When it comes to your child’s dental care, finding the right provider is essential. Choosing a pediatric dentist in Hermiston can make all the difference in how your child feels about going to the dentist and in their overall oral health. At Advanced Pediatric Dentistry of Hermiston, we tailor our care specifically to kids, ensuring every visit is fun and stress-free.
Why Your Child Deserves a Specialist
You might wonder: what’s the difference between a pediatric dentist and a regular dentist? The answer lies in the level of training and expertise each has when it comes to treating children.
Special Training for Kids
General dentists treat patients of all ages, but pediatric dentists undergo specialized training to care for children’s developing teeth, gums, and jaws. After dental school, pediatric dentists undergo an additional two to three years of residency focused on child development, behavior management, and the unique dental needs of kids, giving them a deeper understanding of how to provide age-appropriate care.
At Advanced Pediatric Dentistry of Hermiston, we prioritize making each visit a positive experience, taking extra time to ensure kids feel comfortable and calm. Our team, including Dr. Shane Schmidt, is trained to make dental visits fun and educational, helping children develop a healthy relationship with dental care from the start.
A Kid-Friendly Environment
One of the most significant differences between a pediatric dentist in Hermiston and a regular dentist is the environment. Pediatric dentists, like those at Advanced Pediatric Dentistry of Hermiston, create spaces specifically designed to make children feel at ease, with brightly colored walls, kid-friendly dental tools, toys, and games.
The entire office focuses on ensuring your child feels comfortable and excited about their visit, unlike regular dentists, who typically see patients of all ages in the same space, which may not be as welcoming for a child. Our team specializes in meeting children’s emotional and physical needs, turning each visit into an adventure rather than something to fear.
Behavior Management
Children’s behavior can play a significant role in their dental visits, and pediatric dentists are experts in managing anxiety and fear in young patients. They have learned to communicate with children in ways that help them understand the importance of dental care without causing fear or discomfort.
Unlike regular dentists, pediatric dentists have specialized tools and techniques to help nervous kids feel at ease, such as positive reinforcement, distraction methods, or even sedation dentistry when necessary.
Specialized Treatments for Kids
While a regular dentist can undoubtedly perform the basics of dental care, like cleanings and fillings, pediatric dentists have trained to handle children’s unique dental needs. Their training includes dealing with teething issues, cavities in baby teeth, and the development of permanent teeth. Pediatric dentists are also experts in preventive treatments like fluoride treatments and sealants, which can protect your child’s teeth as they grow.
At Advanced Pediatric Dentistry of Hermiston, we offer a full range of services, including:
- Preventative care like cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants
- Restorative care, such as fillings and crowns to fix cavities and other damage
- Sedation dentistry to help anxious children feel comfortable during procedures
- Special needs dentistry for children with specific support needs
Tailored Care for Every Age Group
Pediatric dentists also understand the different stages of oral development. From teething babies to teenagers with braces, a pediatric dentist is well-equipped to provide care at each stage of your child’s dental growth. A regular dentist may not always be able to address the specific needs of younger children or teenagers, especially as they transition into adulthood.
Let Us Treat Your Kids as Their Pediatric Dentist in Hermiston
If you’re ready to find a pediatric dentist in Hermiston who will make sure your child’s dental experience is as positive as possible, contact us today for an appointment. We look forward to welcoming your family to Advanced Pediatric Dentistry of Hermiston, located in Hermiston, Oregon.