A family or general dentist can handle the teeth of everyone in the family including your kids. However, it may be better to take children to a pediatric Dentist in Birmingham, Alabama rather than a general practitioner. Here are a couple of reasons why you may want to invest the time and effort into finding a qualified pediatric dentist to work on your kids’ mouths.
First, pediatric dentists are specially trained to work on children’s teeth and gums. A family dentist is only required to complete four years of dental school. A pediatric dentist must complete an additional two to three years training and residency before they are awarded a degree in the field. During this time, the dentist receives specialized education and experience in addressing the specific needs of kids along the spectrum of ages and health statuses.
The second reason you should opt for a pediatric dentist like Dr. Michael S. Anglin is a doctor in this field is more likely to have experience dealing with very young patients like infants. Taking children to see the dentist when they’re very young acclimates them to the experience. It also lets the dentist closely monitor the child’s oral development. Because of their additional training, pediatric dentists can determine if a child’s teeth and gums are developing in a healthy, natural way and catch issues before they become expensive problems.
Pediatric dentists can also administer sedation or general anesthesia to young children if necessary. If the child needs extensive dental reconstruction, for example, the dentist may work on the child’s mouth in a hospital setting for the express purpose of being able to sedate the child for the procedure and to ensure adequate medical staff is on hand just in case something goes wrong.
Finding a pediatric dentist is not as hard as you would think. However, you should speak extensively to any potential candidates prior to making your child’s first appointment to ensure you are comfortable having the dentist work on your child’s mouth. When it comes to the health and wellbeing of your kids, only work with professionals you trust. Get in touch with Michael S. Anglin D.D.S. P.C. for more details!
