This post was written and sponsored by our partners at Affiliated Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics.
At Affiliated Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our foremost priority is the proper, healthy dental and orthodontic development of our patients. Nothing makes us happier than seeing a child healthy – from the first incisors to the last molars. However, parents will often ask us – do I really need a pediatric dentist? Wouldn’t my family general dentist do just as well?
Pediatric Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ
The truth is, from infancy up until adolescence, children have important, specialized dental needs that are distinctly different from those of adults. A child’s dental development is complex and multifaceted, with a variety of stages and events in their dental growth. While general dentists are wonderful for almost any adult, we recommend choosing a pediatric dentist for your child, as they have the specific knowledge and training to meet the unique needs of a child’s dental development.
A pediatric dentist is a specialist – they attend an additional 2-3 years of specialty training beyond dental school, during which they learn the intricacies of childhood dental development along with behavior management and how to meet these particular needs. This makes them an ideal match for pediatric patients, and ensures that they can effectively treat any dental situation that may arise in a child.
In reality, a pediatric dentist has to care for two complete sets of teeth – both the primary and the permanent. Each of these sets, and the many periods of growth and development that they each encompass, require unique approaches to care and treatment that are best met by a pediatric dentist. A healthy, beautiful smile should last a lifetime, and a pediatric dentist has the knowledge and experience to share with their patients to maintain good oral hygiene practices.
Contact Affiliated Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
If you have more questions about your child’s dental development or how to choose the right dentist, we’re here for you. Visit our contact page to shoot us a message or schedule an appointment at either our Scottsdale or Grayhawk locations. Remember to check this blog periodically – we’ll be updating it with more useful tips on caring for your child’s oral health. We can’t wait to hear from you!