Pediatric dentists have specialized training to treat infants, young children and teenagers. At The Addison Dentist, our office is designed for children. We use special dental tools created for smaller mouths. Dr. Contrucci is trained in children’s psychology. We know how to be patient with children with short attention spans. We help kids of all ages feel safe and comfortable during dental visits.
When should my child transition from a pediatric dentist to a general dentist?
Some parents transition their child to a general dentist as soon as all their child’s permanent teeth come in. Other parents have their child see Dr. Contrucci until their late teens.
Some children hit their early teen years and want to go to an “adult” dentist. It’s a good idea to let your child guide the decision. It’s important that they feel comfortable at the dentist. If your son or daughter starts feeling like they are too old to see a pediatric dentist, that’s okay.
We understand the oral health needs of your teenager
Remember that the team at The Addison Dentist is willing and able to address adolescent dental needs. We are happy to continue treating your teen through their adolescent years. In addition to general dentistry, we provide orthodontic services, custom sports mouthguards, and wisdom teeth removal.
What dental issues should I be watching for during adolescence?
Regardless of whether your adolescent continues to visit our practice for treatment, pay attention to their nutrition needs as they enter their teen years. As children become more independent, they start making more of their own food choices. If you visit any Addison-area middle school or high school during lunch, you will notice that many Texas teens drink soda and energy drinks. Many of those teens drank milk during elementary school. Make sure your teen gets enough calcium to keep their teeth strong. Understand that vaping and smoking takes a toll on physical and dental health.
Your dentist is an indispensable member of your healthcare team
Your dentist can help you understand how their diet and lifestyle impact their oral health. If your teenager struggles with an eating disorder, a dentist can address any related dental issues. If your teen is undergoing orthodontic treatment, your dentist can monitor their teeth closely during a time when it’s more difficult to keep teeth clean and free of tooth decay
We value our patient relationships and want to treat your teenager as long as they feel comfortable at our office. Regardless of when you transition your teen to a general dentist, make sure they continue to see a dentist at least twice a year. Continue to monitor their oral hygiene practices and set a good example. Watch out for destructive habits. Make sure they wear a mouthguard when participating in contact sports.
The team at The Addison Dentist has been serving families in the Dallas area since 2005. We value the relationships we have developed with our patients and their families. If you are looking for an experienced, caring pediatric dentist in the Addison area, give us a call to schedule a consultation.
Contact The Addison Dentist:
469-998-2515
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
4145 Belt Line Rd Ste 208
Addison, Texas
75001
