What is Family Dentistry?
The practice of family dentistry is similar to general dentistry, with a few key exceptions. Both types of dentistry handle oral hygiene and tooth health. Family dentists usually accept patients of all ages, making a family dentistry office a convenient choice if you have children in your home. Family dentists care for your child’s baby teeth as well as permanent teeth.
Ask friends, colleagues, and extended family members for recommendations when seeking a family dentist, or DDS. You can also find a local office through your insurance carrier or a dentist matching service. If it makes you more comfortable, you can usually meet the dentist and see the office before making your initial appointment. It is especially important that children are as comfortable with the family dentist as possible, because visiting a dentist can be a nerve-wracking experience for young children.
Another way to keep the family comfortable involves searching locally for your family dentist. By finding a local dentist you can be sure that your family’s visits to the dentist’s office don’t involve a long commute. When you choose a local dentist you make it easier for your family to keep up with regular visits.
Family dentistry provides preventative dentistry services, such as regular cleanings and fluoride treatments, and other basic dental work that may be needed. It is important to schedule regular appointments for checkups, so that your dentist can catch any problems before they require the care of a specialist like an orthodontist. Implants, root canals, and periodontal treatments are examples of dental services that require the services of a specialist. Most dentists will also take x-rays of the teeth on a timely basis to look for cavities. Your family dentist can fill the cavities and help to prevent further problems.
If you see your dentist every six months, you might never have to seek additional dental services. Your family dentist is trained to help you keep your teeth healthy and can even provide teeth whitening services to keep your smile bright. Your dentist will give you tips and recommendations for brushing, flossing and rinsing to prevent plaque and tooth decay between appointments. Finding a family dentistry practice that your whole family is comfortable with can take a lot of stress out of making and keeping your regularly scheduled appointments.