Pediatric Dental Center Cape Girardeau, MO

When it comes to your child’s oral health, it is important to choose the right dental care provider. Pediatric dental centers have the experience and expertise to provide your child with the quality care they need. Treatment from a pediatric dental care center can help your child feel relaxed and create a positive relationship with the dentist.

Jayne F. Scherrman JS Pediatric Dentistry is a pediatric dental center in Cape Girardeau and the surrounding area. Our team offers a wide range of services to help improve and maintain your child’s oral health. Call us at (573) 271-3062 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.

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    Benefits of a Pediatric Dental Center

    Many children get nervous or restless during dental appointments. The design of pediatric dental centers keeps children in mind and helps put them at ease. They often feature bright, colorful decor and TV sets, video game equipment, and other fun activities. These features help get children excited about dental visits. From smaller chairs that comfortably fit young patients to customized instruments and equipment that fit into smaller mouths, pediatric dental centers put children’s comfort and safety first.

    Pediatric dental center teams also receive special training. Our team has the experience to manage behavioral issues, including dental anxiety. While general dentists can perform cleanings or fill cavities in children, they may not know how to help children relax during treatment. Pediatric dental centers offer a reassuring, friendly atmosphere that builds positive associations. Children can begin to see the dentist's office as a safe and welcoming space.

    “Pediatric dental centers offer a reassuring, friendly atmosphere that builds positive associations.”

    Pediatric Dental Centers Vs. Traditional Dental Centers

    Traditional dental centers accept a wide range of patients, regardless of age. While they offer various services, they do not have the specialized training or knowledge in only treating children. Pediatric dental centers are designed with children in mind. Pediatric providers undergo additional training to treat childhood dental problems. As a result, they can recognize and treat complex concerns.

    During childhood and adolescence, children's mouths change rapidly. Teeth shift, and the jawbone widens. Dental problems can arise without warning and progress quickly. A pediatric provider has skills and experience caring for children’s oral health. They can spot problems in their early stages and provide quick intervention. Pediatric dental centers can also help parents address common concerns like weaning and teething. They can serve as a valuable resource for parents considering treatments, such as orthodontics, and provide them in-house.

    “Pediatric providers undergo additional training to treat childhood dental problems.”

    Services At A Pediatric Dental Center

    Besides routine exams and cleanings, pediatric dental centers also have professionals who can oversee more specialized dental treatments for children. Children can also receive restorative therapies, such as fillings, crowns, and dental bondings. Pediatric dental centers offer these services to help repair damaged teeth and improve oral health.

    Some pediatric dental centers also offer early orthodontic care. Pediatric orthodontists can monitor children's oral development to spot problems. Early orthodontic intervention can prevent issues from becoming worse and reduce the need for more extensive treatment in the future. If a child requires pre-orthodontic or orthodontic treatment, professionals at a pediatric dental center may oversee treatment on-site. Parents should contact our team for more details about our available services.

    “Besides routine exams and cleanings, pediatric dental centers also have professionals who can oversee more specialized dental treatments for children.”

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    Scheduling An Appointment

    Like adults, children can develop dental problems without warning. A pediatric dental center can often accommodate same-day appointments and other emergency care. Unlike a small dental clinic that may only have one pediatric dentist, centers have multiple dental professionals on-site.

    This availability makes it is easier for parents to schedule an appointment. Pediatric dental centers specifically cater to children. Parents can easily schedule appointments and receive prompt and efficient care for their children.

    “A pediatric dental center can often accommodate same-day appointments and other emergency care.”

    The Importance of Preventive Care

    Comprehensive dental care can prevent future issues and help children maintain healthy teeth. Children who receive preventative care have a better chance of avoiding tooth decay and gum disease. Pediatric dental centers offer preventative care, such as in-depth cleanings, oral health exams, habit counseling, and dietary recommendations. Common habits like pacifier overuse can lead to dental problems later. Pediatric dentists can spot these issues and offer resources and support to parents.

    Children can also receive specialized preventive treatments at a pediatric dental center, such as sealants to prevent decay in baby teeth and permanent molars. Children should see a pediatric dentist about every six months for a dental exam and teeth cleaning. These exams help reduce the chance of disease by keeping the mouth and teeth healthy. Every child is different, so parents should speak with our team to determine how often to visit the dentist.

    “Comprehensive dental care can prevent future issues and help children maintain healthy teeth.”

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q. How do pediatric dental providers differ from general dentists?

    A. A pediatric dental provider specializes in the oral health of children from infancy through the teen years. Many complex dental conditions develop during childhood. Pediatric dentists can diagnose and treat these conditions in their early stages.

    Q. When should my child start seeing a pediatric dentist?

    A. Children should have their first dental visit by the age of one or within six months after their first tooth comes in. The first dental visit is usually short and involves little treatment. We will check the existing teeth for decay, examine the child's bite, and look for any potential problems with the gums, jaw, and oral tissues. We can also provide important information about weaning, thumb-sucking, and pacifier use to establish healthy dental habits early on.

    Q. When is my child ready to move on from a pediatric dentist?

    A. Pediatric dentists rarely treat adult patients. Children typically stop seeing a pediatric dentist between the ages of 18 and 22 years. However, some pediatric dentists continue seeing patients until their twentieth birthday. We will work with patients and their parents to determine when to make the switch.

    Q. How do dental sealants work?

    A. Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that are painted over children’s back molars to prevent cavities. These coverings protect the chewing surface of teeth by blocking out bacteria and debris. According to the CDC, dental sealants protect against 80% of cavities for two years and continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to four years.

    Q. Do baby teeth need to get filled?

    A. In some cases, small cavities can repair themselves through remineralization. If we catch the cavity when it has just started, we can provide parents with tips to better care for their child’s teeth and prevent the cavity from growing larger. If we determine that the baby tooth is close to falling out, filling it may not be necessary.

    Quality Pediatric Dental Services Can Transform Smiles

    By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get your child the professional treatment they need.

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    Definition of Pediatric Dental Terminology

    Abscess
    A pocket of pus inside teeth or gums that is caused by a bacterial infection.
    Cavity
    Permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of teeth can develop into small holes.
    Crown
    A permanent cap placed on weak or damaged teeth.
    Dental Bonding
    A composite resin used to fix minor chips or cracks on teeth.
    Fluoride
    A naturally occurring mineral proven to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay.
    Gums
    The soft tissue lining of the mouth that surrounds teeth and provides a seal around them.
    Jawbone
    The bone of the lower jaw.
    Molar
    The large, flat teeth at the back of the mouth used primarily to grind food.
    Oral Hygiene
    The practice of keeping the mouth clean and free of disease by regular brushing and flossing.
    Periodontitis
    A severe gum infection that damages gums and can lead to tooth loss and other serious complications.
    Plaque
    A sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth.
    Primary Teeth
    The first set of teeth in the development of people.
    Tartar
    Hard mineral deposits that develop on teeth when regularly exposed to plaque.

    Call Us Today

    Pediatric dental centers offer unique benefits for both parents and children. Our team at Jayne F. Scherrman JS Pediatric Dentistry can provide your child with the quality and attentive care they deserve. Call us at 573-271-3062 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.

    If you live in the Cape Girardeau area, call 573-271-3062 for an appointment in our Cape Girardeau office.

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