Pediatric Dentistry Specialist

Cedarwood Pleasanton Dentistry

Dentists located in Pleasanton, CA

Children have different needs when it comes to their oral health, and a dentist who specializes in pediatric care can not only address those needs but can also make their experience much more pleasant. At Cedarwood Pleasanton Dentistry in Pleasanton, California, the skilled and friendly dentists offer pediatric dental care to ensure that their younger patients are getting the best treatment they can. To learn more about pediatric dentistry from the team at Cedarwood Pleasanton Dentistry, schedule an appointment today by calling the office or booking online.

Pediatric Dentistry Q & A

What is pediatric dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry is a specialized area of dentistry that focuses on delivering high-quality dental care to children and adolescents. It’s recognized as an official specialty by the American Dental Association and requires an additional two to three years of dental training to practice legitimately, after which the pediatric dentist (pedodontist) is given a unique diploma from the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Why do pediatric dentists need extra training?

In order to effectively provide dental care to children, pediatric dentists need to have a deep understanding of child psychology. Their advanced training prepares them to handle children who might be afraid of the dentist and gives them the tools to prevent children from developing dental phobias that might continue into adulthood. A pediatric dentist is therefore adept at providing a “dental home” for children that has a fun, friendly, and social atmosphere.

Some pediatric dentists specialize in treating children with special needs, such as autism, cerebral palsy, and varying levels of mental retardation. Their extra training and skills in child psychology give them the tools and resources to deliver high-quality care that’s attuned to their particular needs.

What do pediatric dentists do?

Pediatric dentists provide care that’s specifically attuned to the needs of children, which means properly maintaining their baby teeth in order to facilitate good chewing habits and speech production as well as holding space for their permanent teeth. In addition to those more standard dental functions, pediatric dentists also:

Educate

Healthy mouths start with good at-home care, and pediatric dentists are proficient in educating your children on the ways to maintain good oral hygiene by using models, computer technology, and child-friendly terminology.

Monitor growth

Regular visits with a pediatric dentist allows them to monitor the development of your child’s teeth. They make sure that everything is progressing as it should and intervene to quickly fix any issues before they develop into something more serious.

Prevent

Pediatric dentistry places a heavy emphasis on techniques that can prevent more serious issues down the line. Beyond regular checkups and cleanings, a pediatric dentist can give your child dental sealants and fluoride treatments to prevent cavities and can advise parents on how to guide their children away from thumb-sucking and pacifiers.

Intervene

Pediatric dentists can also treat any dental issues your child might have with treatments specifically tailored to their needs, such as space maintainers (for malocclusion or a bad bite), a nighttime mouthguard (for bruxism or teeth grinding), or reconstructive surgery (for oral injuries).

To learn more about the excellent pediatric dentistry services the friendly doctors at Cedarwood Pleasanton Dentistry provide, schedule an appointment today by calling the office or using the online booking tool.