Kid-friendly dentists offer general dental services. This includes diagnostic, preventive, and restorative dental care. Many kid-friendly dentists offer early orthodontic care, as well. Understanding a kid-friendly dentist’s services can help parents decide if a visit is worth it for their children.
Kid-friendly dental treatments
Not all kid-friendly dentists offer the same services; therefore, parents need to check with the one they are considering to see if they meet their child’s needs. However, there are certain services that most kid-friendly dentists offer, which we discuss in-depth in this review.
Diagnostic and preventive care
Kid-friendly dentists offer diagnostic services, which are crucial for determining any existing problems. This includes all types of dental X-rays and oral examinations. They also focus on prevention more than they do restorative work. After all, the ultimate goal is to prevent oral health concerns from developing in the first place. Preventive care options that kid-friendly dentists typically offer may include:
- Fluoride treatment
- Dental sealants
- Dental cleanings
- Educational services
Education is among the most important preventive services for children. Kid-friendly dentists understand how to communicate with children in an effective way to teach them healthy oral care practices.
Restorative dental care
While prevention is the goal in oral care, oral health issues can still develop. When they occur, a kid-friendly dentist can treat the issue with restorative dental care. Common restorative dental services that kid-friendly dentists offer include:
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Dental crowns
- Dental fillings
- Tooth extractions
- Pulp treatment
Children tend to develop dental cavities on primary (baby) teeth. When this occurs, it is important to have them filled. Otherwise, it can affect the development of permanent teeth if the primary teeth were to fall out prematurely, in addition to the discomfort a cavity can cause. Kid-friendly dentists can treat dental emergencies, as well.
Early orthodontic care
Early orthodontic care, also called interceptive orthodontic care, involves identifying orthodontic issues early, often before permanent teeth emerge. This allows them to take action to prevent more serious misalignments as permanent teeth come through. An early orthodontic assessment may include dental X-rays to determine the position of the teeth before they erupt and jaw alignment.
The dentist may use devices such as a palatal expander to allow more space for permanent teeth to emerge, reducing the risk of crooked or overcrowded teeth. Of course, many kid-friendly dentists also offer orthodontic treatments, including braces and clear aligners. While not all kid-friendly dentists offer orthodontic care, they can generally provide a recommendation to an orthodontist within their network.
Speak with our kid-friendly dentist to learn more
If your child has gone more than six months since their last dental visit or has potential oral health concerns or orthodontic issues, call our practice today to arrange a consultation visit. We offer a range of treatment options to ensure your child gets the dental care they need to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.
Request an appointment or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at 845-363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
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