Are you ready to take your child to the dentist for a good cleaning? Are you looking for the best Colleyville pediatric dentist you can find?
Believe it or not, choosing a pediatric dentist involves more than just a good feeling. You’ll need to do some homework to give yourself confidence that you’re making a responsible decision.
Here’s what you need to know about Colleyville pediatric dentistry before you settle on a professional.
What Is a Pediatric Dentist?
You may be wondering why you should be looking for a pediatric dentist specifically. You may have gone to a general dentist growing up and be wondering why it’s important to find someone who specializes in pediatric care.
After dental school, aspiring pediatric dentists receive an extra two to three years of post-graduate residency specifically in pediatrics. Here, they learn about the behavioral needs of children, as well as the unique make-up of their smiles.
You may notice that your pediatric dentist is especially patient with kids who are chatty, nervous, or shy. This is because their training prepares them to uniquely meet the needs of your little smiler.
If your child has specific issues that could cause issues with their teeth alignment, such as thumb sucking, a pediatric dentist will know exactly what advice to give. They are also trained in helping kids with special needs.
When you visit a pediatric dentist, you’ll notice that it doesn’t resemble a traditional dentist’s office in a number of ways. You may see games in the waiting room and colorful murals on the walls. Your child may be able to watch their favorite cartoon while getting treated, and they’ll have a variety of flavors to choose from when their teeth get cleaned.
These are all unique “perks” that make a dental office more comfortable for children. Your dentist and hygenist will carefully explain anything your child is curious about. And your child may even get a “prize” at the end of their visit!
If you want your child not to dread going to the dentist, a pediatric office can really help to make their experience a positive one.
Recommendations and Reviews
When you’re looking for the best children’s dentist Colleyville has to offer, your local social media community groups are a great place to start. Find out who other parents are happy with, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Was the dentist kind and responsive to children? Was the office uniquely designed for children? Has anyone used them as an emergency pediatric dentist?
You can also mention that you are planning on visiting a specific dentist, and ask if anyone has experience with them. In an area like Colleyville, you’ll likely get lots of feedback!
Online reviews are another great way to find dentists that others are happy with. It’s important to look out for patterns of both positive and negative comments.
For example, do most former patients say they loved the dentist and wouldn’t go anywhere else? Or do you see a lot saying that the dentist was inattentive and cold? A series of happy former patients and parents can give you great assurance that you’re making a good decision.
Affordable
Most dental insurance plans cover two cleanings per year. If you have dental, ask prospective pediatric dentists if they accept your plan before you visit them.
If you don’t have dental insurance, ask your employer about a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA.) These allow you to put aside a certain amount of tax-sheltered money each month that can be used to pay for dental expenses. It will also help you to keep more of what you earn in your paycheck.
Your dentist may also be able to help you by breaking up the cost of your treatments into smaller payments so they will be more manageable. Some also offer special discounts. Make sure you are sure of all your options before you decide on a dentist.
Schedule a Visit
You can tell a lot about a dental office from visiting. Talk to the staff and see how friendly they are with your child. Ask to take a look around.
Many pediatric dentist’s offices have notes from kids or families who have visited and had a great experience. These can provide nervous kids with extra assurance.
Talk to the dentists themselves and ask them how many years of experience they have had with pediatric dentistry. Where did they train, and what do they specialize in?
You can also find out about their knowledge by asking questions about your child’s specific issues. For example, what would they do about a child who is squeamish or one who uses a bottle? A dentist with the right experience will have seen many similar issues and be prepared to answer your questions.
After your visit, your child should be confident and even excited about their first dental visit. A good feeling can help them to see the dentist as someone they can trust. They will be ready for all of the positive encouragement they will get when they go for their first cleaning.
Finding a Colleyville Pediatric Dentist
If your child has their first tooth, it’s time to find a qualified Colleyville pediatric dentist. With a little homework, you can find a qualified professional who is great with kids. They will be enjoying a healthy smile for years to come.
Don’t stop getting smart about Colleyville dentistry now. For excellent professionals in your area, contact us today.
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