WHY CHOOSE A PEDIATRIC DENTIST? BAKERSFIELD
A Smart Choice for Your Child's Oral Healthcare Needs
At Purdy Pediatric Dentistry, we understand you have options when it comes to choosing a dentist for your child. As one of several kid-focused dental offices in the Bakersfield area, we are one of the few who have two board-eligible pediatric dentists on staff. This can make a difference in the kind of oral healthcare your child receives. To learn how, keep reading or call our office.
How Is a Pediatric Dentist Different from a General Dentist?
All aspiring dentists in the United States are required to achieve a DDS or DMD degree from an accredited dental school recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). After graduating, they have the option to pursue general dentistry or a specialization. While general dentists treat patients of all ages – children to seniors – pediatric dentists focus solely on the dental needs of children. From infancy to adolescence, they provide services designed to protect, adjust, and repair growing smiles before they reach adulthood.
What Are the Benefits of Taking My Child to a Pediatric Dentist?
There are many benefits to choosing a pediatric dentist, including:
- Pediatric dentists have experience and training in treating children’s oral healthcare needs (i.e., tooth eruption, bite changes, cavity prevention, etc.).
- Pediatric dentists often design their offices to be more kid-friendly and welcoming – a space that promotes creativity, excitement, and comfort.
- Pediatric dentists are knowledgeable in the mental and behavioral challenges that children can face when visiting the dentist’s office and can employ techniques to navigate these situations successfully.
- Pediatric dentists offer specialized treatments to address early dental problems (i.e., dental sealants, pulp therapy, etc.).
What Ages Do Pediatric Dentists Treat?
It’s common for pediatric dentists to provide services to infants, toddlers, children, and teenagers. The recommendation from our team as well as the ADA and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) is to have your child seen by a pediatric dentist before they reach the age of one or as soon as their first primary tooth erupts.
Dentistry for Infants
Our dentists in Bakersfield provide age-appropriate services for infants who are welcoming their first tooth or set of teeth. This initial appointment will involve us taking the time to learn more about you and your child as well as explaining what you can do at home to properly care for their changing smile. Our dentists will also carefully examine the inside of your child’s mouth using comfortable instruments.
Learn More About Dentistry for Infants
Dentistry for Toddlers
The moment your child enters toddlerhood, you may find it increasingly challenging to take care of their teeth and gums. Always on the go, they may not make it easy when it comes to brushing; however, our team at Purdy Pediatric Dentistry can deliver the preventive services their smile needs. We’ll channel their excitement by explaining the different instruments we use and how they work while making sure their teeth and gums are healthy and developing correctly.
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Dentistry for Children
Once your child begins going to school, we will make sure their smile is ready for the changes that can occur during this time. Not only will we offer preventive solutions to better protect their teeth from cavities, but we’ll also discuss essential ways to boost their at-home oral hygiene habits. You can expect these visits to include comprehensive X-rays, thorough checkups, and professional cleanings so they spend less time in our office and more time in the classroom.
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Dentistry for Teens
Although your teen may have a lot going on between school, friends, and extracurricular activities, making sure their oral health remains in optimal shape is important. This is why we never expect them to manage this alone. Instead, we will not only provide preventive and restorative solutions to keep their teeth and gums healthy but also address any potential alignment issues along the way. This dedicated approach will ensure your teen is ready to embrace adulthood with a more vibrant, beautiful, and cavity-free smile.
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Special Needs Children
Children with intellectual and physical disabilities face unique challenges that can make receiving regular dental care more uncomfortable, especially if their dentist hasn’t worked with patients with special needs before. Fortunately, our dentists are trained and equipped to provide the trustworthy care your child needs. No matter what kind of accommodation is required, we will do our best to make sure it is provided so that they are comfortable, secure, and feel at ease during every appointment.