Can a Family Dentist Treat the Whole Family

Can a Family Dentist Treat the Whole Family from Smile at Coconut Grove in Coconut Grove, FLWhen choosing a family dentist, parents may need to consider the ages of the children as well as the family's overall dental needs. If the children are old enough to sit in a dentist’s chair, they are good candidates for being treated by a regular family dentist, but these practices do not always take infants and very small kids.

Who do family dentists treat?

Before assuming a family dentist will accept very young children as patients, it is a good idea to call ahead and confirm with the dentist whether this is true before scheduling an appointment. If the whole family visits the same dentist, ask about when young children may be accepted into the practice. Most family dentists treat older children, teenagers, and adult patients.

Adult patients

Adult patients make up the bulk of a family dentist’s practice. From preventive oral health concerns like brushing, flossing, and controlling the buildup of plaque to minor procedures like filling cavities and providing teeth whitening, family dentists are a one-stop shop for maintaining great oral health and hygiene. These dental professionals, when seen on a regular basis, are able to help adult patients care for teeth as well as take X-rays and spot issues like hidden cavities and developing gum disease that could grow worse if left alone.

Older children and teenage patients

While older children often are not thrilled with the idea of dental or medical visits in general, kids may be happier to visit the dentist the rest of the family sees as there is a degree of familiarity. Family dentists can perform many of the same procedures, such as teeth cleaning and preventive care, for younger patients as for adult patients. Also of note is that while family dentists typically do not provide major orthodontic care, these professionals may be the first in line to observe tooth and jaw alignment issues and make recommendations for an older child or teenage patient to begin treatment with braces or aligners.

What concerns do family dentists treat?

Though family or general dentists receive education and training in treating a patient through a lifetime, these dentists typically do not accept babies or toddlers as patients. Parents are wise to seek alternative care for children this young in regards to teething and brushing first teeth and transfer these children to the family's chosen dental practice at an older age. Family dentists are able to provide oral health maintenance with regular teeth cleanings and cavity fillings as well as recommendations when patients need other forms of dental care.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Family Dentist for Whole Family in Coconut Grove, FL

Conclusion

When choosing a family dentist, keep in mind the family’s ages, dental habits, and oral health concerns. Though family dentists are indeed trained to treat the whole family, they most commonly serve older children, teenagers, and adult patients. Choosing the right professional allows you and your family to develop a productive relationship that can last for years to come.

Request an appointment or call Smile at Coconut Grove at 305-423-4661 for an appointment in our Coconut Grove office.

Related Posts

Tips For Taking Your Kids To A Family Dentist

Taking young children to the family dentist can be overwhelming at times, especially because they are more prone to dental fear and anxiety. However, dental care is essential for children, just as it is for adults, and should start at a very young age. The American Dental Association recommends that children visit the dentist as…

Ask A Family Dentist: What Is An Abscessed Tooth?

An abscessed tooth can occur for a variety of reasons, and most require prompt treatment from a family dentist. It is important to understand what an abscessed tooth is, what the early symptoms are and how a family dentist might treat an abscessed tooth to be able to recognize the concern when it develops and…

Tips From A Family Dentist On Preventing Cavities In Children

A family dentist plays a key role in the oral health of patients both young and old. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately one in five children between the ages of 5 and 11 have untreated cavities. There is more access to dental care than ever before, but many parents struggle with establishing…

Related Posts

Bridge The Gap In Your Smile With A Dental Bridge

Bridge The Gap In Your Smile With A Dental Bridge

No one has to live with a gap in their smile due to missing teeth when a dental bridge offers a versatile and effective solution. It is also important to remember that replacing missing teeth is more than just a matter of cosmetics. Here is why bridging that gap teeth is important and how a…

Dental Bridge Vs  Implants: Choosing The Right Tooth Replacement Option

Dental Bridge Vs. Implants: Choosing The Right Tooth Replacement Option

A dental bridge is one of the most common ways to replace a missing tooth without undergoing a lengthy or invasive procedure. Among the available tooth replacement procedures, general dentists often recommend a dental bridge because of the simplicity of its installment. However, other tooth replacement procedures comparable to dental bridges are available. A stellar…