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.
Dr. Behl!
I cannot recommend Dr. Maris Behl enough. If you have dental anxiety, she is truly the kind of dentist you hope to find. If teeth could be wrapped in pillows and protected by flying unicorns, Dr. Behl would somehow make it happen.
I have significant anxiety around dental procedures and have needed deeper sedation for dental work in the past. From the beginning, Dr. Behl took the time to listen to my concerns and made me feel genuinely heard rather than dismissed or rushed. She created such a sense of trust and safety that I was eventually able to have my dental work done with only nitrous instead of full sedation, which is something I honestly didn’t think I would be comfortable doing.
During my crown placement, she explained what she was doing throughout the procedure, which made an enormous difference in keeping me calm. She also took the time to address a filling that had been bothering me for what felt like forever — and she actually fixed the problem.
What stands out most about Dr. Behl is how safe I feel in her care. She is compassionate, patient, communicative, and incredibly attentive to how her patients are feeling. For someone with dental anxiety, that combination is invaluable.
Finding a dentist I trust this much has completely changed my experience with dental care. I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Behl and would recommend her without hesitation, especially to anyone who has dental anxiety or has struggled to feel comfortable receiving dental treatment.
Response from the owner:Thank you for such incredibly kind words! We’ll be sure to pass this along to Dr. Behl. We’re pretty sure the flying unicorns are going to be the part she remembers most! 🦄💙 We’re so glad our team could help make your experience a more comfortable one.
Dr Thoms and his team are phenomenal. No question, the absolute best possible option for my child when he needed work done while sleeping (age based). While this option is not inexpensive, this set up of have anesthesiology in-house allowed us to get his mouth healthy when a traditional pediatric dentist could/would not. I am a parent that asks a lot of questions on behalf of my toddler’s care and at no point did I feel judged for this, nor was I rushed during my evaluation process during the consultation. Although the procedure is not one I would like to repeat for my child, my husband and I were both so pleased with how well Dr. Thoms communicated and how he clearly cared for our son’s wellbeing (both physical and emotional during a less than comfortable visit). Cannot recommend the back of house team more highly.
My one detraction is the FOH staff (not everyone) were not nearly as pleasant. I would like to communicate that while their day-to-day is very routine for them, being in that office as a parent is very scary for some people in their office and a little bit of kindness goes along way. I do recall, having a very pleasant conversation with Rebecca, but otherwise everyone else was on the apathetic side, in my personal opinion. That said you’ll notice that I still am leaving a five star review because the dental staff really just knocked out of the park, but as a parent I want to encourage you to look past any rudeness you may experience over email or on the phone because Dr. Thom’s is really that excellent.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share such thoughtful feedback. We’re grateful to hear that our team provided compassionate, attentive care and took the time to answer your questions throughout the process. We also appreciate your comments regarding your experience with our front office team and will certainly share your feedback. Your kind words mean so much to us!
Very nice very convenient for me great people working
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you had a positive experience with our team. We truly appreciate your 5-star review!
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
