Dentist Vs. Pedi Dentist

Family dentists are fine for regular care. If there is a special problem that needs a specialist, he can always refer you to a pedi dentist.

Find a family dentist the children will be able to grow up with the same dentist. He can treat them just as well and I can tell you has worked with children before.

Hi. We take our kids to our dentist. He is really nice & has kids of his own. nothing wrong with taking them to see yours as well. Happy brushing.

My children have had dental insurance for 2 years and still haven't gotten a checkup. My dentist won't see kids and the insurance won't pay unless I take them to my dentist and then get a referel to a pediatric dentist.

I don' t see a problem with it except for the fact that if your child needs anesthesia to make sure that they know/have the proper equipment for kids and that kids don't get an adult dosage of the anesthesia b/c that can be really harmful to kids.

The main reason to take children to a pedi dentist is for their comfort. If your Dentist sees children, he/she may have an age requirement. I would ask the front office and then make a decision based on how you feel they would do with the Hygienist and Dr there. I work for a General Dentist and we see lots of children, they have to be 5yrs old. Most do really well!

We love our dentist, too, and all the children go to him. Have been seeing him or almost 20 years for the last 10 years we've been adding a child to his books every couple of years or so. He starts them with Happy Visits until they are cmfortable with opening their mouths. They get to wear cool sunglasses and the hygenist shows them on their hands what the electric brush feels like when they are ready (it tickles :) They use a regular brush and floss or just show the chair enough to get them comfortable.

My four year old was ready this time to let them do a full exam. They love getting the "free" little toys and stickers, and watch videos while I get my teeth done. I schedule everyone's for the same day.

The dentist has a small chair in the exam room that I can go back and lend moral support. They haven't minded me moving from room to room for the different children...we try not to get in the way.

Family dentists that you know and love are the way to go...ask them what they do for kids. Also, just the fact that you're comfortable with your dentist goes a long way with helping your child feel comfortable. Good luck!

After reading some of the other responses, I want to recommend Dr. David Carr and Dr. Bryan Smith to the ones complaining about their dentist. We drive from South Austin to Far West Blvd (north Austin) but its worth it.

Hope your dentist works out!

There were no pedi dentists when mine were little. Our regular dentist did a fine job of taking care of them. Some dentists don't want to work on children (no patience for little patients!) So, if you like your dentists, ask him if he will treat your children and if he says yes, go for it.

Nothing wrong with using your own dentist, it just depends on the dentist. My son has a gagging reflex and also wouldn't be still so my regular dentist sent him to a pedi. Then at 8 he had to see him because my insurance won't cover pedi after age 7.

I have worked as a dental assistant for 10 years and I have seen all kinds of dentists. The key is to find a dentist you and your child like. Pediatric dentists do have more specialized equipment for kids but most kids do not require it. The right dentist is more important than the TYPE of dentist. Find someone you and your child trust and feel comfortable with.

Check with the dentist. The waiting areas probably won't be as fun with your regular dentist either.

Hey P.,

I agree with the previous posts. I don't think there is really much difference between a pedi dentist & a family dentist. My oldest daughter is seeing a pedi dentist, but that is only because of her serious fear issues. She is scared to DEATH of the dentist, and the pedi dentist is the only one with the knowledge & training that has been able to deal with her. The one time I tried to take her to a regular family dentist, the dentist suggested I tranquilize my daughter before bringing her back. Then she stated that she wouldn't see my daughter at all unless she was under some kind of sedation. I was a bit upset with her, to be honest. The pedi dentist is going to sedate my daughter for her next big exam, but he is doing it, weighing her, giving her meds, all the works. He's knowledgable with all that stuff. Even though family dentists sedate their adult patients when necessary, they may not be as up-to-date as a pedi. I think that if your little ones are comfortable going to the dentist, with little to no anxiety, go with the family dentist.

...........don't get me started on dentist! I sent my daughter to two dentist and I disliked them both. One did not have the right kind of equipment for children (x-rays were too big for her little mouth and that was painful). The entire visit was unsuccessful. The good thing about it was the dentist didn't charge me. The other was a pedi dentist and I should have stood up to them as soon as they told me to wait in the waiting room while they took her back with a handful of other children. My daughter came out terrified and distressed. She said it hurt bad! Well.........that was it for me! I called the dentist to let him know how I felt and we would not be back.

Unfortunately my daughter had more work to be done, so I took her to "my" dentist who I love. He is professional, gentle, great bed side manners, and it deosn't hurt. Unfortunately my daughter was apprehensive, but I was able to go in there with her and everything went smoothly. And my daughter said she likes him!!!

So, in a nut shell.....yes, take your kids to your dentist. Just make sure they see children and they have small equipment.

Have a great day!!!

Deborah

Some dentists do not have the equipment to work on children, such as smaller instuments and laughing gas. Also if the child needs a lot of work, pedo docts have hospital priviledges. I would ask your dentist to see what he thinks.

Talk to your dentist. I love my own, but when I asked the hygienist about taking my preschooler (her son is the same age as my daughter), she told me I needed to take her to a pedi dentist at this age. I guess it depends on your dentist--some see young kids and some don't. If you love your dentist, and she says she'd love to see your kid, then try there first. I would have if I hadn't been discouraged to do so. Our pedi dentist is fine, but having a good relationship with your kid depends not only on the available equipment, but the personality of the dentist. Either a pedi dentist OR a family dentist may or may not have good rapport with your child. You won't know until you get them together.

I tried a regular dentist first because our insurance doesn't cover any pediatric dentist and they clearly did not know how to work with children.. They were nice, but no patience.. Some dentist won't see children until they are 5 or 7.. You may need to ask that.. I switched to a wonderful pediatric dentist and it is so worth the $$, they really have all the proper equipment and know how to handle children.. If your dentist won't see your children and you want to look for a pediatric dentist, we see on down south in the Y..

I love my Dentist and wouldn't even consider taking my kids to anyony but him!!!

A. M

Hi P.-

My kids have gone to our regular family dentist since their first visits and have done great!! I don't know that there really is a difference other than just the dentist's own comfort in dealing with children. As long as your family dentist has the right temperment for children and is ok accepting them as patients, I don't see any problem with it.

Good Luck,
K.

Hi P.,

I am a local dentist and my opinion is that you should take them anywhere they feel comfortable. Most dentist if they see kids can see children without behavior issues as well as a pedo. Give your general dentist a try.

I. Blaess