The area of dentistry that provides preventative and restorative treatment for oral health needs for the whole family is called family dentistry. These types of dental practices deal with all age groups using a wide variety of treatment options.
Although similar to general dentistry, family dentistry does not restrict the practice to specific age groups. It addresses oral health issues at every stage of life, from baby teeth to permanent teeth. Children should begin regularly seeing a dentist around turning one year old, so what better way to start your child’s professional dental care by establishing care with the same dentist that the whole family sees? It is convenient to have everyone seeing the same dentist, and you can establish a long-lasting healthcare relationship for all of you.
One of the most important aspects of family dentistry is ongoing, consistent maintenance and preventative treatment. Experts recommend getting a dental checkup every six months for deep cleanings and routine examinations. This helps eliminate plaque buildup, a primary cause of tooth decay and cavities, and identifies any oral health issues that might be occurring even before symptoms develop.
Fluoride treatments are offered by most family dentists. This involves coating the teeth with fluoride to help prevent tooth decay. Dental sealants are another line of defense against dental issues that family dentists can provide. Other services that some family dentists offer include cavity filling, gum disease treatment, crowns, root canals, extractions, and orthodontics. Treatments offered completely depends on the family dentist and the associated practice. Make sure you ask questions and learn all about the practice before choosing a family dentist for your own family’s needs.
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The importance of having a family dentist who can take care of every family member’s oral health needs can’t be emphasized enough. You can prevent cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss by visiting your family dentist regularly. Not only that, your overall health and your appearance will also benefit.
Better oral health:
Regular examinations by your family dentist will check for problems like tooth decay and cavities. Gum disease is another oral health issue that your dentist will look for, so that it can be detected and treated early. Dental problems are much easier to handle when they are caught early, before they can advance to more serious stages which may even mean tooth loss. Your teeth will also have a thorough professional cleaning at dental visits, getting rid of unhealthy plaque and tartar. Children can begin visiting the family dentist around the first birthday, and checkups should continue throughout life.
Improved appearance:
In additional to advantages for your oral health, your smile will look more appealing when you maintain regular family dental visits. Your teeth will be in the best condition possible when you have examinations and cleanings as recommended. If you are interested in further treatment that your family dentist doesn’t specialize in, you may be referred to a cosmetic dentist or orthodontist.
Enhanced overall health:
You may not realize it, but seeing a family dentist does more than protect your teeth. Your overall health will be improved when you care for your oral health. Gum disease has been linked to health problems like heart disease, diabetes, strokes, and pregnancy complications. So your risk for these serious health problems may be decreased with regular visits to your family dentist. Another health problem that dental checkups can catch is oral cancer. Most dentists perform routine oral cancer screenings during examinations, so that your chances for recovery are much greater with early detection and treatment.
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Facing dental issues are a fact of life, no matter your age. The likelihood is almost certain that at least one member of your family will require dental treatment at some point, not to mention the need for regular checkups and cleanings. The promise of dental care being required by every family member means that it can be beneficial to have a family dentist who can take care of each one’s oral health.
Although you might choose to seek oral care from a general dentist, there are some unique advantages that family dentists offer. First and foremost, a family dentist treats every member of your family no matter their age. This type of dental practice is comfortable handling any age group, while a general practice might not be as prepared for the young and old and everyone in between.
Another benefit is that you can find a single family dental practice and not have to keep looking for a dentist for each family member. You can convey your family information one time to one office, and the staff will get to know all of you. The dentist and staff will learn about the oral health of every family member, and you can feel confident that each person is receiving the same quality care.
Once you choose a family dentist, everyone will know what office to go to and may even be able to make joint appointments. It will be easy to communicate with a single location, and you’ll grow comfortable in dealing with the same group of people for every family member. Many people appreciate having a long-term professional healthcare relationship, and feeling confident in the care and experience each member of your family will have there.
We treat patients from Longview and the surrounding area
One of the most important decision for the health of you and your family is a family dentist. Similar to a general dentist, family dentists offer a few significant exceptions. Both types of dentists treat oral health and manage dental hygiene, but family dentists offer care to patients of all ages. This makes family dentistry a convenient choice especially if you have family members of various ages in your home.
Traditional dental services that you’d expect from any dentist are available at a family dental office. Preventative services like professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and thorough examinations are offered. Regular checkups allow for diagnostic tests to catch problems in their early stages, before they have a chance to advance and become very painful or complicated to repair. Procedures like dental fillings, bonding, root canal therapy, teeth whitening and more are often available through your family dentist. If specialized care is required that is not performed in the office, the dentist will provide a referral to an appropriate specialist for treatment.
Finding the right family dental practice for your whole family is vital. This will increase the comfort level of your family members and promote checkups every six months as advised by dentists. To choose your family dentist, ask friends, family, coworkers and neighbors for recommendations. Schedule a consultation to meet the dentist and staff, see the office, and make sure the practice meets your requirements. It is especially important to ensure children are comfortable with the family dentist to help avoid fears or anxiety. Also look for an office convenient to your home so that everyone will be more likely to keep their appointments.
From baby teeth in kids to permanent teeth in adults to missing teeth in seniors, family dentists are trained and equipped to handle everyone’s needs.
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Family dentists can do so much for you and your family. A family dentist is able to perform any other task another dentist can do, but they’re able to perform them on your entire family. The convenience of this service to each member of your family will save you time and trouble. Your family dentist obtains everyone’s complete dental histories, and gives the best treatment possible based on an experienced review of those records.
Because a family dentist recognizes that your time is very valuable, appointments can often be made in blocks so that services can be offered to each member of your family on the same day, near the same time. You can make one trip and be finished with your routine dental checkups, x-rays, cleanings and preventative care for six more months!
Family dental offices also offer cosmetic dentistry services like teeth whitening or porcelain veneers. Dental crowns, dental bridges, fillings and other bonding work can easily be accomplished there. A family dentist also offers root canal treatments, extractions or emergency care.
Your family dentist wants to be a friend of your family for life. Having a dentist who has seen your children’s teeth through their formative years and into adulthood is of huge benefit to your children. As long as your children remain in the area, they will never have to search for another dentist. They will have formed a trusting and comfortable bond with the family dentist, ensuring that good oral hygiene habits will continue into adulthood, as will routine preventative care.
Sedation dentistry is likely to be offered at your family dentist, especially to any patient with a phobia or other anxiety about dental appointments. Even younger patients can benefit from sedation dentistry, allowing them to calm their bodies and to comply with requests by the dentist, keeping everyone safe during treatment.
You are the priority to your family dentist. The relationship that is formed with you and your family is one that your family dentist wants to see last a lifetime.
We treat patients from Longview and the surrounding area
Do you have children? Are you exhausted from driving all over town for clubs and meetings and appointments for your family? If you are finding yourself occasionally overwhelmed by the needs of your family, a family dentist can help you simplify one area of your life. A family dentist can see each member of your family, from the youngest to the oldest, sometimes on the same day in the same block of time!
Because of the rising popularity of family dental practices, you have more choices than ever to address the oral health needs of your entire family. Choosing the right one can be difficult and confusing. If you’re looking for a new family dentist, here are some factors you can consider when you’re choosing which family dental practice in your area is for you:
- How much training does this dentist have? How long has he or she been in business? All dentists must graduate from dental college, but a truly exceptional dentist will pursue continuing education courses in an effort to stay abreast of the latest methods and technology in their field. Ask what current certifications the dentist holds. How experienced is their staff?
- Are the employees and the dentist good with children? When you visit their offices, do you see an environment that’s inviting and warm? Are there games or activities for children of all ages? Are the magazines you see appropriate for all ages? Do the patients in the waiting area seem comfortable and relaxed? Does everyone you see seem happy? Did the front office staff greet you in a friendly manner? If any of the answers is no, then you should look at the practice more closely before you make an appointment.
- How modern is the office? A good family dentist will have current technology and sedation dentistry options to ensure a pleasant visit for all.
Choosing a family dentist is an important step. Don’t rush into it; do some research before you decide, and you can ensure that you make the best choice for your family.
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