What does a family dentist do?
A family dentist takes care of the dental health and oral hygiene of his patients. There are dentists who limit their practice to patients belonging to a certain age group. A pedodontist, for example, provides oral care and treatment only to young children. A family dentist provides dental services for a broad range of patients, from kids to patients over 60. He provides the services necessary to reduce plaque buildup, fill cavities, prevent tooth decay, and keep gums healthy.
Family dentistry is considered to be primarily a preventive field. It offers the first line of defense against dental problems.
A family dentist has extensive training in general dentistry. He has to pass the National Board Dental Examinations before he is conferred as Doctor of Dental Medicine or Doctor of Dental Surgery. After receiving his general dentistry education, a dentist may decide to specialize in a particular field by getting postgraduate training. He may also immediately begin his practice as a family or general dentist.
How often should you visit your family dentist?
You should make it a point to visit your family dentist at least twice a year. Your dentist can provide thorough dental checkups, provide prophylaxis to reduce plaque buildup, and to avert tooth decay, and suggest fluoride treatments to strengthen the teeth. These visits ensure that oral health issues are detected long before symptoms of more complicated dental problems arise.
A family dentist can also do a radiograph so he can easily detect cavities. If necessary, he can do dental fillings before the cavities grow bigger and more severe, requiring more complicated restorative procedures like dental crowns or implants, root canals, or extractions.
What are the advantages of going to a family dentist?
When you have a family with members of diverse ages, it is easier for the entire family to see the same dentist. This saves you the time, effort, and cost of having to make a lot of individual appointments with different dentists. You can bring your entire family to the same dentist in one visit. It is convenient, practical, and time-efficient.
How do you decide which family dentist to go to?
Find out about the prospective dentist’s professional experience and credentials. Does he offer excellent dental care? Is his office equipped with the latest equipment and technology? Ask for recommendations. Get feedback from other patients. Confirm reviews. There are many reliable ways to find a qualified family dentist whom you can trust.
It is important that you feel at ease with the family dentist you choose. You should be able to talk comfortably with him, raise your concerns, and discuss your dental problems constructively. It is essential to have a pleasant and productive professional relationship with your family dentist.
It is also helpful to find out if a particular family dentist offers in-house financing. Does his office provide flexible payment options? Some dental procedures and treatments are not covered by insurance. It is prudent to find out options that can help you pay for such services.