What is family dentistry? Is it different from a general dentist? What makes it different from the other fields of dentistry? Do I need a family dentist? These are questions often asked when it comes to family dentistry and in this article, you will learn all about it and why you should have a dedicated family dentist.
Family dentistry is a field of dentistry that provides dental care for individuals from infancy to adulthood. This allows personalized care as a family dentist can keep a detailed record of a patient’s dental care history and needs, starting from a young age to adulthood. Family dentists can also cater to an entire family which saves time and provides more personalized care for the patients.
Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, and Pediatric Dentistry
General dentists make up most of the dentistry population and are leading providers of oral health care. However, while some general dentists can treat patients of all ages, some are more restrictive when it comes to the age groups that they treat.
Pediatric Dentistry, on the other hand, only caters to children under 18 years of age.
What makes family dentists different from general dentists and pediatric dentists is that they cater to patients from infancy to adulthood, and they can treat whole families. They are knowledgeable in oral diseases and treatment for both children and adults.
Family Dentistry Procedures
Family dentists provide a wide range of dental services including:
- General Dental Care
- Fluoride Treatments
- Cavity Fillings
- Tooth Restorations
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Restorative Dentistry
Benefits of Having A Family Dentist
Why go for a specialized family dentist instead of just going for a general dentist? Here are some reasons why:
- A family dentist helps with dental anxiety
Dental anxiety or phobia is quite a common issue, especially when it comes to children. The fear of the dentist and procedures can cause a delay or avoidance in visiting a dentist for oral care checks and dental treatment.
Having a family dentist helps as you can go to a dental checkup together, as a family. The familiarity of having other family members being treated by the same dentist also helps ease the patient, give them comfort and gain their trust.
Going to the dentist, as a family, and at a young age, helps children get used to visiting the dentist regularly, helping them get comfortable with the dentist even as they get older.
- A family dentist provides convenience
Having a family dentist provides convenience as you can go to the dentist as a whole family, saving time, since you would only need one appointment to cater to the whole family. Your whole family’s dental needs, from children and adults, will be taken care of in just one appointment.
- A family dentist is aware of your dental history
Having a dedicated family dentist means that the dentist has catered to the family member from a young age up to adulthood. This is helpful as the dentist knows your dental history and record – if you had dental disease, dental procedures, surgeries, allergies, etc. They have all of these on record, and they can provide the right treatment based on the information.
There are some dental issues that can also be passed on genetically. Having the same dentist for the whole family helps in monitoring and knowing any genetic oral issues that may be passed on to children.
These are just some of the top benefits of having a dedicated family dentist. Having a family dentist helps you avoid dental issues down the road as you have a dedicated dentist to take care of you and your family. It also helps to have one that knows about you and your family members, the oral history of each, and that you can run to for any dental issues that come along, without the stress and hassle of looking for an available dentist and explaining your dental history.
Looking for a family dentist to cater to you and your family’s needs? Check out this full-service Rockville dentist office that provides both family and pediatric dental services.