Pediatric Dentist Santa Monica, CA
A pediatric dentist provides comprehensive oral care for children. They have the experience and training to help patients maintain oral health throughout childhood. Working with a pediatric dentist can help your child feel safe and comfortable while receiving the care they need.
Your child can receive treatment from a pediatric dentist at Santa Monica LiveWell Dentistry in Santa Monica and the surrounding area. Our team can provide your child with gentle, quality dental care. Call us today at (310) 828-2440 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
What a Pediatric Dentist Does
Pediatric dentists have the experience and qualifications to take care of children's teeth, gums, and mouth. While all dentists attend a four-year accredited school to receive their dentistry degree, pediatric dentists have additional training and qualifications. According to America's Pediatric Dentists, these dental specialists go through a two-year residency program to focus on treating children. This two-year program immerses them in scientific study and clinical experience and allows them to study topics including:
- Care training for special needs patients
- Child psychology
- Child development
- Child pharmacology
- Facial and oral trauma management
- General anesthesia and conscious sedation
- Oral pathology
- Radiology for children
“Pediatric dentists have the experience and qualifications to take care of children’s teeth, gums, and mouth from infancy to their teenage years.”
When To See a Pediatric Dentist
A pediatric dentist can provide dental treatment to children from infancy through their teenage years. The American Dental Association recommends that children should see a pediatric dentist for their first appointment after their first tooth appears or before their first birthday. A child's first tooth typically appears around six months of age.
While the first appointment may seem early, it is important to be proactive about preventing cavities and maintaining a child's oral health. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that almost 28% of young children have had cavities by the age of 5, and over 50% have had cavities by the age of 11. Children can receive the regular dental care they need to maintain healthy mouths from a pediatric dentist until age 18.
“A pediatric dentist can provide dental treatment to children from infancy through their teenage years.”
Long- Term Benefits of Seeing a Pediatric Dentist
One of the biggest benefits of seeing a pediatric dentist is their focus on preventive health and maintenance. These specialists can help children develop good oral hygiene habits at a young age. Developing these healthy habits early on will help children maintain them as they get older. Another benefit is that pediatric dentists know how to examine and treat children while helping them feel comfortable. This positive experience helps children develop healthy, positive relationships with dental professionals and treatment.
A pediatric dentist can also identify potential oral issues early on. This includes risk assessment for caries and early diagnosis of oral issues linked to problems, such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. Identifying potential issues helps the dentist and parents design a care plan or take preventive measures to prevent future problems.
“One of the biggest benefits of seeing a pediatric dentist is their focus on preventive health and maintenance.”
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Special Services a Pediatric Dentist Provides
Besides preventative care, pediatric dentists can also provide more specialized dental services. Some examples include providing counseling for children who are still sucking their thumb and the provision of early orthodontic treatment for children with crooked teeth or a misaligned bite. Children with special needs, such as autism, physical disabilities, Down syndrome, and ADHD, can also benefit from specialized pediatric dental care.
Pediatric dentists can provide special needs patients with the personalized attention, knowledge, and necessary accommodations they need. It is beneficial for patients with special needs to see a pediatric dentist since they know their dental history, special treatments, and procedure needs. Due to their specialized training, pediatric dentists can handle many difficult behavioral situations such as anxiety and fear.
“Pediatric dentists can provide special needs patients with the personalized attention, knowledge, and necessary accommodations they need.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What training does a pediatric dentist have?
Q. What ages does a pediatric dentist treat?
Q. What are the long-term benefits of seeing?
Q. What special services can a pediatric dentist provide?
Q. How can parents choose the right pediatric dentist for their child?
People Also Ask
Q. What makes a kid friendly dentist unique?
Q. What ages should only be seen by a pediatric dentist?
Q. What services are offered by a general dentist?
Q. What's the right age to get sealants?
Q. How do sealants compensate for poor oral hygiene?
Q. How is a child's chipped tooth different from an adult's?
Choosing the Right Pediatric Dentist
When it comes to a child's oral health, it is important to choose the right pediatric dentist. When looking for a pediatric dentist, parents should research thoroughly and ensure that they have completed a two or three-year residency program. The right pediatric dentist will help children feel safe and comfortable throughout treatment and provide a warm and welcoming environment.
Pediatric dentists should also genuinely care about their patients' oral health and educate parents and children about healthy dental habits. Picking the right dental provider for a child can help them maintain a healthy smile and ensure positive dental office experiences. Our team provides personalized care to meet each child's specific needs. We are always welcoming new patients and love helping them get established at our practice.
“The right pediatric dentist will help children feel safe and comfortable throughout treatment and provide a warm and welcoming environment.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is treatment from a pediatric dentist covered by insurance?
A. Every insurance plan is different. Parents should contact their insurance provider for more information about pediatric dentistry coverage. If this care is not covered, it may be possible to find another insurance option during an open enrollment period. Some parents may also use a flexible spending account or health savings account to cover their child's treatment cost.
Q. What happens when a child is too old for a pedodontist?
A. In general, a child is never too old to visit a pediatric dentist. However, once they reach a certain age, they may choose to transition to a general dentist in their later teens. It ultimately depends on the patient's specific behavior and needs.
Q. How often should a child visit a pediatric dentist?
A. In general, a routine appointment for a check-up and cleaning should take place every six months. However, this may vary based on each child's oral health. Those more susceptible to caries or other issues may need to see the dentist more frequently. Our dentist will make the appropriate recommendations after performing an exam.
Q. What type of dental care should happen at home?
A. Along with visiting a pediatric dentist regularly, parents should make sure children follow a regular at-home oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing, and any other treatment the dentist recommends. A healthy diet that keeps sugar to a minimum can also help.
Q. Does a pedodontist take X-rays of children?
A. Once a child reaches an appropriate age, the dentist may take X-rays to get an overall view of the patient's oral health and identify issues before they progress further. However, they only take what is necessary, and the radiation exposure is limited. High-speed film and lead shields ensure the safety of young patients.
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Call Us Today
Do not hesitate to get your child the dental care they deserve. If you are looking for a pediatric dentist, our team at Santa Monica LiveWell Dentistry can help. Call us today at 310-828-2440 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
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