When choosing a family dentist, parents may need to consider the ages of the children as well as the family's overall dental needs. If the children are old enough to sit in a dentist’s chair, they are good candidates for being treated by a regular family dentist, but these practices do not always take infants and very small kids.
Before assuming a family dentist will accept very young children as patients, it is a good idea to call ahead and confirm with the dentist whether this is true before scheduling an appointment. If the whole family visits the same dentist, ask about when young children may be accepted into the practice. Most family dentists treat older children, teenagers, and adult patients.
Adult patients make up the bulk of a family dentist’s practice. From preventive oral health concerns like brushing, flossing, and controlling the buildup of plaque to minor procedures like filling cavities and providing teeth whitening, family dentists are a one-stop shop for maintaining great oral health and hygiene. These dental professionals, when seen on a regular basis, are able to help adult patients care for teeth as well as take X-rays and spot issues like hidden cavities and developing gum disease that could grow worse if left alone.
While older children often are not thrilled with the idea of dental or medical visits in general, kids may be happier to visit the dentist the rest of the family sees as there is a degree of familiarity. Family dentists can perform many of the same procedures, such as teeth cleaning and preventive care, for younger patients as for adult patients. Also of note is that while family dentists typically do not provide major orthodontic care, these professionals may be the first in line to observe tooth and jaw alignment issues and make recommendations for an older child or teenage patient to begin treatment with braces or aligners.
Though family or general dentists receive education and training in treating a patient through a lifetime, these dentists typically do not accept babies or toddlers as patients. Parents are wise to seek alternative care for children this young in regards to teething and brushing first teeth and transfer these children to the family's chosen dental practice at an older age. Family dentists are able to provide oral health maintenance with regular teeth cleanings and cavity fillings as well as recommendations when patients need other forms of dental care.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google:
Family Dentist for Whole Family in Cumming, GA
When choosing a family dentist, keep in mind the family’s ages, dental habits, and oral health concerns. Though family dentists are indeed trained to treat the whole family, they most commonly serve older children, teenagers, and adult patients. Choosing the right professional allows you and your family to develop a productive relationship that can last for years to come.
Request an appointment or call Cumming's Family Dentist at 770-205-9226 for an appointment in our Cumming office.
For those tired of making numerous trips to different offices for dental care for the whole family, it may be time to make the switch to a family dentist. Unlike general dentistry where services are focused on a particular age group, family dentistry provides oral care for people of different age ranges in a family.For…
There are many reasons to consider choosing either a family dentist or a general dentist. A move to a new location, changing dental needs, or even the retirement of a current dentist can lead a patient to weigh the available options in dental care. Knowing the difference in the services and restrictions of each type…
Scheduling regular visits to a family dentist is an important part of maintaining good oral health. During routine checkups, patients can expect a visual examination along with occasional X-rays. In addition, the dental team will conduct a series of oral hygiene procedures to keep the teeth and gums strong and prevent decay and disease. While…
You probably already know that Invisalign® trays look very different than traditional braces, but you may not know how ideal Invisalign is for many teens. Older teens are often very active in sports or might worry about how others think about teeth-straightening devices. The clear trays of Invisalign are less conspicuous than traditional braces. You…
For a long time, if a person wanted straighter teeth, the only option was traditional braces. However, the introduction of Invisalign® in 1999 changed that. This treatment involves a series of clear plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit the patient's teeth and gradually guide the teeth into the desired position. Many patients prefer aligners…