What Exactly Is a Family Dentist?

What is a family dentist and do you need one? It can be confusing with so many different dental specialties. Understanding the different types of dentists can make it easier to find the best fit.

Many providers are general dentists, but some call themselves family dentists. Then you have pediatric dentists in the mix. Figuring out which option is best for your family can be confusing.

Keep reading to learn about family dentistry, so you can decide if it’s the right option for you.

Family Dentist vs. General Dentist

People of ages need regular dental care, starting with the first dental appointment by 12 months of age or within 6 months of a tooth emerging. Different types of dentists specialize in different stages of life.

A general dentist can work with anyone. They don’t have any specialties in a specific area of dentistry.

While technically a general dentist can work with any age, some may have minimum age restrictions, such as only patients 16 and up. That means younger family members wouldn’t be able to go to the same dental office as you.

Family dentists work with all ages. That means they can handle a baby’s first appointment, a teenager’s teeth straightening needs, and a parent’s general dental care. They also handle senior dentistry.

Both family and general dentists offer similar services. The main difference is the potential for age limitations. A family dentist can be a better option if you have kids, especially since they have knowledge in the special dental needs of kids.

Family Dentist vs. Pediatric Dentist

If you have kids, you have another option. Pediatric dentists specialize in only children. They typically work with patients from infants to teens.

Pediatric dentists undergo additional training specifically in working with kids. They also get training for providing dental care to kids with special needs. This extra knowledge makes them experts in children’s oral care.

One drawback of choosing a pediatric dentist is that the whole family can’t go to the same office. If you don’t mind going to two different offices, you can take your kids to a pediatric office and schedule your appointments with a family dentist.

The easier option is picking a family dentist for all of your family members.

Family Dentistry Services

Family dentist offices offer a wide range of services for all ages. As you can see, this dentist offers general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, teeth straightening options, and emergency dentistry. Most family offices offer a similar range of services.

General dentistry includes preventative care, cleanings, and exams. These appointments are generally recommended twice per year, but your family dentist might set a different schedule based on your personal dental needs.

Your family dentist identifies potential problems and helps your whole family maintain the best oral health possible. They repair cavities and other dental problems, including periodontal disease.

Cosmetic dentistry includes things such as teeth whitening and cosmetic dental bonding to repair or improve the appearance of teeth. Invisalign and other teeth-straightening methods also fall under cosmetic dentistry since they help improve your smile. Many family dentists offer these options to help various members of your family feel more confident.

Emergency dental services address immediate needs, such as a tooth that gets knocked out or broken or a painful toothache. Choosing a family dentist who offers emergency dental services can give you peace of mind.

Benefits of Using a Family Dentist

One of the biggest benefits of using a family dentist is that everyone can go to the same dentist. This makes life more convenient when you’re scheduling everyone’s routine dental checkups.

It also helps you build relationships with the dentist and the other office staff members since you see them frequently. That familiarity can put everyone at ease when it’s time to visit the dentist.

Since family dentists routinely work with kids of all ages, they understand the special needs that kids have. Not only do they know about proper development of kids’ teeth, but they’re also used to kids who might not be cooperative during dental visits. They can help put your kids at ease during appointments.

Many family dentist offices also have kid-friendly offices that are inviting for family members of all ages. This can also help your kids feel at ease when they see the dentist.

How to Choose a Family Dentist

Choosing a dentist for your family takes a little research to find a good fit. Look into the dentist’s credentials and experience. Find out how long the practice has been open.

Check reviews and ratings online to see how past and current patients feel about the family dentist. You can also ask for recommendations from other local people you know. Hearing the patient perspective can help you determine if the dentist is a good fit for your needs.

If any of your family members have special medical needs, call the dental office to see if they have experience in those areas. The point of choosing a family dentist is to keep most of your family’s dental care in one office. If the dentist can’t handle those special needs, you might be able to find a different local dentist who can.

While it’s not the most important factor, choosing a dentist with an easily accessible location makes dental appointments more convenient. Consider how far away from home the dental office is. This can be especially helpful if you have a dental emergency and need to be seen as quickly as possible.

Schedule an appointment to check out the family dentist you’re considering. This gives you a chance to see how the office staff treat patients, and you can see how your kids react to the dentist and other staff members.

If everyone seems to get along well, it could be a good fit for your family. If the dentist’s personality doesn’t seem to fit well for your crew, it might be best to continue your search.

Choose the Right Family Dentist

Choosing a family dentist means your entire family can go to one office for most of their dental care needs. Look for a family dentist that meets your needs to make oral care easier.

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