As parents we always think of take caring of kid’s teeth. This can start from good oral care habits. However there are situations that kids may lose their tooth. This is a situation most mommies and daddies worry about. However don’t worry. Nowadays with advancement of science, there are ways to keep your kid’s smile beautiful!

Dental implants are a popular solution for missing teeth however if you look for dental implants for your kid then you should consider many facts. Kids may lose a tooth during play or even due to accidents. However when you contact a professional and well experienced dentist in your area, treating it is not too complex. With dental implant facilities your kid can avoid embarrassment or even low self-confidence status when you help him or her to get the tooth back.

However, most parents are doubtful of such dental implants for kids. They worry thinking ‘are dental implants safe for kids’? If you are one of such parents, here are some information which may help you to take decision.

Is it safe for kids to undergo dental implants?

As per many professional dentists, yes, it is safe for kids to undergo dental implants if they are qualified for it. As per Dr. Brian Levitin of Mile High Smiles who is a dental expert for Lakewood Colorado Dental Implants, kids can undergo such treatment if they are at least 18 years old. But, it is also say that girls should be minimum of 15 years old and boys to be minimum of 17 years old to receive such treatment. However this age limit is just an indication only. Most importantly the kid should have proper jaw development in order to undergo a dental implant. Therefore the age range can be varied too.

If the kid is with right jaw development and he is able to take care of the tooth after the medical procedure is done, there shouldn’t be a problem. However you need to contact your dentist for further advice. If you think your kid is in right age and it is necessary to do a dental implant, check with your dentist. He will check and advice you in further steps!

When choosing the right dentist for your child, it is best to choose a pediatric dentist, rather than a general practice. Pediatric dentists specialize in dental care for kids and are specifically qualified to treat the unique dental needs of children ranging from infants to teens, including those with special needs. Here are some reasons to consider a pediatric dentist as your child’s dental care provider.

They have more training than general dentists.

After finishing four years of dental school, pediatric dentists are required to complete two to three years of additional pediatric training that is geared toward caring for a child’s teeth and unique dental issues. Because pediatric dentists are experts in caring for children, they are better equipped to handle the specific problems that kids face, like cavities, decay, wisdom teeth extraction in teens, and even common behavioral challenges, such as fear of the dentist.

They focus on preventive care.

Starting with the first visit, pediatric dentists emphasize the importance of early preventive care and help encourage a lifetime of great oral health for kids. Through early and regular oral exams, many dental issues in kids can be detected and treated before they advance to more serious problems, saving parents time and money down the road. As part of their focus on preventive care, pediatric dentists educate parents and kids on the proper ways for children to brush and floss their teeth along with advice on tooth-friendly nutrition and breaking bad habits, like thumb sucking.

They create kid-friendly environments to make dentistry fun.

Pediatric dental offices are designed with the comfort of children in mind. While adult dental offices may feel intimidating to a child, pediatric waiting areas and exam rooms often feature colorful decor, child-sized furniture, and fun games or activities to help kids feel at ease the minute they walk through the door. When children are greeted by a friendly staff and an inviting office setting, it sets the tone for a positive, safe and relaxed appointment every time they visit the dentist.

They are skilled to ease dental fears in children.

Many adults who are afraid of the dentist can trace their fears all the way back to childhood. For this reason, pediatric dentists strive to create a positive, calm experience for children so that they not only look forward to visiting the dentist, but desire to take care of their teeth throughout their lives. Pediatric dentists and their staff do this by establishing trusted relationships with their young patients at an early age. They are highly skilled at communicating with children of all ages and treat young patients in ways that make them feel comfortable during procedures. For younger children, this may include a lot of hands-on explanations and “show-and-tell” techniques to help kids become comfortable with unfamiliar sights, sounds and smells at the dental office.

Also check : 3 Foods and Habits Known to Cause Tooth Discolouration

Planning your child’s first visit to the dentist.

According to the American Dental Association, a child’s first trip to the dentist should occur approximately six months after his or her first tooth erupts and no later than the child’s first birthday. Children should visit their dentist every six months for preventive cleanings and exams, or more frequently if recommended by the pediatric dentist, to treat developing dental concerns.

The main purpose of the first appointment is to get to know the dentist, which sets the stage for future, positive visits for your child. At the initial appointment, parents can discuss questions and concerns about their child’s dental health. In addition to a thorough exam and cleaning, pediatric dentists will look for signs of decay, provide information about developmental milestones, and demonstrate how to prevent cavities through good oral hygiene practices at home.

Good oral hygiene practices at home is essential to protect kids’ teeth.Read how to Choose the Best Toothpaste for Toddlers and Kids

Pediatric dentists offer a specialized focus on children that most general dentists are not equipped to provide. Ultimately, the best dentist for your child will be one who is highly educated and knowledgeable about dental health for kids and who makes your child feel comfortable during treatment. With the right partner for dental health, you can feel confident that your child is on the best path to a lifetime of good oral health.

Author bio: Dr. Sheila Harris is Owner of Natomas Crossing Dental Care in Sacramento, California. Dr. Harris graduated from Northwestern University School of Dentistry and has been a licensed dentist since 2000. She is a proud member of several dental organizations and has been one of the top general dentists in Sacramento for the past five years.