Pediatric dentist Hattiesburg Mississippi
What is a Pediatric Dentist?
A majority of families who live in Hattiesburg Mississippi take their children with them to see a general or family dentist. But some families need extra or specialized care. Pediatric dentists possess unique skills. They can care for young patients with special needs and disabilities and provide gentler treatment. Learn more about what the differences are between pediatric dentists versus general dentists as well as the benefits that pediatric dentistry offers.
What Do Pediatric Dentists In Hattiesburg Mississippi Do Exactly?
The program focuses on treating children with mild needs and those who have special needs. Two to three additional years of training are required after dental school. The program includes working in hospitals and working with children who need more severe dental treatment and emergencies. Pediatric dentists also learn orthodontic teeth-straightening methods.
Pediatric dentists collaborate closely with general dentists as well as pediatricians. General dentists and pediatricians will refer selected patients to pediatric dentistry. Many Pediatric dentists are trained in the hospital and teach at dental schools. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) lists several resources to learn more about their role.
What Are The Advantages That Pediatric Dentists Can Offer Children?
Pediatric dentists are just like all dentists. They focus on the oral health of children and prevent and treat diseases and tooth decay. They also provide advice to parents and dental professionals about how to best treat their children. They are also skilled in explaining procedures to children, and building trust between their young patients.
There are a variety of communication methods Pediatric Dentists use to communicate and interact with their patients.
Positive reinforcement - Praise patients for good behavior, including sitting still and following directions.
Tell-show - This is a method where the dentist explains the treatment to the child in terms they can understand. Then, the dentist shows them how the procedure will work and then starts it.
Tone - Pediatric dentists might use a more friendly or soothing tone to help patients build trust and de-mystify appointments.
How Old Are Pediatric Dentist's Patients?
Pediatric dentists are similar to pediatricians and can treat children from birth until college. Imagine a young patient who needs treatment at the hospital for a dental condition. In that case, a pediatric dentist is uniquely qualified. Often, Pediatric dentists will still see patients with special needs past 18 because the dentist knows the patient's dental history, special treatments, and procedure needs.
Why Choose a Hattiesburg Pediatric Dentist When You Can Have a General Dentist?
All general dentists learn from pediatric specialists during dental school. Some general dentists are more comfortable than others in treating small children and common childhood dental needs. A Pediatric Dentist in Hattiesburg MS can be referred to children with special needs and young children if the general dentist is not comfortable.
Pediatric dentists perform dental procedures like general dentists. Because of their training, pediatric dentists can manage many difficult behavioral situations.
Children react differently to dental visits than adults. An anxious child might be fearful of unfamiliar situations. If the patient needs extensive treatment, this anxiety can become severe. A Pediatric dentist can provide general anesthesia or sedation when a child or patient with a disability requires extensive dental care.
Training and Education
The training of pediatric dentists requires years of clinical experience and education. For licensure as Doctors of Dental Surgery or Doctors of Dental Medicine (DDS), candidates must have a bachelor's in dental studies.
Graduate students then enroll in a residency program. They might choose to train in any one or all of the following areas:
Endodontics
Periodontics
Preventative Care
Prosthetics
After the completion of the residency program candidates will need to pass a series if exams in order to be certified by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. This certification is valid in all 50 states.
What to Expect From a Pediatric Dentist
Children will experience a different dentist visit. Children are not able to sit still or cooperate with the dentist during a dental exam. Pediatric dentists know this and are trained in making the process more pleasant. A Pediatric Dentistry office uses special equipment and decorations for younger patients.
The recommendation of a dentist is to take your child to the dentist within six months of their first tooth appearing, or at least 12 months. The typical visit lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Depending on your child's age, the type of treatment and the type or exam that is done will also vary.
You can expect the following:
Talk about your child’s oral health and brushing habits.
Complete examination to determine the growth of your teeth, gums and jaws.
To remove any plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth, polish them and clean them.
Unless they are concerned about tooth decay or needing to examine the root of a child's tooth, pediatric dentists won't Xray baby teeth. It's better for young children to not have Xrays unless absolutely necessary.
How To Find The Right Pediatric Dentist in Hattiesburg Ms
Ask your child's doctor for recommendations. You can also check the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's dentist search tool. Make sure to choose a Pediatric dental professional who has successfully completed the two or three-year course. A Pediatric dentist can create healthy smiles and positive experiences in the dental office for your children.
Other Pediatric Dentistry Locations In Mississippi:
Jackson MS | Hattiesburg MS | Pearl MS | Gulfport MS | Southaven MS | Tupelo MS | Brandon MS | Flowood MS | Laurel MS | Olive Branch MS | Madison MS | Oxford MS | Clinton MS | Meridian MS | Starkville MS | Vicksburg MS | Biloxi MS | Ridgeland MS | Natchez MS
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