Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Dental Care

As you get older, your medical care – including your dental care – changes with you. A shift from pediatric to adult dentistry is a big step. Whether you are a teen preparing for this change or a parent seeking guidance for your child, understanding what this transition entails can make the process smoother.

What is Pediatric Dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry focuses on the oral health of infants, children, and teenagers. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to address the unique needs of younger patients. Their expertise includes:

Monitoring the development of children’s teeth and jaw structures.
Educating children and parents on maintaining good oral hygiene habits.
Treating specific issues like baby bottle tooth decay, cavities, and gum diseases.
Creating a kid-friendly environment to ease dental anxiety for younger patients.

Pediatric dentists often use tools and techniques geared toward younger patients, smaller mouths, and developing teeth. Pediatric dentists are also experienced in communicating with children to make them feel comfortable and confident during visits.

How is Adult Dentistry Different?

Adult dentistry caters to patients from their teen years and beyond. Unlike pediatric care, adult dental care focuses on long-term oral health and addressing issues that can arise with age. This can include:

Restorative treatments like dental crowns, implants, and bridges.
Periodontal care to manage and prevent gum disease.
Advanced diagnostics, including screenings for conditions like oral cancer.
Cosmetic services for patients looking to enhance their smiles.

Rather than acting as an introduction to oral health, adult dental care emphasizes maintaining healthy teeth for life. Adults often require a more proactive approach to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and enamel wear, which become more prominent with age.

When to Switch from Pediatric to Adult Dental Care?

The transition from pediatric to adult dental care isn’t one-size-fits-all. It can differ from one patient to another. Frequently, this transition takes place between the point where a patient has lost all of their baby teeth and all of their primary teeth have fully emerged, around the age of 12 or 13, and the end of the teenage years.

Some pediatric dentists continue to see patients beyond this time frame, particularly if they have special needs or dental concerns requiring specialized care. Some dentists specialize in both pediatric and general dentistry, so this transition isn’t quite as noticeable.

What to Expect During the Transition

Switching from pediatric to adult dental care involves several considerations.

Changes in Focus

Your new dentist will focus more on adult dental concerns like gum health, tooth preservation, and preventative care. Treatments, including dental restorations and cosmetic treatments that were not previously available, may be offered to a patient who is interested.

Different Environment

Adult dental offices often differ from pediatric ones in atmosphere and patient interactions. While still welcoming and professional, the child-friendly features, like child-sized chairs or colorful décor, are replaced with a more traditional setting.

Patient Responsibility

Many patients transitioning to adult care take on more responsibility for their oral health, including scheduling appointments, understanding treatment plans, and staying consistent with good dental hygiene.

Do I Need to Change My Dentist?

The need to change your dentist depends on your individual circumstances. Many family dentists are qualified to treat both children and adults. If your current dentist offers adult services, you may not need to switch.

If, however, you visit a pediatric dentist who exclusively treats patients within a certain age range, once you outgrow their care, you will need to find an adult dentist. Fortunately, transitioning doesn’t have to be stressful. Pediatric dentists often provide recommendations for trusted adult dental providers to make your move easier.

Tips for Finding a New Dentist

If you need to switch to an adult dental provider, here are some helpful ideas.

Ask Your Pediatric Dentist

Your current dentist is an excellent resource for recommendations. They can suggest a provider who aligns well with your needs.

Seek Recommendations

Talk to family, friends, and coworkers to gather references. A great referral often provides confidence in your choice.

Research Online

Browse online reviews and ratings to find potential dental offices in your area. Look for patient testimonials and pay attention to positive and negative feedback.