Family Dentistry FAQs

Scheduling time for your dental care is important, but oftentimes, it tends to get the back seat. Now, trying to have every member of your family visiting a different dentist for assessment is even more challenging. That is why family dentistry comes in so handy. Family dentists can offer the convenience that you want. In this post, we answer some of the common questions of family dentistry.

What is Family Dentistry?

Family dentists are practitioners who handle dental problems of patients of all ages, from kids to seniors. They offer different treatments that are geared to support your teeth and maintain your dental health.

Although they are often confused as general dentists, not all general dentists are family dentists. Most family dentists have a training of the various dental needs of people in different age groups. They also have experience in children’s dentistry, though not as specialized as the pediatric ones.

What are the Benefits of Having a Family Dentist?

A family dentist offers great benefits such as:

1. 1. Convenience

For most people, time is usually the challenge of visiting the dentist for an assessment. However, with a family dentist, you can schedule an appointment for all your family members. Furthermore, you can choose to visit the clinic on Saturdays if you have a busy schedule. Family dentists offer convenience and also saves you time.

1. 1. Builds Trust

Having one dentist for your family creates trust and confidence. Plus, you will have all your dental history records in one place for easy access. This makes it easy for the dentist to consult with other dental specialists if need be.

1. 1. Creates a strong foundation for your children

Visiting the dentist with your children helps them understand the importance of having dental checkups. This will lay a strong foundation for the future and also help them pay attention to their dental health.

1. 1. Save money

Visiting your family dentist together will reduce the cost of assessment and treatment. Most dental clinics have discounts for families that you can make use of.

What Types of Services Do Family Dentists Offer?

Family dentists offer a range of services that include:

1. 1. Dental exams and cleaning

It is recommended that you visit a dentist every six months for examination and cleaning. Dental checkups help the dentist to detect any dental problems early. Remember, most dental problems develop without symptoms, and only early detection can stop their progression.

Professional cleaning, on the other hand, removes the plaque buildup from beneath the gum line. This will prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

1. 1. Preventive dental services

It is easy to prevent dental problems than to treat them. Some of the preventive dental treatments that you can get include:

1. 1. • Fluoride treatments. Fluoride is a cavity fighter and also strengthens the enamel. The minerals help in the reabsorption of the essential enamel that hardens the enamel and makes it less prone to decay and damage. Fluoride treatment can benefit all, but it is mostly recommended for people at risk of dental decay.
      • Dental sealants. These are plastic coatings painted on the teeth surface to shield them from bacterial attack. Sealants are ideal for children, but adults with healthy teeth, free of dental fillings can also benefit. The coatings last for a decade.
      • Pediatric dental crowns. They are similar to sealants, only that they are applied to the primary teeth to protect them from decay. The crowns fall out with the primary teeth.
   2. Decay and cavity treatments

For mild dental decay, the teeth fillings provide the best solution. The dentist will remove the cavity and cover the teeth with a filling.

Root canal treatment is done when the decay is severe and has extended to the pulp cavity. If there is severe damage to the teeth, the dentist will recommend a tooth extraction.

1. 1. Emergency dental services

Since dental accidents occur at any time, we have an emergency dentist in Sunset Hills that can help relieve the pain and prevent complications.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit My STL Dentist for more information on our family dentistry services and how they can benefit you.