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 of practice can help patients make informed choices about dental care.
General dentists are trained through dental school following an undergraduate degree. Routine cleanings and services are typically offered at this type of practice, as well as other services like root canals, crowns, veneers, and similar enhancement options. General dentists often restrict their practices to specific age groups. Specific dental needs vary across age groups. One general dentist may focus solely on the dental health of children, while another may focus on the care of elderly patients with dentures.
Family dentists receive the same extensive education and training as general dentists and often offer similar procedures as a general dentist, as well as typical routine cleanings and patient education about dental hygiene. However, there are a few key differences in the two types of practices.
The major difference between the two types of dental practices is that a family dentistry does not restrict patients by age. The focus is on the education of proper cleaning and care for patients of all ages. From teeth cleanings in young children through the care of dentures in the elderly, these practices help guide all ages of patients in proper dental hygiene.
In addition to routine cleanings, appointments focus on preventing dental health issues across all age groups. Plaque removal, flouride treatments and sealants, and cavity detection and treatment, as well as gum disease prevention and treatment, are all part of a typical visit. Yearly X-rays keep dentists aware of any shifting of teeth below the gumline and alert them to problems that may arise, such as impaction and tooth alignment issues. These exams inform dentists of the need for oral surgery or extractions so that they may guide patients in choosing the appropriate dental care.
Treating patients of all ages makes these practices a practical option for families that consist of members across several age groups. Sending all family members to one physician is easier to schedule and track. These practices often strive to schedule appointments for multiple family members at the same time or one after the other if desired, to ease the travel and scheduling burden on families.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google:
Family Dentist in Cumming, GA
A general dentist often focuses more on specific age groups in each practice, while a family dentist has a much broader focus of treatment of patients across all ages and dental needs. The makeup of a family, along with the specific dental needs of each patient, should be taken into account when choosing a dental care provider.
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…
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…
Oral cancer occurs inside the mouth and is so often called mouth cancer or oral cavity cancer, and a family dentist will usually check for this disease during routine dental visits. However, if you are experiencing abnormal mouth pain, lumps, or lesions before your next exam, it may be a good idea to schedule an…
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…