When it comes to your child’s dental health, choosing the right dentist is just as important as brushing and flossing. Many parents often wonder: Should I take my child to a pediatric dentist or a general dentist? While both are qualified dental professionals, their training, approach, and expertise can be very different—especially when treating children.
If you are a parent searching for the best pediatric dentist in Pune, this guide will help you understand the differences and why a pediatric dentist is usually the best choice for your child.
Understanding Pediatric Dentistry
A pediatric dentist is a dental specialist who focuses exclusively on the oral health of infants, toddlers, children, and teenagers—including those with special healthcare needs. After completing dental school, pediatric dentists undergo 3 years of specialized training in child psychology, growth and development, and advanced pediatric dental treatments.
At Vanilla Smiles Dental Clinic in Shivaji Nagar, Pune, Dr. Abhishek Soni is a highly experienced and awarded Pediatric Dentist (Kid’s Dental Specialist), the first fellow from Pune of the IAPD(International association of pediatric Dentistry) known for his child-friendly approach and advanced treatment techniques (Pioneer in Happy has dentistry in Pune).
Who Is a General Dentist?
A general dentist treats patients of all ages and handles a wide range of dental procedures such as fillings, crowns, root canals, and cleanings. While general dentists are skilled professionals, they may not have specialized training in managing young children, dental anxiety, or complex pediatric dental conditions.
For adults, a general dentist is often sufficient. However, children have unique dental needs that require specialized care.
Pediatric Dentist vs General Dentist: Key Differences
1. Specialized Training for Children
Pediatric dentists are trained to handle:
- Infant oral health care
- Teething issues
- Child behavior management
- Dental care for special needs children
This makes them better equipped to treat children comfortably and safely. Dr Soni is trained to handle kids with Autism, ADHD under oral sedation, intravenous sedation in office and for overwhelming work under general anesthesia.
2. Child-Friendly Environment
A pediatric dental clinic is designed to make children feel relaxed and happy. From colorful interiors to friendly staff, everything is planned to reduce fear and anxiety. Vanilla Smiles Dental Clinic in Shivaji Nagar offers a kid-friendly setup that helps children enjoy their dental visits, and has been awarded the best pediatric dental clinic across the country by famdent in 2015.
3. Expertise in Baby Teeth & Jaw Development
Baby teeth play a crucial role in speech development, chewing, and guiding permanent teeth. Pediatric dentists closely monitor:
- Jaw growth
- Tooth eruption patterns
- Early orthodontic issues
This preventive approach helps avoid major dental problems later in life. With all the latest advancements that Dr Soni embraces they have successfully treated more than 100 children using the Invisalign first technology straight from the USA. They believe in non extraction orthodontics by early intervention that involves Maxillary Arch expansion, Tongue tie release, myofunctional therapy. With the advent of Invisalign expanders, has helped many children with snoring issues, sleep apnoea issues, avoiding surgical intervention to remove the adenoids in a few cases.
4. Better Behaviour Management
- Calm anxious kids
- Explain procedures in kid-friendly language
- Handle first visits and dental fear smoothly
5. Comfort with sedation
- Treating very young or unco-operative children.
- Managing children with special needs.
- Dr. Abhishek Soni is the pioneer of sedation dentistry for children and adults in Pune.
Latest Treatments in Pediatric Dentistry (2025–2026)
Modern pediatric dentistry has evolved significantly. At Vanilla Smiles Dental Clinic, the latest and safest treatments are used to ensure pain-free and stress-free dental care for children.
✔ Laser Dentistry for Kids
Laser dental treatments are minimally invasive and reduce pain, bleeding, and healing time—perfect for children. They are the first clinic equipped with the true cold laser CO2 laser.
✔ Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)
A revolutionary, painless cavity treatment without drilling that stops tooth decay instantly, making Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) treatment for kids in Pune ideal for young or anxious children.
✔ Preventive Sealants
Dental sealants protect your child’s molars from cavities and are one of the most effective preventive treatments.
✔ Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Helps anxious children relax during dental procedures in a safe and controlled way.
✔ General Anesthesia (GA) & Conscious Sedation
For children with extreme dental fear or extensive dental needs, treatments under GA are performed safely under expert supervision.
Why a Pediatric Dentist Is the Best Choice for Your Child
✔ Better Handling of Dental Anxiety
Children often fear dental visits. Pediatric dentists are trained in behavior management techniques that help children feel calm and confident.
✔ Focus on Prevention
Regular visits to a pediatric dentist help in early detection of cavities, alignment issues, and habits like thumb sucking or teeth grinding.
✔ Customized Treatment Plans
Every child is different. Pediatric dentists create personalized treatment plans based on age, dental development, and behavior.
Why Parents Trust Vanilla Smiles Dental Clinic, Shivaji Nagar, Pune
Vanilla Smiles Dental Clinic is one of the most trusted names for children’s dental care in Pune.
👨⚕️ About Dr. Abhishek Soni
- Pediatric Dentist (Kid’s Dental Specialist)
- Extensive experience in treating anxious and special needs children
- Expertise in advanced pediatric dental treatments
- Gentle, patient, and parent-friendly approach
🦷 Clinic Highlights
- Child-friendly dental setup
- Advanced technology & modern equipment
- Transparent treatment planning
- Strong focus on preventive dentistry
- Excellent post-treatment follow-ups
When Should Your Child First Visit a Pediatric Dentist?
According to dental experts, your child should visit a pediatric dentist:
- By age 1, or
- Within 6 months of the first tooth eruption
Early dental visits help build a positive relationship with the dentist and ensure healthy dental habits from a young age.
Final Verdict: Pediatric Dentist or General Dentist?
While general dentists are skilled professionals, a pediatric dentist is always the best choice for children. Their specialized training, child-focused approach, and expertise in modern pediatric dental treatments ensure your child receives the safest and most comfortable care.
If you are looking for the best pediatric dentist in Shivaji Nagar, Pune, Vanilla Smiles Dental Clinic and Dr. Abhishek Soni are trusted by countless parents for providing gentle, advanced, and reliable dental care for kids.
📞 Book an Appointment Today
Find clinic here: Get direction
Call Now: +917028029383 / +919860633281
Address: Soni Capital, 2nd Floor, Near Shreyas Hotel, 1237, Apte Road, Shivaji Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411004 India
