ask if you were seeking a dentist for yourself or any other service.
Is the office located close to your home? Do their operating hours mesh well with your schedule? Do they take your insurance, and if not, are they affordable for you?
The answers to all of the above questions are also quite relevant. You may find the most pleasant pediatric dentist of all time, but if his or her office is over an hour from your house, are you really going to want to spend the time commuting there for appointments?
No matter what, don’t make a rash decision. When you find a pediatric dentist that you love, you will likely bring your son or daughter to his or her office for well over a decade. Take your time to choose the best dentist for your family while considering all of the factors above.
Of course you want your child to have a happy and enjoyable dental visit, and that’s the goal of pediatric dentistry, too. When you take your time in selecting a pediatric dentist, you can be sure that your child will be comfortable during his or her time at the dentist. This is a great goal to pursue because it will ensure that your child will have a positive attitude towards dental visits for the rest of his or her life. Choosing the right dentist today will help your child in the future, too.
If you’re looking for a great pediatric dentist in the Hendersonville area, please give us a call today. We can’t wait to meet you and your family!
