Just like taking their child to a pediatrician for their overall healthcare needs, many parents prefer to seek the specialized skills of a pediatric dentist to care for their children’s dental health, as well. But what about the rest of the family’s teeth?
For busy parents, it can save a lot of time if the kids and parents can get their check-ups done at the same place. Have you ever wondered, can a pediatric dentist treat adults? If so, you’re far from alone! Here, we’ll go over the differences between a pediatric dentist and a dentist for the whole family. We’ll help you decide which is the best fit for the adults, teenagers, and children in your home.
Pediatric Dentists vs. Family Dentists
While both pediatric dentists and those who treat adults have the shared goal of helping their patients to get and keep healthy teeth and gums, there are some key differences. In a nutshell, these qualities are what makes a pediatric dentist different:
- Specialized training
- Kid-friendly focus
- Fun environment
- Teaching healthy habits
Pediatric Dentists Have More Training
While all dentists have four years of dental school on top of a bachelor’s degree, pediatric dentists go even further in their dental health education. Not only can a pediatric dentist treat adults, but they’re also required to have at least two extra years of pediatrics-focused training after dental school.
That specialized instruction includes a focus on the development of growing teeth, child psychology, and physical growth. Many even learn how to treat children with special needs. You may get the best results with dental professionals that have had additional training when looking for a dentist for the whole family?
Pediatric Dentists Are Focused on Children
When you ask whether your pediatric dentist can treat adults, your best bet should be to keep your focus on your children. Pediatric dentists are more than qualified to treat patients of any age, but they’re particularly experienced in dealing with the physical and emotional demands of children. For instance, your child’s pediatric dentist will know that they’re more susceptible to dental decay than adults and the very best ways to prevent cavities in kids.
Your child will also benefit from the extensive experience pediatric dentists have when it comes to talking to children in the right way to handle heightened emotions and address their natural fear of being in the dentist’s chair.
Pediatric Dentists Offer Kids More Comfort
Let’s face it, whether you’re a kid or an adult, going to the dentist can be scary! That’s why when you’re looking for a dentist for the whole family, you should focus on finding one that provides some extra comfort, especially for your little ones.
Pediatric dentists make sure their offices are warm and welcoming places for the whole family, but they’re designed specifically with kids in mind. You’ll find games, toys, and coloring books to keep your children entertained. Creating a kid-friendly environment is a top priority for pediatric dentists!
While you might still be wondering, “can a pediatric dentist treat adults,” you can rest easy in knowing that the main focus of childhood dental professionals is erasing the fear of children when visiting the dentist.
Pediatric dentists make sure to ease kids into the oral healthcare process by taking them step-by-step through everything do. Their equipment is made especially for children, so it’s smaller in size and less threatening. And they’ve made sure to hire a staff that’s friendly and loves helping kids feel comfortable!
Pediatric Dentists Help Kids Develop Healthy Habits
Pediatric dentists understand that children are more likely to get cavities than adults. That’s why they focus on providing excellent preventative dental services for kids, including sealants and fluoride treatments to ward-off dental decay.
Preventative care is an easier and more cost-effective way to make sure your child has a happy, healthy smile for life. And pediatric dentists are trained and equipped to help your little ones with any dental problems that might pop up along the way.
Your child’s pediatric dentist will also teach them the right way to care for their teeth, which is a big help to many parents! Developing healthy dental habits at an early age with fun toothpaste and toothbrushes from their pediatric dentist can stop many fights over toothbrushing before they even get started.
The Bottom Line for “Can a Pediatric Dentist Treat Adults?”
With everything you’ve learned about the extra training and special skills of pediatric dentists, you know that your pediatric dentist can treat adults and deliver excellent results for the whole family.
You can also feel much more confident in knowing that pediatric dentists are a great resource for making your children feel more comfortable while they’re getting the dental services they need for a healthy adult smile.
Find a Dentist for the Whole Family in Las Vegas
While we specialize in pediatric dentistry at Children’s Dentistry of Las Vegas, we’re proud to offer dental services for the whole family. Having a family dental professional means you can save time and trouble by getting everyone in your household to the dentist at the same time.
Just some of our family dental services include:
- Cleanings & X-rays
- Composite Fillings
- Crowns & Root Canals
- Sedation Dentistry
If you’re in the Greater Las Vegas area, your family can visit any of our 10 convenient locations for all of their dental health needs. Simply contact our friendly staff to find the office nearest to you and book your appointment today!