What is family dentistry?
Family dentistry is a wide spectrum of dental procedures that help care for patients of all ages, from young children to older adults. We see patients as young as two years old, and I even have a patient who still comes to see me at 90 years old.
What procedures are usually included in family dentistry?
The most common services are routine dental checkups and professional cleanings every six months. During those visits, we'll determine whether you need additional treatment, such as dental fillings, a dental crown, an extraction, root canal therapy, a dental implant, or orthodontic treatment like Invisalign.
We also provide treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
What are the benefits of choosing a family dentist for children and adults?
One of the biggest benefits is convenience. Parents are busy, so it's nice to have a one-stop shop where the whole family can receive dental care.
You don't have to make separate trips for everyone. We provide care for children of all ages, as long as they're able to cooperate, and we have the flexibility to see parents and children during the same visit whenever possible.
What should you look for when choosing a dentist for your children?
First, they should be kid-friendly. I would recommend choosing a dentist who has children themselves. I have two boys, so I understand what it's like.
Your dentist should also have patience, experience treating children, and different ways to help kids feel comfortable. Our assistants are very gentle. We have toys, we help parents prepare their children before appointments, and we take our time explaining everything. Sometimes we tell stories, and we even sing to the kids. Those are the kinds of things you should look for when choosing a family dentist for your children.
How can a family dentist help kids build healthy habits early?
That is extremely important. I can use my own children as an example. When they were young, I had to work through the crying and the resistance. They didn't want to brush their teeth or floss.
But I kept encouraging them and making those habits part of their routine. They're now 17 and 20 years old, and they brush every night before bed. When they run out of floss, they remind me to buy more. That's when I know I've been successful as a parent.
As a dentist, I would encourage parents to do the same. Instill good brushing and flossing habits early. Check your child's teeth regularly for dark spots or signs of cavities. Ask if they have any pain, watch for crooked teeth, and know when it's time to consider orthodontic treatment. Those early habits help children understand that taking care of their teeth is important, and they'll carry those habits into adulthood and eventually pass them along to their own families.
How does senior dentistry fit into a family practice?
As we get older, our teeth naturally experience more wear and tear. We also tend to develop more dental problems than we did at a younger age.
That's why seniors often need more comprehensive dental care. We provide a wide range of treatments for older adults, including care for worn teeth, cavities, dentures, partial dentures, and dental implants. Helping our senior patients maintain healthy, comfortable smiles is a very important part of family dentistry.
How often should children, adults, and seniors visit the dentist?
For most patients, I recommend visiting the dentist every six months. However, for many older adults, I lean more toward visits every three months so we can catch problems early before they become more serious.
Can family dentists treat dental emergencies for children and adults?
Definitely. That's one of the most important things we do. If you develop pain, sensitivity, a loose tooth, a broken tooth, or any other dental emergency, call us or your family dentist right away.
We always do our best to accommodate emergency situations because we know dental pain is never fun. We offer a variety of treatments to help relieve your discomfort and get you feeling better as quickly as possible.
Can families schedule appointments together or on the same day?
Absolutely. We know everyone has busy schedules, so we always try to accommodate families who want appointments together or on the same day.
I know I appreciate that convenience when I have my own appointments, so we do our best to make it work whenever our schedule allows.
We’re proud to serve our community by helping you and your family maintain healthy smiles. Call (702) 847-8662 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit today.