What Services do Pediatric Dentists Provide?
A pediatric dentist is a dentist that specializes in children’s dentistry from birth through adolescence. They promote the dental health of children while also serving as educational resources for parents. In working with children, pediatric dentists like Dr. Deborah Himelhoch are well educated and equipped to make your child’s experience as comfortable as possible. However, some people are not sure of the services that these professionals provide. In order to explain what services pediatric dentists provide, Dr. Himelhoch of Smiles in Framingham is here to share her experience to better inform families seeking a pediatric dentist near Ashland, MA.
Services
A pediatric dentist will offer comprehensive oral health care services including:
- Infant oral health exams, which are designed to include risk assessment for caries.
- Preventive dental care including cleanings, fluoride treatments, and nutrition and diet recommendations.
- Repair of cavities or tooth imperfections.
- Care fordental injuries like chipped or broken teeth.
- Habit counseling for thumb-sucking and pacifier use.
- Diagnosis of oral conditions related with diseases like diabetes, asthma, and ADHD.
- Orthodontics (if they possess the proper training).
- Management of gum diseases and conditions like ulcers, mucoceles, or pediatric periodontal disease.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Our friends at Smiles in Framingham say that because children’s teeth are particularly more difficult to clean, they are at a higher risk for tooth decay. Because of this, pediatric dentists provide basic preventive services like teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants. They can also diagnose future issues that a patient may be at a higher risk of encountering or examine dental X-rays to find problem areas under the surface.
Preventive Education
Because pediatric dentists like Dr. Himelhoch work primarily with children, they emphasize early preventive education. However, this instruction isn’t just for the kids; it’s for the parents too! This is to ensure that the patient will be able to maintain good oral health by forming healthy habits that they will follow through life.
Other Services
A pediatric dentist can treat a variety of simple and complex oral health issues. For example, they can fill cavities, treat sensitive teeth, and fix broken teeth. Dr. Deborah mentions that they also have the ability to administer anesthetics, write prescriptions for antibiotics or other medications, and identify when orthodontic or surgical work is needed.
A pediatric dentist provides services to protect the oral health of children and educate parents on how to properly care for and maintain their child’s oral health. If you’re seeking a pediatric dentist near Ashland, MA, then your search is over! Dr. Deborah Himelhoch and the Smiles in Framingham team have the experience and knowledge that you need to make your child as comfortable as possible during their visit. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Himelhoch at Smiles in Framingham, feel free to call (508) 872-0555 today!
