A family dentist is trained to treat patients of all ages, from toddlers to seniors. Most family dentists offer preventative care as well as restorative treatments. Preventive services include examinations, cleanings, sealants, and fluoride treatments. Restorative therapies, such as tooth fillings, tooth extractions, or root canals, are often needed when tooth decay or trauma occurs.
Many family dentists also offer cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers. Some also specialize in orthodontics to provide braces for adults and children. Children should start seeing a pediatric or family dentist around age one. This allows the dentist to monitor the child’s oral health to minimize issues that may arise in the future.
At Del Rey Dental, our family dentists offer gentle dental care and dental procedures that help children relax at the dentist’s office. Dentists should show their patients empathy and compassion to create a positive atmosphere and promote good dental health practices.
Patients may see their family dentist every six to twelve months depending on the patient’s needs. Patients may need to visit frequently if they have a specific issue or concern. After each visit, the family dentist should give patients instructions to maintain good oral health at home.
What Services Does a Family Dentist Provide?
- Providing regular checkups and cleanings
- Treating cavities and other tooth decay issues
- Straightening crooked or misaligned teeth with braces or other orthodontic treatments
- Filling in missing or damaged teeth with artificial crowns or bridges
- Improving the smile’s overall appearance by whitening the teeth and applying porcelain veneers.
- Protecting the teeth from damage and decay through the application of dental sealants
- Educating patients on proper oral hygiene techniques to keep their smiles healthy between visits.
The Benefits of Family Dentistry
Visiting the dentist at least twice a year can help prevent serious oral health problems from poor oral hygiene habits, like periodontal disease and tooth decay. A family dentist can also utilize preventative treatments that are much more effective and efficient than at-home whitening gels and strips. Additionally, regular visits can detect underlying health problems that can cause poor dental health, such as diabetes, eating disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Regular visits can also help to catch common oral health issues early on so that they can be treated before they can cause significant damage to the teeth and gums.
In addition to providing routine dental care to patients, family dentists also offer education about proper oral hygiene and assist their patients with dental problems. This includes bad breath, missing teeth, yellowed teeth, or other common issues impacting a patient’s life. A dentist can treat these issues so the patient can feel good and enjoy a healthy smile.
A family dentist is a type of dentist that offers services for both adults and children, including cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatment. For the best dental care, visit Del Rey Dental at 11525 Jupiter Rd #103, Dallas, TX 75218, or call (469) 917-7444.