Wondering about what a family dentist does? Read on to learn more. Family dentists look after the whole family so you need not visit more than one office to get dental care for everyone. Selecting a family dentist can help save money and time, and develop a relationship with your dentist so that visiting the dentist feels less stressful, especially if all the family dental records are in one place.
Common dental services from a family dentist
A family dentist sees patients of a wide range of ages. This makes them highly versatile and they provide a broad range of services. The following are some of the more commonly provided services by a family dentist:
Preventive care
A family dentist provides an important service with regular cleanings and check-ups. These visits are required every six months to keep tooth and gum healthy. The dental hygienist cleans the person's teeth and also eliminates plaque and tartar through gentle polishing. The dentist will examine the mouth for symptoms of oral issues such as cavities and periodontal disease. Regular checkups and cleanings can help detect problems with the teeth before they become severe.
A family dentist focuses on preventative measures to ensure that patients never need to undergo invasive dental procedures. Hidden problems like dental infections, wisdom tooth problems, and gum disease can affect anyone in the family. These dentists use diagnostic procedures like X-rays to catch problems early.
In addition, family dentists can help prevent dental problems by providing fluoride treatments and routine cleanings. They can apply dental sealants in children to prevent tooth decay.
Restorative care
A family dentist hopes to prevent restorative care from becoming necessary. However, it is sometimes necessary to undergo these treatments to restore oral health. Restorative care includes all dental treatments that improve the health and function of the oral cavity. Family dentists can perform restorative dental treatments including dental implants, bridges, crowns, fillings, and dentures.
Teeth-straightening treatments
A family dentist can provide information on additional orthodontic treatments like clear aligners and braces. Clear aligners are removable and straighten teeth without wires or brackets. Orthodontic treatments can improve a person's dental health as well as the appearance of their smile.
Dental care for children
A family dentist can treat all members of the household, including children. A familiar family dentist can make a visit to the dentist less scary for a child, who may have a phobia of going to the dentist. Family dentists usually offer routine tooth examinations, dental sealants, teeth cleanings, and fillings for children. Children should have regular dental cleanings by a dental professional because they are far more vulnerable to cavities than adults.
Cosmetic dentistry procedures
People usually notice the teeth first. When people introduce themselves, they usually try to sport a big smile. However, dental imperfections can make one’s smile look less attractive. A family dentist can also provide cosmetic dental services like tooth bonding, dental veneers, and teeth whitening.
The dentist can treat small stains with an in-office teeth whitening treatment to remove them and improve the overall color of a patient's teeth. If the patient’s teeth are extremely stained, the dental professional might recommend tooth veneers, made of a thin layer of porcelain that are custom-fit.
The importance of having the right family dentist
A family dentist knows how to treat children and their needs. Thumb-sucking and other actions, like squeezing, can cause dental problems in children.
A family dentist may perform dental exams and X-rays to catch any existing problems before they become serious. For example, problems with grinding teeth, jaw problems, and bite problems can all cause problems over time.
As a family dentistry practice, they can instruct their patients on proper dental care. The dentist can guide patients on correct brushing and flossing methods, particularly for patients with misaligned teeth or other dental issues. Some patients brush too hard and damage enamel and gums. A family dentist may also inform patients about treatment options for different oral conditions.
Final thoughts
A general dentist provides different services to meet your dental needs. They might include routine cleanings, dental examinations, gum disease treatments, cosmetic dental procedures, and orthodontics. A significant advantage of a family dentistry practice will be the ability to bring everybody in your family to the dentist for checkups and treatment, regardless of their age. Your family dentist can help you maintain healthy teeth and avoid future dental problems. Book an appointment with our dental office today to get started.
Request an appointment here: https://www.gentletouchdentalcare.com or call Gentle Touch Dental Care at (718) 924-2387 for an appointment in our Forest Hills office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Family Dentist in Forest Hills, NY.
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