Pediatric Dentist – Chesterfield, MO

What is the Difference Between a Dentist and a Pediatric Dentist?

While some general dentists will accept patients of all ages, a pediatric dentist specifically specializes in providing high-quality dental care for children. Both kinds of dentists need to attend dental school to achieve a dental degree, but upon graduation, pediatric dentists also need to complete two or three years of further training.

You can generally expect a pediatric dentist to be more experienced working with kids, which means having a better idea of how to talk to them and keep them calm in the dental chair. Additionally, pediatric dentists have studied special skills and techniques specifically for treating young patients. In short, choosing a pediatric dentist could ultimately make a big difference for your child’s smile.

At What Age Should a Child Start Going to the Dentist? Why?

Ideally, your child’s very first dental visit should take place either within six months of the appearance of their first baby tooth or by the time they turn one year old – whichever comes first. By making regular dental appointments a part of your child’s life as early as possible, you can significantly reduce their risk of developing a cavity. The longer you wait to see the dentist, the more likely your child is to suffer from tooth decay.

How Do I Find the Best Place for My Child to Have Dental Work Done?

You most likely want a pediatric dental practice that has convenient hours and is easy to get to from your home or your child’s school. On top of that, you should make sure that the practice in question has a wide enough menu of services that will allow them to meet all of your child’s oral health needs.

Make a list of the criteria you’re looking for and search for a practice that meets them. Then you can check their website and their online reviews to get a feel for what sort of environment they have as well as their approach to caring for their patients. This should help give you an idea of whether they’re a good match for your little one.

How Do I Get Emergency Dental Care for My Child?

Oral pain, cracked teeth, and other urgent issues involving the mouth are generally best handled by a dental professional (unless they are life-threatening, in which case you should call 911). Please reach out to us right away if your child has a dental emergency; we will schedule an appointment for them as quickly as possible, and we’ll give you advice for keeping the situation under control at home.