Pediatric Dentistry in Elkton, Maryland

Once a child has a bad experience at the dentist, it becomes difficult to shake that impression. Finding a children's dentist who is gentle, understanding, and caring can lay a strong foundation that encourages kids to visit the dentist when they get older.

Thankfully, your search for great pediatric dentistry in Elkton ends here. That's because we strive to provide a welcoming atmosphere and quality dental care. Our goal is to ensure that your child feels safe when visiting the dentist. This will help your child build up the confidence necessary to have a healthy relationship with visiting dentists.

Understanding Children's Pediatric Dentistry

In short, pediatric dentistry is a branch of dentistry for children. Pediatric dental specialists provide dental care for children starting from a very young age. Typically, kids continue to see these specialists until after their adolescent years, which is when they switch over to seeing a general dentist.

What many people don't know, however, is that pediatric dental specialists have to go to school for an extra two to three years after initial dental training. During these extra years of schooling, they learn how to provide emergency surgery to children. In fact, a skilled pediatric oral surgeon has the ability to deal with even the most severe dental needs of a child.

Reasons Why Your Child Should Receive Children's Pediatric Dentistry

Getting your child involved with personal oral hygiene early is a great idea. In fact, you should be taking your kid to the dentist regularly so that he or she builds up a good rapport with the dentist. Doing so will make it more likely for your child to visit the dentist throughout adulthood, and the dentist will have a chance to identify any oral health problems before they cause any harm.

Help your child build a strong foundation that encourages taking care of his or her teeth and gums. Children’s dentists can teach your child how to properly brush and floss.

When Should Your Child Start Visiting the Dentist?

Some parents put off having their kids visit the dentist in the hopes that it will save money. However, the cost of pediatric dental visit is much cheaper than the costs associated with poor dental care. Not teaching children how to properly care for their teeth could cost lots of money when it comes time to fix cavities or do root canals.

In general, the sooner that you get your child to the dentist, the better. Typically, you should ensure that your child has the first appointment at the dentist by the time he or she is 1 or 2 years old.

Keep in mind that during your child's first appointment it's normal to feel scared. You can help turn visiting the dentist into something fun by offering a treat once the visit is successfully finished.

What Takes Place During a Child's First Dental Visit?

Your child's first dental visit will involve a number of steps. The goal of this initial appointment is to set up a treatment plan for your child if one is needed. Beyond just doing a dental cleaning for kids, your dentist will likely take X-rays. During this first visit, the specialist will also do a pediatric periodontics assessment.

The dental cleaning will remove any bacteria or plaque from your kid's teeth. Your child's dentist will look for any early signs of decay or gum disease as well. Dealing with these issues early can ensure good oral hygiene throughout the childhood years.

During this first visit, ask your dentist any questions that you have about your child’s dental care at home or what to expect as they get older. For example, you may want to talk to your dentist if you're concerned about thumb-sucking or need tips to help your child during the teething phase. Your child's dentist will be able to help.

Finding Kid’s Dentists in Elkton

Putting the oral health of your child first may be more important than you realize. That's why you should find a child's dentist that you can trust. We strive to provide a safe and comfortable atmosphere for both you and your child. We want to make sure that your kid enjoys visiting the dentist in order to make a positive connection with getting dental care.

Don't wait any longer to schedule an appointment for your child. Reach out to our friendly staff today, and let us show you why we're one of the best child dentistry offices in Elkton. Call us to get answers to any questions you may have also.

Pediatric Dental Anesthesia

Our pediatric dental specialists are trained in a wide variety of methods that help children feel relaxed during dental procedures. While some children with an intense fear of the dentists may react well to laughing gas, some children require more intensive sedation. We offer a variety of safe and effective sedation options at our office, including general anesthesia for child and toddler dental work. Each child is different, so the method of sedation will be determined by the child’s age and specific needs.

Hospital Dental Care with General Anesthesia

Sometimes, intensive dental work must be completed at a hospital to ensure your child’s comfort and safety. When dental work is completed at the hospital, your child will be placed under anesthesia and monitored by an anesthesiologist. Our dentists have experience treating patients with special challenges, including developmental disabilities, chronic medical problems, and other situations. We work closely with pediatricians, oral surgeons, and anesthesiologists to ensure the best possible outcome for your child.