How Long Did You Take Your Child to a Pediatric Dentist

My kids (ages 6 and 4) go to my regular dentist and we have no problems. I took my oldest to a pediatric dentist twice and did not like it. So I started taking her to my dentist and they are great. We've done 5 cleanings there with my daughter and she's also had 2 permanent teeth sealed there. My son has been 3 times for cleanings.
I think that pediatric dentists charge more than my regular dentist as well.
D.

I only took my daughter to a pediatric dentist once for her 1st visit. She's almost 8 and has been going to a regular dentist for a couple years. My dentist office told me that they really only need to see a pediatric dentist if there are problems...

Personally, I have always taken my son to the adult dentist. He is 7 and has been going every 6 months since he was 4. We tried a few pediatric dentists before that and I just didn't like any of them - I don't like the noise and crowd of all of the other kids. All of the pediatric dentists we tried (3 different ones) all have the kids chairs in the same room. The last time we went, one kid was screaming her head off. I just couldn't take it. So, I started taking my son to the adult dentist office and it has been so pleasant. The only caveat is - if he ever needs TREATMENT (cavity), he will have to go to a pediatric dentist, as my dentist won't actually TREAT him. But, for teeth cleaning (which is all he has needed), it's been great.

-L.

I think it all depends on your pediatric dentist. I have 3 children who all have gone to a pediatric dentist. We certainly would have stayed with him but he retired. We've been to several others who were recomended by other families but haven't found a fit. My 19 year old now goes to our regular dentist and I'm going to move my 15 and 17 year old also. Our first pediatric dentist had many older paitents and they were treated like young adults. I just haven't found that again and my kids aren't thrilled with all the little kids game etc. I wish I could have found another with an older kid area and treated them accordingly.

My 15 yr old started the Pediatric Dentist by 2 and will go there until she is 18 (the Dr's cut off date). THEN, she'll go to our dentist.

my daughter is 4 1/2 and she has been to a ped dentist 3 times.. age 3 1/2 4 and 4 1/2 ..
I would love to take her to the regular dentist but she screams like they are killing her at the dentist and my dentist said he wouldnt work on her.. recently my dentist said he would work on her but only during his lunch hour or after all othe patinents are gone.

kids do not have to go to a pediatric dentist I will take my son to our dentist.. he will behave and cooperate.. my duaghter may go to a ped dentist until she is 25 ... a ped dentist charges 230 for a cleaning a regular dentist charges 110..

My little one is almost 3. She had her first visit to a regular dentist last month. I took her to the same place I go. for cleanings. The hygienist did a fabulous job of getting my little one to open her mouth and get her teeth cleaned. I think it depends on when you are ready and at what age the regular dentist will take your child.

Until they don't want to go or the dentist doesnt want to see them anymore! lol My oldest brother went until he was about 16 with no problems.

Hi N.. I have been taking all of my kids to Pediatric Dental World in Highland Village (Dr. Jason Clapp) since we moved to Flower Mound 8 years ago. My recently turned 19 y/o still goes to him. I have 8 kids ages 21, 20, 19, 16, 15, 13, 6 and 4. The 20 somethings go to the dentist now. We love everyone at their office and the kids are all very comfortable. They do a great job and work with you with multiple insurance policies which a lot of dentists wont do. They will also discuss treatment plans and listen to your needs and concerns. If he knows your kid will be losing a tooth soon that goes into the plan so you don't waste money. If a tooth gets a bigger cavity in a new spot he will credit you for an old filling if it ends up needing a cap, etc. In other words he is very reasonable and all of the staff is very sweet and great at dealing with children whether they have great teeth or they need a lot of work. I personally would have gone to them if I could. :-) Anyway, to answer your question, it probably depends on how well your kids handle going to the dentist and your actual dentist. I personally would rather take my kids to someone that specializes in children and will listen to all of my concerns. I have the wide range from the kind that need special handling to the ones that do fine no matter where they go. I found a great pediatric dentist so I'm keeping them all there at least until they graduate from high school. Best wishes and God Bless!!

I went to a pediactric dentist until I graduated from Highschool... and their patients really did do the whole range... from infants to teenagers.

Our kiddo fell in love with our *amazing* dentist (who's been threatening to retire for over 20 years... he started his practice back when god was a boy... he's in his early 90's, not that you can tell easily)... during one of my exams when our dentist popped him up into the chair and let him see (with his hands type "see") all of the tools, and since kiddo was so excited (with his 4 teeth)... went ahead and did an exam. So he's never been to a pediatric dentist. But when ours finally retires... we'll need to look for one.

I took my 3 year old to my dentist, but I had made sure they worked with children. They were awesome! My son even let them floss his teeth and use the pick. :)