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Gilbert AZ Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Brett Quackenbush, answers frequently asked questions about pediatric Dentistry.
What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) explains that pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.
While a general dentist can provide care to your child, there are several advantages of seeing a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists are qualified to meet the dental needs of infants, toddlers, school-age children, and adolescents. Pediatric dentists are required to undertake an additional two or three years of child-specific training after fulfilling dental school requirements.
In addition to specialized dental training, pediatric dentists specifically study child psychology and child development. This background enables a pediatric dentist to communicate and treat children on a level that is consistent with their understanding and developmental needs in an effective, gentle, and non-threatening manner.
When should I take my child to see a pediatric dentist for the first time?
The AAPD recommends that in order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears or no later than his/her first birthday.
What can a pediatric dentist do?
Pediatric dentists are advocates for children. The pediatric dentist focuses on several different forms of oral care:
- Prevention – Tooth decay, which is often accompanied by pain, swelling and infection, is a common childhood ailment. Advice and recommendations relating to home care, sealants and wise use of fluoride can help protect teeth and minimize the risk of dental decay. Starting this process in the young child prepares them for a lifetime of great oral health.
- Early detection – Examinations and X-rays allow the pediatric dentist to evaluate current and future oral problems. In some cases, optimal outcomes are best achieved by starting treatment early. Regular evaluation of the bite and eruption of teeth can help guide and direct the developing dentition. Pediatric dentists work closely with other specialists, like orthodontists, to assist in this process.
- Treatment – Pediatric dentists offer a wide range of treatments to treat decay, trauma and diseased or broken teeth, including fillings, pulp therapy, crowns, extractions and space maintenance.
- Education – Education is a major part of any pediatric dental practice. Not only can the pediatric dentist help the child understand the importance of daily oral care, but parents can also get advice on toothpaste selection, diet, thumb-sucking cessation, and other information specific to the needs of their child.
How often should a child see a dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests a dental check-up every six months is recommended in order prevent cavities and other dental problems.
Regular dental exams and cleaning visits are essential in preventing dental problems and maintaining the health of teeth and gums. At these visits, your child’s teeth are cleaned and checked for cavities. Additionally, there are many other things that are checked and monitored to help detect, prevent, and maintain your child’s dental health.
- A medical history review will help the pediatric dentist know the status of any current medical conditions, new medications, and illnesses, and gives insight to your child’s overall health and your child’s dental health. Please inform your pediatric dentist of any changes in your child’s health.
- When appropriate, diagnostic x-rays (radiographs)are used to evaluate the detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
- An oral cancer screening exam is done to check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
- Gum disease evaluation is performed to check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of disease.
- All teeth are checked for decay, growth and development.
- The teeth are cleaned of any hard and soft deposits and the teeth are polished. Your child is given instruction of how to care for the teeth at home.
What age do you stop going to a pediatric dentist?
Typically, pediatric dentists provides a “dental house” for children and adolescents from the eruption of their first tooth until maturity which is approximately 18 years of age.
How many years does it take to be a pediatric dentist?
A pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs. (AAPD)
Is a pediatric dentist considered a specialist?
Pediatric dentists are to a child's oral health like pediatricians are to their overall health. A pediatric dentist is the oral health care provider who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of the dental problems of children from the age of one or two to early adulthood.
Timber Falls Pediatric Dentistry in Gilbert, AZ
Pediatric Dentist near Phoenix
- Pediatric Dental Practice near Phoenix
- Named a Top Dentist by Phoenix Magazine
- Specially Trained Pediatric Dentist for Kids
- Services Include Pediatric Teeth Cleaning, Sealants, and Conscious Sedation Dentistry
- Provides Emergency Dental Care in Maricopa County
Timber Falls Pediatric Dentistry is your choice for a pediatric dentist in Gilbert, AZ. Dr. Brett M. Quackenbush offers a full slate of pediatric dental services to meet your child’s dental needs while keeping their mind at ease. Named a Top Dentist in Gilbert by his peers in Phoenix Magazine, Dr. Quackenbush strives to treat every child as his own.
Specially trained as a pediatric dentist for kids, Dr. Quackenbush is well versed in the needs of child patients and sets the standard for dental excellence. After attending Brigham Young University (where he met his wife Tiffany on a study-abroad program to Chile), he received his dental degree (DDS) from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, then completed a two-year specialty training program in Pediatric Dentistry at Indiana University/Riley Children’s Hospital. During his time at Indiana University, Dr. Quackenbush also received his Master of Science in Dentistry Degree (MSD) in Caries research. After his extensive studies and training, Dr. Quackenbush opened Timber Falls Pediatric Dentistry in 2002.
As part of his pediatric dentist services near Phoenix, Dr. Quackenbush aims to make sure your child is getting the proper teeth cleaning, sealants, fluoride treatments, and more. If your child needs more than an exam or teeth cleaning, Dr. Quackenbush also offers pediatric dental services that include composite fillings and pulpotomies. Timber Falls Pediatric Dentistry is a children’s dentist office that focuses on comprehensive care for your child’s dental needs. Whether it’s X-rays, a filling, or a simple cleaning, Dr. Quackenbush understands that not everyone is comfortable at the dentist. However, you and your child can visit our Gilbert dental office with total peace of mind. Dr. Quackenbush offers conscious sedation dentistry options for patients who are nervous or anxious during dental appointments, as well as in-office general anesthesia with an anesthesiologist.
At Timber Falls Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that dental emergencies don’t always happen on schedule with your normal cleanings. This is why we provide emergency dental care to pediatric patients in Maricopa County. Dr. Quackenbush is the pediatric dentist in your area who’s available to fix anything from a simple toothache to a broken tooth from a collision on the soccer field. You can easily find Timber Falls Pediatric Dentistry located at 1534 E. Ray Rd. Suite #121 Gilbert, AZ 85296. We’re your pediatric dentist near Chandler, Mesa, and Tempe. To schedule a pediatric dental appointment, call us at 480-963-8373, or fill out our appointment form at the bottom of this page. We’re available for pediatric appointments Monday through Thursday from 7:00am to 5:00pm.
Our child-friendly environment is designed to make your little ones (and not-so-little ones) feel confident during their visit to Timber Falls Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Quackenbush is an experienced and caring pediatric dentist for your kids.
