Pediatric Dentistry in Rio Grande Valley, Texas

At Iman Dental Center, our mission is to help restore and shape smiles that are both beautiful and healthy. Pediatric dentistry is related to the oral health of children starting from their infancy through to their teen years. Our team is the most dependable nearby and is committed to protecting your child’s developing teeth through compassionate treatment and guidance. Calm down and be at ease as your child smiles and giggle with our team.

Dentists that are equipped in pediatric dentistry have to suit for expertise in dealing with teeth, gums, and mouth of a kid throughout their youth.

Children start growing their teeth when they are about 6 months old and 6 or 7 years of age, they will begin to lose their milk teeth. These will be replaced by permanent teeth and that is when they need proper dental treatment. They can catch oral infections and dental cavities that will likely affect them throughout their lives if they are not given the correct dental treatment by pediatric dentists.

What are the Treatments that are provided by Pediatric Dentists?

Pediatric dentists offer a complete series of all-inclusive dental health treatment, which includes the following practices:

• Preventive dental care, like cleaning, fluoride treatments, and diet and nutrition recommendations.
• Oral health exams for babies, which include risk evaluations for tooth decay in both mother and infant.
• Correcting cavities or tooth defects
• Early care and assessment for fixing misaligned bite and teeth straightening.
• Management of periodontal diseases and health conditions such as periodontitis, ulcer, short frenulae, and mucoceles.
• Diagnosing oral diseases that are linked to illnesses, including diabetes, asthma, ADHD, hyperactivity disorder, hay fever, and a congenital heart defect.
• Care for dental traumas.
• Habit counseling

Pediatric dentistry vs. General dentistry: what’s the difference?

Sometimes called “family dentistry,” general dentistry is particularly when dentists examine patients of all ages. They are fitted to perform most dental treatments such as crowns, fillings, and other dental services. However, they do not have a specialization.

Unlike general dentists, pediatric dentists are specialists in treating children’s dental problems, and they generally only provide treatment to children (from infants to teens and usually adolescents).

A pediatric dentist should receive their DDS or DMD degree and then complete a post-graduate pediatric residency program, which normally takes between two to three years. While in this program, they will learn about pediatric dentistry thoroughly, with a view to cases like pediatric sedation, children’s orthodontics, and even stuff like child psychology and development.

Not only do pediatric dentists have the experiences and mechanisms to treat your child, they sincerely adore working with children. A kind and gentle pediatric dentist will put an effort to create a good rapport with your child, so your child has a positive relationship with the dentist in the coming years. Without this foundation of trust, kids could likely grow up with dental anxiety that hinders them from seeking medical attention.                                                                                                                                                              

What Dental Issues could My Child Have?

Some dental issues start quite early in life. One problem is early childhood cavities, a severe condition caused by breastfeeding or bottle feeding too long. According to statistics, 42% of children 2 to 11 have had dental caries in their primary teeth. Another concern is gum disease. Oral habits, like thumb sucking, must also be stopped.

The earlier the dental check-up, the greater the possibilities of preventing complications. Healthy, strong teeth help your child eat food efficiently, speak well, and have confidence in his or her look. 

How to prepare your child for their first visit to pediatric dentistry

It is common for a child to become uneasy just hearing about a dentist or doctor. Let them know you understand them and try to help them conquer that fright. Here are some suggestions:

• Talk good things about the dentist – Do this and talk to them regarding the consequences connected with not seeing the dentist.
• Come prepared – You may take your child’s toys to keep them entertained while waiting.
• Remain calm – Avoid looking worried as your child may be easily thrilled and frightened as well.
• Treat your child after– Buy anything your child wants for doing a good job at the clinic. This will make your child begin associating dental visits with treats and other good things.

How Often Should My Child Be Seen for Check-ups?

We advise that all children be examined twice a year for dental check-ups and cleanings by a Pediatric Dentist. With appointments twice-yearly, we can see and observe your child’s dental development and growth. These regular appointments also enable your child to become more and more relaxed with our office and staff. As your child sees familiar faces every time they come to our office, this helps subdue tension for both the child and the parent.

Are Baby Teeth That Important to My Child?

Baby teeth or primary teeth are vital for several reasons. Not only do they help children chew properly or articulate well, but they also help in creating a path those permanent teeth can conform when they are set to erupt. What’s most valuable is to remember the front 8 primary teeth don’t completely fall out until around 8 years old, and the back 12 baby teeth don’t all fall out until around age 12.

When Should My Child Start Brushing Their Teeth?

Parents are responsible for overseeing their children’s dental health when they are too young to brush their teeth. With babies, parents must clean their child’s gums following every feeding with a water-soaked baby cloth to stimulate the gum tissue and get rid of food debris. Once teeth start erupting, lightly brush them with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush putting a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste.

Children can start learning how to brush their teeth around the age of two or three. But, they will still need to be watched until about the age of six or seven. 

What Must I Do If My Child Knocks Out A Permanent Tooth?

First, keep calm. Then find the tooth. Avoid damaging the delicate nerve endings at the root area of the tooth when handling. Try to reinsert your tooth in the socket, and use a paper compact to secure it until you can get to the dentist. If that isn’t possible, place the tooth in a cup of cold milk and bring your child at once to the dentist if there are no other more severe injuries. 

How Safe Are Dental X-rays?

X-rays present information to the pediatric dentist that may be necessary to the prerequisite of the most suitable treatment. There is a small risk. The pediatric dentist is cautious to regulate the amount of radiation exposure by the use of lead aprons and high-speed films.                                                                

Are Pediatric Dentists More Expensive?

Dental treatments and care are pricey in some cases, and most people nowadays are truly worried about budget when looking for health assistance. Since pediatric dentists are more specialized, their services may be a bit higher than a family dentist. Nevertheless, considering pediatric dentists are more abreast with the oral and dental health of children and teenagers, their expertise may save you money in the long run.

Pediatric Dentistry near Rio Grande Valley

We are a one-stop pediatric dental office, inclusive of regular cleaning and hygiene visits, in-office corrective practices (like extractions, implants, and crowns) at Iman Dental Center.

We accept most types of insurance, and we’re open Monday through Saturday. If you want to learn more or you would like to schedule a consultation, never hesitate to contact us at 956-585-2000 or fill out a form.