When it comes to dental care for your child, you want the best. But there are so many services and costs associated with dentistry that it can be difficult to know where to begin. If you’re lucky, your child will go through their entire childhood without any cavities or other dental problems. However, in these uncertain times, even adults have issues with their teeth—let alone children.
Affordable dental services are hard to come by and can be cost-prohibitive for some families. When you’re ready, we’ll introduce you to a trusted pediatric dentist near Kearney who can provide the care your child needs. Here are some things you should know before your child needs one:
What Is a Pediatric Dentist?
As the name suggests, a pediatric dentist is a dentist who specializes in the dental care of children. When children are treated by a pediatric dentist, their visits will be shorter than those of an adult dentist because the dentist knows that children have smaller mouths with shorter teeth than adults. It is also necessary to have specialized training in treating children because their teeth and gums are still forming. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to treat cavities, tooth decay, oral diseases, and injuries related to the teeth and gums of children. Pediatric dentists go through extra schooling and training to learn how to care for the unique oral health needs of children. These dentists are trained in the use of smaller tools and equipment, as well as a softer touch, to make children feel more comfortable during dental visits. Pediatric dentists also know how to treat children with special health needs, such as those with intellectual or physical disabilities, and children who are anxious or fearful of the dentist.
Why Do Children Need Specialized Dental Care?
Children have smaller mouths and shorter teeth than adult patients. A pediatric dentist is specially trained to work with children, and he or she can also assess a child’s oral health with a lower risk of general anesthesia than an adult dental office. Because a child’s teeth are still developing, pediatric dentists may also use a gentler touch to prevent damage to the teeth, gums, and jaw. As children grow, their mouths change and develop at different rates.
A pediatric dentist can help a child stay on track for healthy oral development with regular cleanings, X-rays, and vaccines. Additionally, a pediatric dentist may be able to identify potential oral health issues, such as tooth decay or early cavities, at a more manageable stage. This can help prevent more extensive oral health issues later in a child’s life.
Services Offered by Pediatric Dentists
A pediatric dentist may offer the following services during a regular dental visit:
Dental Exam - A dental exam is a visual inspection of the teeth and surrounding tissue. This is also known as a “sit-and-spit” as the dentist will ask the patient to “sit and spit” into a cup so that they can examine the patient’s saliva and determine if there are any signs of infection or other problems.
Dental X-rays - If a dentist diagnoses a potential problem, they may order X-rays of the teeth and jaw to get a better look at the condition of the teeth and surrounding bones.
Fluoride Treatment - Fluoride is a natural mineral, but in dental offices, it is added to water as a topical solution that is applied to the patient’s teeth. Fluoride is especially important for children because their teeth are still developing. Fluoride treatment can help prevent tooth decay and cavities from forming in younger patients.
Sealants - Sealants are protective coatings that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent tooth decay.
Oral Health Education - Dental hygienists and dentists can provide oral health education to help patients learn to prevent future oral health issues.
Nutritional Counseling - Healthy eating habits can help prevent dental diseases, especially for children who are still developing. A pediatric dentist can help patients learn about the importance of regular dental visits and healthy eating habits.
Cost of Pediatric Dentistry
The cost of pediatric dentistry depends on the dentist, the services provided, and your insurance coverage. In general, pediatric dentistry costs more than adult dentistry because of the equipment used and the shorter amount of time a child spends in the dental chair. Many dentists offer financial assistance to families who qualify. You can also try calling around dentists in your area to ask about their payment plans. Many insurance companies will cover the cost of pediatric dentistry, so be sure to check your family’s coverage. If you don’t have dental insurance, you can use a dentist locator to find affordable dental services near you.
Conclusion
A pediatric dentist is specially trained to provide dental care for children. During a pediatric dental visit, a dentist can help to identify and treat cavities, tooth decay, and other oral health problems. Insurance may cover the cost of pediatric dental visits, and many dentists offer financial assistance to families who qualify. When it comes to dental care for your child, you want the best. A pediatric dentist is specially trained to treat children and can help to prevent tooth decay, cavities, and other oral health problems. You can use a dentist locator to find affordable dental services near you.
