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What does a pediatric dentist do?

A pediatric dentist is a specialized dentist who receives two to three years of additional training following dental school. They receive additional training by working directly with children and become experts on the dental needs of children.

Pediatric dentists perform routine dental cleanings and exams, and can also offer fillings, sealants, and fluoride treatments. They are trained to diagnose and treat dental problems that may affect a child’s appearance. These problems may involve the teeth, the gums, the tongue, the lips, and the jaw. Pediatric dentists can also perform orthodontic treatments, such as braces.

A pediatric dentist can also diagnose and treat dental infections, which can affect the look and health of a child’s teeth and mouth. Some of the common dental services provided by pediatric dentists have been listed below.

Cleaning and Exams

A pediatric dentist provides the same cleaning and exam as an adult dentist. The main difference is in how the exam is handled. Pediatric dentists have additional training in caring for children, managing their behavior, and making them more comfortable during exams.

When a child comes in for a cleaning, a pediatric dentist has additional training and expertise. They know how to make a child feel comfortable. Their offices are set up to have kid-friendly décor, and they use additional tools and techniques to make the child feel comfortable and safe.

Cavity Prevention

In addition to providing specialized care for children, a pediatric dentist is trained in pediatric dentistry. This specialty is focused on the oral and overall health of children. Pediatric dentists understand common childhood ailments, including allergies, asthma, tooth decay, and thumb sucking.

Orthodontics

Many parents bring their children to a pediatric dentist for orthodontic care. Braces and other orthodontic devices straighten teeth by gradually applying pressure over time. Dentists recommend children get orthodontic care between the ages of 7 and 10. It’s important to have a child’s teeth evaluated by an orthodontist before age seven so any potential problems can be caught and treated early.

Dental Sealants

A pediatric dentist can help your child prevent cavities by offering dental sealants. These thin coatings are painted on the chewing surfaces of your child’s back molars to seal out food particles and plaque. Dental sealants can last for many years and can help your child avoid cavities.

Lip and Tongue Tie

The tongue and lip tie is a very common palate restriction, affecting 1 in 4 people. It occurs when the frenum under the tongue (the lingual frenulum) or under the upper lip is too short. A lip tie can make it difficult for an infant to nurse and can cause speech problems. A tongue-tie can make it hard for babies to lift their tongues or swallow. Both can cause problems with teeth alignment when baby teeth start to come in.

Tooth Extractions

After a tooth has been broken or damaged by decay, a dentist Fort Collins CO may recommend that the tooth be removed. An extraction may also be needed when a tooth is impacted, which means it is trapped beneath the gums. Impacted teeth can cause serious oral health issues and even problems with the shape of the face.


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