Pediatric dentistry plays a crucial role in maintaining your child’s oral health from the moment their first tooth erupts until they approach their teenage years. However, as your child grows, there comes a time when they will need to transition from seeing a pediatric dentist to visiting a general dentist. Understanding when and how to make this switch is important for ensuring your child receives appropriate dental care.
At North View Dental, our team understands pediatric dentistry’s important role in your child’s dental journey. However, we also know it might not always be the best fit for your child’s current dental health condition. If you want to learn more about when it is time to make the transition from pediatric dentistry to general dentistry and how to make this an easier transition, keep reading.
Understanding the Role of Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dentists specialize in treating children from infancy through adolescence. While training, they learn how to manage and treat children’s unique dental needs, including caring for baby teeth, eruption permanent teeth, and managing early dental issues. Pediatric dentists also do a great job of creating a friendly, comfortable environment that helps children feel at ease during their dental visits.
This care is especially important for children who have never visited a dentist. It isn’t uncommon for children to experience some degree of dental anxiety prior to their first appointment. However, when you work with a pediatric dental team, you can trust that they have the skills to help ease this anxiety, making their first visit positive.
Signs It’s Time to Transition
While pediatric dentistry is great for children, there comes a time when they need to start seeing a general dentist. Some of the signs that it is time for your child to transition to general dentistry include:
1. Age Milestones
Most children start seeing a pediatric dentist by their first birthday and continue to visit this dentist until they turn 18. However, some children may be ready to make the transition from pediatric dentistry to general dentistry earlier, around 12 to 14 years of age. If your child has all their permanent teeth, this may be a sign that it is time to transition.
2. Mature Oral Health Needs
As children grow, their dental needs change. If your child requires more complex dental procedures, like treatment for gum disease, restorative work, or management for temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), a general dentist may be more equipped to handle these issues than their pediatric dentistry team.
3. Comfort Levels
Some teenagers may begin to feel out of place in a pediatric dental office, especially if it is decorated with a much younger audience in mind. If your child is expressing some discomfort or embarrassment about visiting the pediatric dentist, it may be a sign that they are ready to move on to a general dentist.
4. Pediatric Dentist’s Recommendation
While pediatric dentistry is a good fit for some patients, it might not always be their best fit. Your child’s pediatric dentist will also be a valuable resource in determining when to transition. They can assess your child’s dental development and overall oral health to make an informed recommendation.
How to Make the Transition Smooth
While it may be time for your child to transition from pediatric dentistry to general dentistry, they may be experiencing a bit of anxiety about it. Although this anxiety is common, there are a few things you can do to make this transition smoother. Some things you can do to help them through this transition include:
Open Communication
As they begin the transition from pediatric dentistry to general dentistry, you should remember to talk to your child about the transition and explain why it is happening. Address any concerns they might have and reassure them that this is a normal part of growing up. Keeping an open line of communication means your child will come to you when any other anxiety may emerge.
Find the Right General Dentist
When looking for a new dental team, look for a general dentist who has experience treating teenagers and young adults. It is important to choose a dentist who makes your child feel comfortable and understands their unique needs during this stage of life. When looking, consider reading reviews to see what other people’s experiences with this dental team have been and if they are a good fit for your child.
Schedule a Consultation
Before making the switch, you should reach out to the dental office to see if you can schedule a consultation or meet-and-greet with the new dentist. This meet-and-greet gives your child a chance to get to know the dentist and the office. Visiting this new office can help alleviate any anxiety about the change, making it easier for your child to make this transition.
Coordinate Care
Ensure your child’s dental records are transferred from the pediatric dentist to the new general dentist. By ensuring the files have been transferred, you guarantee the new dentist has a complete picture of your child’s dental history, making it easier to continue their care seamlessly. It also means they can begin crafting a treatment plan to help your child overcome potential dental ailments.
A Reliable Dentist for Every Age
Transitioning from pediatric dentistry to general dentistry is a significant milestone in your child’s life. By paying attention to the signs and making the transition thoughtfully, you can ensure that your child continues to review the best dental care as they grow into adulthood. If you are looking for a dental team to help you through your child’s dental journey, turn to our team at North View Dental for support.
For almost 25 years, our team has provided reliable dental care to patients across the Wasatch Front. Whether you’re bringing your child in for their first dental appointment or addressing your dental concerns, our team is here to help you through it all. If you would like to learn more about the services we provide or if you’d like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
