How To Find A Pediatric Or Kids Dentist In Saskatoon
There are so many dentists in Saskatoon, which makes it difficult to know which might be right for you and your kids. Only some take new patients, some are simply child-friendly while others are certified pediatric dentists. Yet the biggest item to look for in a dental team when you’re booking that first visit is the tv’s. We’re kidding. What you need to be comfortable with is the dental experience you’re signing up for. The best way to find this out is online reviews and referrals from friends and family. The majority of your time will be spent with the hygienist, ask the receptionist how kid-friendly they are. It can be a scary time for children, but gaining that healthy smile doesn’t have to be.
At Boulevard Dental Centre in Saskatoon, finding that family dentist is as simple as a Google Search with the ability to book online appointments. You are busy enough. Let our friendly team of dental specialists take care of all the heavy lifting.
What Is The Difference Between A Pediatric Dentist And A Family Dentist
Pediatric dentistry is a dentist who has completed an additional two to three years of training after dental school, focusing specifically on the oral health of children, including infants and adolescents. They are trained to handle the unique dental needs of children, including those with special needs. They may also be more experienced in working with children who may be anxious or have difficulty sitting still during a dental appointment.
A family dentist, on the other hand, is a general dentist who treats patients of all ages, including children. They are trained to provide a wide range of dental services to patients of all ages, including preventative care, fillings, extractions, and more. They may not have the same level of specialized training as a pediatric dentist, but they can still provide quality care and positive experience for children.
Ultimately, the choice between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist will depend on your child’s individual needs and preferences, as well as the availability of pediatric dentists in your area.
What Age Should A Child Start Going To The Dentist
It is generally recommended that a child should start visiting the dentist around the age of 1 or when their first tooth appears. This is to ensure proper oral care and to identify any potential issues early on. It’s a good idea to establish a dental home for your child by their first birthday and schedule regular checkups every six months for their oral health care.
What Are The Most Common Procedures For Kids Dentistry
The most common dental procedures for children include:
- Preventive care: This includes regular check-ups, cleanings, and fluoride treatments to prevent tooth decay and maintain good oral health.
- Dental sealants: A plastic coating applied to the grooves of the back teeth to protect them from decay.
- Fillings: Used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay.
- Extractions: This may be necessary if a tooth is severely decayed or infected, or if it is blocking the proper growth of other teeth.
- Space maintainers: Devices used to hold the space of a lost tooth to prevent movement of other teeth.
- Orthodontic treatments: Braces or other devices used to correct misaligned teeth or bite problems.
- Pulpotomy/Pulpectomy: These are common procedures for primary teeth (baby teeth) that have deep cavities and need to be treated with a filling, to save the tooth and avoid extraction.
- Sedation: Unfortunately, sometimes the thrill of the dental visit becomes too much for children. If required, specifically if work needs to be done on a non-cooperative child, sedation or gas may be used to ease that process.
It’s worth noting that not all children will require all of these procedures, but many of them are preventable with regular check-ups and good oral hygiene habits.
Benefits Of Having Dental Work As A Child
Though many ignore baby teeth knowing they will fall it and be replaced, how those new teeth grow in is determined by your child’s dental health now. Here are several benefits to having dental work as a child.
- Early intervention: By identifying and treating dental problems early on, children can avoid more serious and costly issues down the road.
- Preventing tooth decay: Dental procedures such as cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants can help prevent tooth decay and maintain good oral health.
- Improving self-esteem: Children with healthy teeth and a confident smile often have better self-esteem and social interactions.
- Facilitating proper growth and development: Dental procedures such as space maintainers and orthodontic treatments can help ensure that teeth grow in properly and support proper development of the jaw and face.
- Saving primary teeth: Pulpotomy and Pulpectomy are common procedures for primary teeth (baby teeth) that have deep cavities and need to be treated with a filling, to save the tooth and avoid extraction, which can affect the proper eruption and spacing of permanent teeth.
- Preventing infections: Some dental problems can lead to infections that can spread to other parts of the body. By treating these issues early, children can avoid serious health complications.
- Saving money: Addressing dental issues early on can save money in the long run, as preventative care and early intervention are often less expensive than more extensive treatments later on.
- Establishing good oral hygiene habits: Regular dental visits can help children establish good oral hygiene habits, which will serve them well throughout their lives.
How To Talk To Your Child About Visiting The Dentist
We’re not talking baby talk here, but sometimes kids do need a pep talk when told they’re going to the dentist. Unlike heading to the doctor or getting those dreaded needles, Getting a dental treatment can be viewed much more positively, especially if you share the prize at the end.
- Start early: Begin talking to your child about dental health and visiting the dentist from a young age, so that it becomes a normal and routine part of their life.
- Use positive language: Use positive language when discussing the dentist, and avoid using words that might scare your child. For example, instead of saying “the dentist will hurt,” you can say “the dentist will take care of your teeth.”
- Use age-appropriate explanations: When talking to young children, use simple and age-appropriate explanations about the dentist, such as “the dentist will count your teeth and make sure they are healthy.”
- Make it fun: Make the idea of visiting the dentist fun by using books, videos, or other resources that explain what happens at the dentist’s office in a playful and non-threatening way.
- Be a good role model: Children often look up to their parents as role models, so make sure to take good care of your own teeth and have positive attitudes about dental visits.
- Prepare them for what to expect: Explain in simple terms what will happen during the visit, such as having their teeth cleaned and examined, and that the dentist will use special tools to check for any problems.
- Reward them after the visit: You can reward your child after the visit to the dentist, it can be something small like a sticker or a toy to make the experience more positive.
It’s also important to note that every child is different and some may be more anxious or fearful than others, it’s important to be patient and understanding with your child and work with the dentist to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
How To Find A Good Children’s Dentist In Saskatoon
At the end of the day, unless there’s a dental emergency that speeds up your timeline, it’s up to mom and dad to do the research on a dentist in your area. To ensure you find the one right for you:
- Ask for recommendations: Ask your pediatrician, friends, or family members for recommendations on pediatric dentists in the area.
- Check online reviews: Look up pediatric dentists in Saskatoon on websites like Yelp or Google, and read through customer reviews to get a sense of the quality of care and customer service provided by different dentists.
- Contact dental societies: The Saskatchewan Dental Association can provide you with a list of pediatric dentists in the Saskatoon area.
- Consider the location and hours: Consider the location and hours of the dental office to ensure that it is convenient for you and your child.
- Schedule a consultation: Once you have narrowed down your list of potential pediatric dentists, schedule a consultation appointment to meet the dentist and see the office before making a final decision.
It’s important to note that availability of pediatric dentists may vary depending on location, but many general dentists are comfortable working with children and can provide the same level of care as a pediatric dentist.
At Boulevard Dental Centre in Saskatoon, we are that family dentist that treats children of all ages. Though not specialized as a pediatric dental office, what makes us a better fit for most is our vast experience as a general dental clinic. Our team is well trained in all situations, but we give extra special attention to the little ones, right down to picking their prize at the end of their dental care. Book your appointment fully online today and meet Ryan, Troy and the rest of the team.