What is a Pediatric Dentist?

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A pediatric dentist specializes in children’s oral health from infancy through adolescence, with training tailored to kids’ unique dental needs.

Understanding the importance of specialized dental care for children is essential, especially when deciding on the best oral care for your young ones. In this article, we’ll discuss what a pediatric dentist is and highlight the unique aspects of their expertise, ensuring you make the best decisions for your child’s dental needs.

Understanding Pediatric Dentistry

A pediatric dentist is much like a pediatrician but in the dental world. They specialize in treating the oral health needs of children from infancy through adolescence. These dentists understand the unique dental issues of children, including growth and development, cavity prevention, and the challenges of primary (baby) teeth loss and the eruption of permanent teeth.

what-is-a-pediatric-dentist
When we first visited The Dental Anesthesia Center, my child was experiencing severe tooth pain and multiple cavities. Dr. Sean M. Thoms and his team demonstrated excellent care, promptly assessing the situation and deciding to treat his teeth the next day. They came early in the morning, professionally addressing the cavities and placing a crown. They also followed up by phone to ensure my child was doing well. My baby is now pain-free,happy ,smiling, and sleeping soundly. This is truly a world-class dental center with an exceptional, caring team. Highly recommended.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and wonderful review! We’re truly grateful for your trust and so happy to hear your experience with our team was a positive one. It means a lot to know our care helped make things a little easier and brought smiles all around.
Carrie and the Dental Anesthesia Center have always been very professional and welcoming when having work done.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear you’ve had a positive experience with our team. We appreciate your trust and support!
I cannot say enough wonderful things about The Dental Anesthesia Center and Dr. Thoms. My 7-year-old, who has autism, recently had dental work done here and the experience exceeded expectations. The staff was incredibly kind, patient, and understanding of his needs. They took the time to make him and us feel comfortable, never rushed, and explained everything. I am so grateful for this office and the team that made my son's dental care possible. I would recommend The Dental Anesthesia Center and Dr Thoms to any parent, especially those with children who have special needs. They truly go above and beyond. ❤️
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words! We’re truly grateful for your trust in our team and Dr. Thoms. Knowing your visit was a positive and comfortable experience means the world to us — it’s exactly what we strive for with every patient and family. 💙
Very patient with elderly patients. Very good experience.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your feedback! We’re pleased to know the visit was a positive experience.
My son has been a patient of Dr Michael Hoffman since he was 5 years old. He is now 21 years old. My son has diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and therefore I am cautious of who I select as a treatment provider. Dr. Hoffman’s office is professional, kind and I know they have his best interest at heart. I highly recommend Dr. Hoffman and staff to anyone seeking dental care.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We truly appreciate your trust in our team over the years.

Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist?

Children are not just small adults; their dental needs are distinctly different. Here’s why opting for a pediatric dentist can be the right choice for your child:

  1. Specialized Training: Pediatric dentists are uniquely qualified to protect your child’s oral health. This specialization enables them to quickly identify issues peculiar to children, leading to faster, more accurate diagnoses and treatments.
  2. Child-friendly Environment: Pediatric dental offices are often designed to make children comfortable. From the decor to the staff, every element is arranged to reduce dental anxiety and make the experience as pleasant as possible.
  3. Behavior Management: Children can sometimes be nervous, especially during their first dental visit. Pediatric dentists and their staff are trained to help kids feel at ease and cooperate during procedures.
  4. Prevention: Pediatric dentists emphasize the importance of early oral hygiene habits, guiding parents and children toward cavity prevention and healthy dietary choices.

Dental Care for Children with Special Needs

Finding a dental care provider who can cater to the specific needs of children with special needs is crucial. At The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry in St. Louis, our team is well-equipped and experienced in treating children with various special needs, including:

The Dental Anesthesia Center understands the intricate needs of each child. Our trained professionals are adept at ensuring that every visit is tailored to meet the child’s requirements, offering a safe, compassionate, and comfortable environment.

St. Louis Pediatric Dentistry

Children’s oral health plays a crucial role in their overall well-being. Choosing the right dental care provider is paramount, whether it’s a routine dental checkup or more specialized care. 

If you reside in or around St. Louis and are looking for pediatric dental care, especially for children with special needs, The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry is here for you. Our commitment is to ensure your child receives the best care possible in a comfortable, patient-focused environment.

Updated: August 15, 2024

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