Dr. Deborah Aber and Dr. Vandna Sharma are co-owners of Little Pearls Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Aber received her dental degree from New York University College of Dentistry and her specialty training at St. Barnabas Hospital in Bronx, New York. Dr. Vandna Sharma received her dental degree from the University of Saskatchewan and her specialty training and Masters Degree from the University of Toronto.
Q: What are the ways Pediatric Dentists can render treatment for children?
A: There are several choices of treatment modalities that help children be more at ease to receive dental work. These choices are made weighing the patient’s age, scope of work to be done, previous dental and medical history. With every patient interaction, Pediatric Dentists employ behaviour management techniques. Some of these techniques are: Tell-Show-Do where every step is explained in age- appropriate language and demonstrated visually before starting, Distraction, Positive Reinforcement, and many more.
In addition to behavior management Pediatric Dentists offer treatment with nitrous oxide or laughing gas, oral sedation, and general anesthesia. Nitrous Oxide or laughing gas provides analgesia and helps the child feel more relaxed during dental treat- ment. Oral sedation can be combined with laughing gas to help children who are moderately anxious receive dental treatment awake and calmly. Pediatric Dentists also can prescribe a medicine that a child takes prior to their dental appointment to help them relax.
Lastly, general anesthesia can be used when the child’s age, scope of work, and the patient’s degree of nervousness for dental treatment prohibits completion of dental care awake. General anesthesia is a mode of treatment where the patient is treated asleep. General anesthesia is given by anesthetists trained to administer this type of sedation. The anesthetists work with Pediatric Dentists as a team. Nitrous Oxide, Oral Sedation and General Anesthesia are all safe treatment modalities that can be tailored to meet each child’s dental and developmental needs. Pediatric Dentists strive to render treatment with positive behaviour outcomes so that children feel safe and happy to receive dental care.
Q: Why should I seek treatment for my child at a Pediatric Dentist?
A: Pediatric Dentists have 2-4 years of extra training treating children. The training includes clinical and pharmacologic training in the dental management of children while focusing on their emotional and psychological needs. Pediatric Dentists aim to foster positive relationships with their patients so that they continue to seek good oral care throughout their lives.