Transitioning From Pediatric to Adult Dental Care

As your child grows and develops, their dental needs will also change. Eventually, they must transition from pediatric dental care to adult dental care.

This can be a big change for both of you, but it is an important step in children’s oral health journey.

We will discuss what you need to know about transitioning your child from pediatric to adult dental care.

What are Some Differences Between Pediatric and Adult Dental Care?

Quality dental services include pediatric and adult dental care catering to different age groups, each with unique needs and considerations.

Here are the key differences between the two:

Pediatric Dental Care:

1. Child-Friendly Environment: Pediatric dental offices are designed to be welcoming and comfortable for children, often decorated with bright colors, equipped with toys or games, and staffed by professionals skilled in making dental visits less intimidating for young patients.
2. Focus on Growth and Development: Quality pediatric dental services emphasize monitoring and managing the growth and development of the jaw and teeth, including dealing with baby teeth and guiding the proper emergence of permanent teeth.
3. Preventive Care and Education: There’s a strong emphasis on preventive care, including teaching children and parents about proper oral hygiene practices, diet, and regular dental checkups to prevent decay and other dental problems.

Adult Dental Care:

1. Complexity of Treatments: Adult dental care often involves more complex procedures beyond preventive care, including restorative treatments like fillings, crowns, and dentures, as well as cosmetic procedures such as whitening and veneers.
2. Management of Long-Term Oral Health: Adult dentistry focuses on the long-term maintenance of oral health, addressing issues arising from wear and tear, gum disease, and the cumulative effects of lifestyle choices on dental health.
3. Specialized Services: Adults may require specialized dental services, such as periodontal care for gum diseases, endodontic treatment for root canal issues, and oral surgery for extractions or dental implants.

How to Know When to Switch from a Pediatric Dentist to Adult Dental Care

Deciding when to transition your child from a pediatric dentist to an adult dental care provider involves considering several key factors.

Here’s how to know when it might be time for that switch:

1. Age and Maturity: What age does pediatric dental care stop? While there’s no strict age limit, the transition often occurs during late adolescence or early adulthood, typically around 18 to 21.
2. Dental Development: Completing certain dental milestones, such as the eruption of all permanent teeth (excluding wisdom teeth) and the cessation of significant jaw growth, can signal readiness for adult dental care.
3. Complexity of Dental Needs: It might be time to transition if your child requires dental procedures more commonly addressed by general dentists or dental specialists who treat adults—such as advanced orthodontic work, wisdom tooth extraction, or implant placement.
4. Comfort Level: Adolescents might feel out of place in a pediatric setting designed with younger children in mind. A more adult-oriented dental office might be more suitable and comfortable for them.
5. Pediatric Dentist’s Recommendation: Your child’s pediatric dentist will often suggest when it’s time to transition based on their professional assessment of your child’s dental and emotional maturity.

Find the Best Dentistry in Chicago for All Ages

At Art of Modern Dentistry, we can help your child smoothly transition from pediatric dental care to adult dental care.

That’s because we offer dental care for all ages in Chicago.

We’ve worked on many dream smiles over the years and can do the same for you. See our smile gallery to enjoy our portfolio.

In addition, our doctors and staff have years of experience and look forward to offering you the best dental care.

Contact us today.