Family dentists are trained to provide care for patients of all ages. The dentists offer various services, including routine cleanings, 6-month examinations, fillings, sealants, and more.
Choosing a family dentist can make scheduling appointments for multiple family members easier and more convenient. The ability to see one professional for all a patient’s dental needs is appealing to many families.
Checkup
Most family dentists recommend regular checkups every six months. The dental office offers professional cleanings that remove tartar and plaque from hard-to-reach areas and fluoride treatments.
Dentists in the family are used to treating patients of all ages, so that they can emphasize preventive practices at each stage. This is important for children, as they can build confidence in visiting the dentist and avoid dental anxiety later in life.
Cleaning
During a dental cleaning, a family dentist removes hardened plaque from areas of the teeth that can’t be reached through daily brushing and flossing. They also polish the teeth and offer fluoride treatments if needed.
A family dentist takes a preventative approach to dentistry, and they know how to make kids comfortable. This helps them develop healthy dental habits that prevent more serious issues early on.
X-Rays
Many family dentists offer X-rays to give patients a more comprehensive view of their mouth and teeth. This allows the dentist to spot cavities, abscesses, cysts, and other underlying issues.
Family dentists offer a wide range of services for the entire household. They are trained to work with children, teens, adults, and seniors. A family dentist can refer you to the right practitioner if your family needs specialty care.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a chemical that strengthens teeth and prevents decay. It can be applied as a gel, foam or varnish.
Regular visits help children become familiar with their dentist, which can ease their anxiety when they must attend dental appointments as adults. In addition, patients that visit the same family dentist from childhood often develop a deeper trust in their provider.
Fillings
A family dentist is trained to handle all aspects of a patient’s oral health. They can treat many conditions, from fillings, crowns and root canal therapy to dental veneers, implants and Invisalign.
They also track a patient’s progress throughout the years, which helps spot issues early on. This enables families to avoid more invasive procedures down the line.
Crowns
If your dentist discovers an issue with your child’s oral health, they will recommend appropriate treatment options for their age. They can also advise on proper brushing and flossing techniques.
If a tooth is badly damaged, your dentist may recommend a crown. These crowns can be made of metal, porcelain, or monolithic Zirconia. In the interim, a temporary crown is placed.
Bridges
Family dentists can treat patients of all ages. They can help young children develop positive dental habits early and provide services for older family members.
Rather than having to make appointments with a general dentist for adults and a pediatric dentist for kids, you can register your whole household with the same practice. This allows you to consolidate your trips and save time.
Veneers
Veneers can be used to repair teeth that are chipped, cracked or misshaped. Typically, patients are numb during the procedure, and there should be no pain afterward.
Family dentists uniquely understand how children grow and develop their teeth and jaws. They’ll help you create a positive dental experience from an early age, which will lead to great oral health for life.
They’ll also be able to recommend treatments and tools like fluoride and dental sealants to prevent tooth decay in childhood.
Invisalign
Invisalign offers a great alternative to braces. This treatment is available to all patients, including children.
Having all your family’s dental needs met at one practice makes it easier for everyone to keep their appointments and follow healthy habits. Family dentists also have a better understanding of each patient’s unique history. This helps prevent mistakes. The family dentist can also make referrals to specialists easily.
Orthodontics
Family dentists are prepared to deal with the dental needs of people of all ages. This might mean helping children through losing baby teeth and getting permanent ones or arranging braces or Invisalign.
This makes them an excellent choice for large families or those who wish to keep their children’s oral health in one place, avoiding the need to register them with different dental practices as they age.
