Family Dentist vs Pediatric Dentist ?

Our whole family, myself, husband %26amp; 4 kids see a "family" dentist. My 3 yr old twins went yesterday for their first full exam. On one son he found 1 cavity and 3 needing to be watched. He feels the 1 tooth with the worst cavity at least needs some work as the tooth it involves will be one of the last baby teeth he will loose and the tooth won't wait that long, it will develop a spot or hole on it %26amp; maybe become painfull. Then we learned he can't actually do the work but referred us to a pediatric dentist two hours away. I was very disappointed %26amp; since yesterday %26amp; hours trying to find or even get into a "pediatric" dentist, I'm now almost mad. I don't understand why my dentist considers himself a family dentist then if he won't actually do work on small children. I do understand why you wouldn't want to, but that's what a family practice to me should do. I finally found a family practice dentist that will do it, no prob. If this guy is good, should we consider switching?

Family Dentist vs Pediatric Dentist ?
I would be happy that my dentist knew is limits and who he is able to work on. Maybe he isn't qualified to use the anthestetic that is required (and in that case even own the equipment and ansethtic needed)





I would stay there if you are all comfortable and secure in this dentist. Find a ped that can do this work in particular and when it is all done wiht go back to your family one. work harder on cleaning the kids teeth from now on sot hat you do not have to find another dentist.
Reply:I wouldn't. I would be grateful that I have a dentist who knows his limitations and is more concerned about my child than the money that he would make from working on my child.





They are 3.. you don't have much more time left before they wouldn't need to go to a pediatric dentist and with good prevention they shouldn't get anymore cavities so what would be the concern?
Reply:I think your dentist was trying to do what is best for your child - I too found a family dentist that was willing to work on my son's teeth. It was the worst experience of my life. We wound up going to pediatric dentist over an hour away, making extra trips because of the drama the other guy caused and having to use a sedative on my son before he could get a filling. The "family" dentist we wound up with was horrid, he pulled my son's tooth before the novicain (sp) had taken effect, they put the gas mask on upside down, and then tried to charge me for the gas.





If not for the kindness of the pediatric dentist and his willingness to go slow to help my son get over all his fear that other Dr ( and I use that title lightly) cause I am not sure what we would have done. It was a long hard road for us. I hope you experience is better.
Reply:We are very lucky to have a pediatric dentist in the same practice as our family dentist. It just worked out that way, I didn't go out of my way to find them. If it were possible for your kids, I would definitely recommend it. They have a way with kids and do some of the procedures differently, which is good for little ones who haven't had any work done before and might be a little afraid.





You are busy, so you naturally don't want to drive that far just for 2 of you. I think if you're uncomfortable with the family dentist you have now, I would try out the new family one and if you like him, then switch the whole family. Much simpler, and that way you'll feel your little ones are getting the best care. A family dentist who will work on small children and who you feel happy with will be just as good as a pediatric dentist.
Reply:I recommend the pediatric dentist. I've used both family and Ped with mine and they have more patience and are used to the delays that a frightened child will cause.


Ours always discusses everything completely before any procedure. In fact, there was a brown spot that what questionable, and the dentist told us it wasn't a major concern right away - whereas another may have been quick to drill/fill. The spot is a "potential cavity point", which means we make sure he brushes the right way and every day.


He will lose it the natural way soon and it hasn't affected his permanent tooth in the least.


I'm not saying yours doesn't need anything done, but pointing out that some dentists hesitate when doing something so drastic to a child's mouth, considering the whole impact. Our situation turned out good, and we trust him. - Make sure you trust whoever your children see.
Reply:I think your dentist was just doing what he saw best. As for a pediatric dentist, my children go to one (the same one I went to until I was 18). I prefer my children go to a pediatric dentist because they are better equipped to deal with kids. They have play areas to keep them entertained while waiting; they are more patient with kids (especially the smaller ones); they have special tools for little mouths; and they know all kinds of cool little tricks to calm the kids down. For example, the dentist my kids go to have funky little sunglasses for the smaller ones to wear when they get into the chair.
Reply:This may not help a lot but I worked for Head Start for many years taking children to their dental appts.Family dentists are not as friendly/caring per say to the little ones.Don't take it wrong,they are good,but if the children are scared or if there are problems the pediatric dentist and assistants are trained to deal with the little ones better.Bed side manor makes a big difference how an exam goes for a child.