A Pediatric Dentist specializes in the treatment and prevention of certain dental issues of children. Although most General Dentists treat children, a Pedodontist will have completed 2 or more years of postdoctoral education in Pediatric Dentistry.
Routine dental problems in children are often performed by General Dentists, but there are certain situations where the knowledge and experience of a specialist may be required. For example, an infant with severe tooth decay (caries) would most likely benefit from receiving specialist treatment from a Pedodontist.
What do Pediatric Dentists do?
A Pedodontist carries out the same dental procedures as a General Dentist, but specifically with children – typically between 6 months (around the age when teeth start to develop) and adolescence. Their education and training allows them to deal with problems specific to children such as behavioral challenges.
For example, many children may have psychological issues such as extreme dentophobia (the fear of dentists and dental treatment), in which case, a suitable sedation method would need to be safely administered.
Procedures carried out by Pediatric Dentists include, but are not limited to:
– Diagnosing oral disease in children
– Oral health promotion such as:
- – Cleanings
- – Fluoride treatments
- – Disease prevention
– Creating and implementing treatment plans
– Interpretation of X-rays and other tests
– Safely administering anesthetics
– Monitoring teeth and jaw growth
– Various dental surgical procedures
– Correcting dental injuries
In general, a Pedodontist’s main concern is the prevention of tooth decay, which can lead to unnecessary dental issues in adolescence and adulthood.