Your mouth is a window to the overall health of your body. And the field of family dentistry is one of the most important aspects of oral health. If you find yourself wondering why that is the case, let’s break it down for you. The key thing about family dentistry that makes it super important is the fact that family dentists cater to all age groups. They function as a one-stop-shop for everything (and everyone) oral health.
Similar to general dentistry, family dentistry deals with oral hygiene and the overall health of your teeth and the surrounding hard and soft tissues. And although they are qualified to deal with patients of all ages, family dentists place extra emphasis on the needs of kids at various stages in their lives.
What Are The Benefits Of Family Dentistry?
- Convenience is the biggest benefit of having a family dentist. If you have multiple family members suffering from different dental ailments, all you have to do is shuttle all of them to one office and you’re golden. Having a family dentist means that you can also opt for multiple appointments in a day. This in turn leads to lessened anxiety, smaller wait times, and fewer hours spent in your car.
- A second major advantage of family dentistry is that of versatile treatment options. Since family dentists cater to all ages, the range of procedures and treatments offered is pretty vast. So whether it’s a regular cleaning session for yourself, a sealant application for your child, or a restorative need for a senior, a family dentist is fully equipped to handle all of these issues.
- As mentioned previously, family dentists have a great deal of experience with children. And along with the dentist, the staff at the dental office are also fantastic at handling little kids. They make them feel safe and comfortable and help ease any nervousness they might be feeling – which is normal for a little one. When a child feels secure and enjoys their dental visit, they are more likely to show up for routine check-ups and will pay more attention to their oral health.
- Likewise, an entire family visiting the same dentist also translates into better oral health habits. Family dentists are brilliant at counseling families regarding oral practices. If the adults pay attention and follow the advice in their daily lives, a child will mimic their elders and follow suit.
- Moreover, a little kid visiting a family dentist doesn’t necessarily have to switch dentists as they grow older. They can continue visiting their same practitioner with the guarantee that they’ll be receiving similar quality treatment. Additionally, familiarity with the dental space also relaxes a patient before their appointment.
- Acquaintance with family histories is another predominant benefit of a family dentist. When certain hereditary conditions run within a family, your dentist will make sure to keep an eye out for the signs in your kids. For example, if one or both parents have had crowded dentition, chances are the progeny will have the same condition too. This knowledge helps in being proactive about preventing the condition from taking place in its entirety, as opposed to performing a corrective treatment.
What Kinds Of Treatments Do Family Dentists Provide?
Similar to those of a general dentist, family dentists provide a range of services since they’re tending to patients of varying ages. Some of the treatment options available at a family dentist’s office are listed below –
Preventative Dentistry
Preventative dentistry is exactly how it sounds. Any upcoming issues that could arise are tackled first hand. Children specifically are included under this umbrella. Avoiding cavities, gum disease, and the possible need for braces are a part of preventative dentistry.
- Thorough oral checkups and screenings.
- Professional cleanings every six months to prevent gum disease
- Diagnostic X-rays to check for bone health and any issues in the teeth roots.
- Fluoride and sealant application (especially in kids) to prevent cavities.
- Screenings for oral cancer.
- Orthodontic treatment if the patient presents with signs pointing to a malocclusion.
- Habits such as mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, thumb sucking, etc. have adverse effects on the occlusion. To prevent these issues, habit-breaking appliances are given.
Restorative Dentistry
The services offered under restorative dentistry include any type of restoration of the teeth or soft tissues in the mouth.
- Simple amalgam fillings after excavating any caries present in the tooth to prevent further spread.
- Root canal treatments if the infection has spread beyond the scope of a simple filling.
- Bridges, crowns, and dentures to replace missing teeth.
- Extractions of a tooth/teeth that can no longer be allowed to stay in the oral cavity. Their presence would only lead to a worse infection and other dire complications.
Cosmetic/Aesthetic Dentistry
Perhaps one of the most popular circles of dentistry to exist in the current age. This includes anything related to enhancing one’s dental appearance.
- Bleaching of teeth/whitening of teeth.
- Porcelain (tooth-colored) crowns and veneers to build the million-dollar smile.
- Composite fillings are more aesthetically pleasing than amalgam fillings.
- Dental implants are a much more permanent and aesthetic approach to replace missing tooth or teeth.
- In extreme cases, full oral reconstructions are also done by skilled surgeons to not only enhance one’s cosmetic appeal but also aid in functionality.
Emergency Services
Family dentists usually provide emergency dental services should the need arise. If you’ve ever chipped a tooth, have a sudden onset of extreme pain, or are in any other sort of dental emergency, all you need to do is get in touch with your dentist. Even if they don’t end up providing treatment, they will either give you some form of first aid or assist you in the next steps.
At River Rock Dental you and your family are cared for by our excellent dentists and staff. We not only prioritize patient comfort, but are also committed to your oral well-being. And in the small town of Shakopee you aren’t just our patients, you are our family.
To book an appointment with us today, call 952-445-5556.
