What's the Difference Between a Pediatric Dentist and a Regular Dentist?

At Fabulous Dentistry, we offer family and pediatric dental services in Houston. As a general practice, you’ll find appropriate care for people of all ages, from 2 to 92! But that being said, is there a difference when it comes to taking your child to a family dentist vs. a pedodontist (pediatric dentist)?

Services Offered

General and family dentists offer all basic pediatric dental services, such as:

  • Cleanings

  • Sealants and fluoride

  • Sports mouthguards

  • Orthodontic evaluations

  • Fillings

  • Emergency dentistry

  • Extractions

  • Laughing gas

And  if your child’s dental treatment needs become more complex, they may require therapies like

  • Pulpotomies and apicoectomies

  • Stainless steel crowns

  • Early interceptive orthodontics

  • Oral or IV sedation

Dr. Garcia has extensive experience at working with little ones. We are able to treat most pediatric conditions in our office. And if your child needs to be referred to a pediatric office we will lead you to the right direction.  

It’s common to wonder why a child’s teeth need to be repaired if they’re just going to fall out anyway. What most parents don’t realize is that primary (baby) teeth act as guides and placeholders for the permanent (adult) teeth underneath. Ensuring that your child’s primary teeth are healthy and maintained for the appropriate length of time will play a crucial role in their future smile as adults. 

Special Needs Dentistry

If you have a child who is medically fragile, suffers from a particular behavioral disorder, or is unable to sit for a regular dental appointment, then your family dentist will likely refer your child to a pediatric specialist. Pediatric dental offices tend to be better equipped with the resources needed to facilitate special needs dentistry — and even hospitalization or sedation when complex cases arise. More often than not, such accommodations make it easier for your child to enjoy a stress-free or more relaxed encounter while getting the dental care they need. 


Education and Licensure 

Pediatric dentists have an additional 2-3 years of specialized education in the area of children’s dentistry. They often complete residencies inside of hospitals, serving medically fragile children and performing procedures under the supervision of pediatric specialists. If a pedodontist chooses to become board certified, they must also submit various case studies to the licensing board and take additional written exams on top of their standard dental testing. 

General dentists receive 4 years of formal education in comprehensive and family dentistry. As such, they’re qualified and licensed to provide routine pediatric dentistry services on young children. 

A Place for Your Entire Family

At Fabulous Dentistry, our Houston family dentist makes it easy to bring everyone to the same dental provider. Offering you comprehensive care in one location is convenient for busy families and ensures you get the personalized care you’re looking for. Call us today to request you or your child’s first visit with Dr. Garcia!

Learn More About Pediatric Dentistry

HOW DO I PREPARE MY CHILD FOR THEIR FIRST DENTIST VISIT

WHEN SHOULD A CHILD START BRUSHING THEIR OWN TEETH?