Pediatric dentist or regular dentist?

[northerngirl]

So I am thinking dd should see a dentist soon, she will be 3 in March. I don't see any problems with her teeth, just want to get her in and familiar just in case. I am trying to decide if I should take her to a pediatric dentist or just the dentist the dh and I see (he is ok). The thing is, is that our insurance doesn't have a pediatric dentist on their provider list, so we would have to pay out of pocket. Is it worth it or not? I want her to have a good first experience with the dentist, as I did not as a child. I am also considering changing dentists for dh and I, to another provider on the list. Any thoughts? TIA

[THANKFULFORFIVE]

I was a former chairside asst. and I personally would NEVER take toddler to a general dentist. The Peds instruments and whole practice is centered around making the little ones comfortable. You want your child to be EXCITED about going to the dentist!

[northerngirl]

Yes, I do want her to be excited to go to the dentist. I had a pretty traumatic early childhood dental experience, which took me quite a while to get over. I want it to be different for dd. Thanks for your reply THANKFULFORFIVE!

[northerngirl]

Anyone else?

[PTmorgan]

I've been wondering too. DS is 20 months old, and I wasn't planning on bringing him in so soon. But, he is a bear to try to brush (we go through his trauma 1-2x/day), and his front teeth are looking pitted.

[lindberg99]

I started my kids out at a pediatric dentist. I just switched the older two (10 and 8) to a general dentist because the ped. dentist is like 45 min away and they were ending up missing almost a whole day of school to go to the dentist. My youngest still goes to the ped dentist and probably will at least until he's in school full days (1st grade, about age 6).

I think it's worth it to go to a pediatric dentist. You know the dentist and hygenists like working with kids or they wouldn't be there, which is a huge plus IMO.

And even if you decide to go to a general dentist, I would ask around about who is good with children, not just go to the one you go to. I like my dentist but I just don't see him as a kids' dentist so I found a different one based on some recommendations of my friends.

[tinuviel_k]

We don't go to a pedatric dentist, but our family dentist is VERY child friendly. There are toys and books in the cleaning areas, and they have always been wonderful about dealing with my child's fears and hesitations. They go at her pace and I have always been encouraged to help and comfort my daughter. Denali really likes the dentist and hygienists. She informed me at our last appointment that she wanted to have her appointment "all by myself." I could hear much of the appointment and it sounded like Denali kept the hygenist and staff well entertained: everyone was having way too good of a time!

[dinahx]

I will be taking DS to a BIOLOGICAL dentist, but failing that, I would take him ONLY to an office which was certified to be 100% mercury free. Even if you don't agree to amalgum fillings being placed in YOUR child, mercury vapors get all over the office. I will no longer ever set foot in an office where I am not assured that mercury is NEVER used, just like I wouldn't hang out at the Dry Cleaners, kwim?

[thixle]

Originally Posted by tinuviel_k

We don't go to a pedatric dentist, but our family dentist is VERY child friendly. There are toys and books in the cleaning areas, and they have always been wonderful about dealing with my child's fears and hesitations. They go at her pace and I have always been encouraged to help and comfort my daughter. Denali really likes the dentist and hygienists. She informed me at our last appointment that she wanted to have her appointment "all by myself." I could hear much of the appointment and it sounded like Denali kept the hygenist and staff well entertained: everyone was having way too good of a time!

This. No one in our area would see a kid under 3 anyway. But my dentist is also the same one that volunteers at the preschool/early head start, so DD had already met him and had her teeth counted by him

My biggest stipulation is that parents are encouraged to be with the kiddo. I've heard some really bad dentists don't allow parents. With our dentist, it was never even mentioned... we all went to the room together, and DD insisted on sitting in the chair by herself! She loves it.

[northerngirl]

Originally Posted by dinahx

I will be taking DS to a BIOLOGICAL dentist, but failing that, I would take him ONLY to an office which was certified to be 100% mercury free. Even if you don't agree to amalgum fillings being placed in YOUR child, mercury vapors get all over the office. I will no longer ever set foot in an office where I am not assured that mercury is NEVER used, just like I wouldn't hang out at the Dry Cleaners, kwim?

We have a biological dentist in our city. I have went to him, he's ok. I think he's in his 70's, nice but doesn't seem like a kid person. You do make a good point about the mercury vapors in the air. I do wish I had more options than just this one guy, without driving hours. Thanks for your post.

[northerngirl]

Well I have an appointment for dd, it's this tuesday, with a pediatric dentist. I am allowed accompany dd for the appointment, which is good. I did not ask about restraints, which frightens me (as a child I was restrained). I hope it will go good. I have been talking to her about it and she seems fine with it, maybe even excited. I told her they were going to "count" her teeth and give her a new toothbrush. She's very excited about the new toothbrush. They mentioned fluoride on the phone, so that's a whole other issue for me. Blah.

[Lkg4dmcrc]

My husband is a general dentist who sees lots of kids - so I may be a bit biased.

Pediatric dentists are specialists - in that they see kids with severe problems, can take kids into the operating room, etc. They are not just dentists who love children. They are generally fast at what they do and have special training to deal with behavior problems.

For most kids, I suggest a family oriented dentist at first and a pediatric dentist if there are lots of problems. We do take our son to a pediatric dentist though mostly because he is who my husband refers patients to and it is not appropriate for my husband to treat him.

[northerngirl]

Well, we went to the appt. this morning with the pediatric dentist and it went great. Dd was so good and they were able to polish all of her teeth and floss. She did get the varnish, however they just started doing it and never asked me about it. I kept my mouth shut, need to do more research about that subject. They said everything looked perfect and keep up with the brushing and flossing. Whew, I definitely didn't want to hear that I was doing a bad job.

I thought the dentist was very nice and personable to dd. She wasn't frightened one bit. I'm really glad I got over this hurdle. I was freakin out a bit beforehand.

[peaceful_mama]

I saw a kiddie dentist. DS sees a different ped. dentist, one that takes his insurance. DS has always loved going and the people seem very friendly, seem to really enjoy their jobs. I'd say the kids' dentist is the way to go. at least you know they like kids or they woudln't be there.