What is a Family Dentist?
Family dentists are dental practices that offer a range of services intended to serve patients
all ages, including young children. They typically offer services to meet various needs a family may experience in their oral health journey all under one roof. If you’re considering whether a family dentist is right you and your family, read on to learn more about them.
Family Dentists and General Dentists
Family dentists and general dentists have a lot in common. They both offer dental services from trained professionals. The biggest difference is that general dentists tend to specialize in one or a few areas of dentistry. This is great if they meet the needs that you have. This can be challenging when you have a family with people of different ages and with different needs. This is where family dentists come in. The goal of family dentistry is to provide a consistent level of care and convenience by providing multiple dental services all under one roof. This allows family members to receive dental treatment in one place rather than visiting different specialists. Family dentists serve an important purpose as the needs of a family change over time. For a lot of people, general dentists work because, when only considering the needs of one person, it’s easier to find a practice that can fill them. For families though, this is different. As families grow and age, the convenience of needing just one practice for all their needs is incredibly important and valuable.
What services do family dentists offer?
Family dental practices aim to provide all the services a family may need for people of all ages and oral health conditions. The most common services include:
- All family dentists offer regular check-ups and cleanings for people of all ages. This service is very important for maintaining good oral health at every age. You can expect your family dentist to perform thorough cleanings to remove plaque and tartar. They will also conduct exams to check for early signs of tooth decay or gum disease. They also provide preventive treatments like sealants or fluoride applications, particularly for children and teens.
- Family dentists also treat cavities and minor damage to teeth. They use fillings and other restorative techniques when teeth are damaged. Family dentists may also provide crowns, bridges, and other restorative options to repair or replace damaged teeth.
- Family dentists also educate patients on good oral hygiene habits. This is especially important for young children and teens who are at higher risk for cavities. Family dentists work with patients of all ages to promote good oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing habits and techniques. They also emphasize preventive care and educate families on diet choices that benefit oral health.
- Some family dentists offer orthodontic services, like fitting retainers or conducting assessments for braces. If a family member needs more specialized orthodontic care, family dentists can refer patients to trusted orthodontists.
What does this mean for me?
Family dentists can serve an important purpose in the oral health needs of families. If you and your family are looking for one place to go for all your dental needs, then you should consider a family dentist. Reach out to one today to learn more about their services.