Why We Refer:
From time to time Dr. McArdle will refer a patient to a specialist when the patient's condition warrants the more definitive treatment that only a specialist can provide. The patient's well being is always the first and foremost consideration in decisions of this kind.
An example of a situation in which a specialty referral would be appropriate is where a patient's periodontal (gum) health has dramatically deteriorated for whatever reason. In a case such as this, Dr. McArdle would refer the patient to a Periodontist (gum specialist) who could resolve the problem more completely and efficiently.
"Barry, I just thought I would let you know that I appreciate the joint consultation with Dr. Lisa Schulman. I was surprised at her suggestion to meet as a threesome, but very comfortable with the plan as well as the results. I can see why she is a formidable professional to consult... she is direct, explanatory and can field questions while maintaining a personal connection with the patient... just like you. Anyway, thanks again for your thoroughness and individual patient concern. My jaw muscles and joints will soon thank you themselves and you can put this quote on your web site!"
- Kristin Anderson
YOUNG CHILDREN AND DENTAL CARE
While we do see children in our office starting at the age of three, Dr. McArdle generally refers preteens who require invasive treatment such as fillings or extractions to a dental specialist known as a pedodontist. Pedodontists are dentists who have had at least two years of additional training in a specialized, postgraduate dental program specifically aimed at managing the distinct oral health needs of youngsters in this age group. Such a referral does not mean that Dr. McArdle considers your child to be ill behaved, immature or otherwise difficult. Dr. McArdle does this because he feels strongly that your child's early experiences with invasive dental treatment MUST be positive ones if he or she is to grow into adulthood with the proper attitude toward dental care which will allow him or her to enjoy optimal oral health for a lifetime.
Pedodontists are uniquely qualified through their
training to meet the dental needs of young children.
This belief stems from Dr. McArdle's own childhood experiences with a dentist who did not understand or know how to cope with the fears children have about what they might experience during invasive dentistry. Pedodontists are uniquely qualified through their training to meet the dental needs of young children not only in the technical sense, but also psychologically. Some procedures performed on the primary (baby) teeth are quite unlike their counterparts in the adult dentition. Root canals for baby teeth (known as pulpotomies), maintaining space for the eruption of permanent teeth when primary teeth are lost prematurely and even the design of fillings for baby teeth are very different from the corresponding adult treatments. However, what Dr. McArdle considers to be even more important in the dental care of your child are the psychological aspects of this treatment.
Almost all young children have a deep-seated sense called the "fear of mutilation" that makes them extremely apprehensive about any procedure done to their bodies. Your child tends to perceive them as mutilating, intrusive, punishing or evidence of abandonment and will anticipate pain even when there is no past experience to justify this. This sense may extend past the preschool years and even approach adolescence in some individuals. Pedodontic training includes an extensive program of study in child psychology that allows the pedodontist to understandingly dispel these fears and allow your child to undergo needed dental care without developing a phobia to it that might prevent him or her from seeking such care in adulthood.
Dr. McArdle believes that most often first impressions are the most lasting ones and that this is nowhere more true than when it comes to your child's dental care. This is why he sincerely believes that your child's first experience with invasive dental care should be at the hands of the professional most qualified to deliver it, a pedodontist. Of course, if you wish to continue to have your child's routine preventive and diagnostic care rendered here in our office, we will be happy to do so - the choice is yours. However, if you trust Dr. McArdle's judgement, then please take his advice and have your child seen by a pedodontist when he diagnoses him or her with the need for invasive treatment.
IF YOUR CHILD'S FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH INVASIVE DENTAL TREATMENT IS A
STRESS-FREE ONE, IT WILL SET THE STAGE FOR GOOD ORAL HEALTH THROUGH A LIFETIME!
