3 Common Reasons to See a Family Dentist

A unique benefit of choosing a family dentist is that this professional care for the oral health of your entire household during every stage of life. The dental needs of children, teenagers, and adults vary, so a family dentist who can offer a comprehensive range of services for every family member is a valuable asset.

3 common reasons to see a family dentist

Family dentists provide various services designed to maintain oral health, enabling you to eat properly, remain free of pain, and flash a brilliant smile. While your reasons for choosing a family dentist may vary, there are several that stand out.

1. Provide a range of services in one place

Having one dental office to call for all of your oral health services is extremely convenient. A family dentist can perform preventive and restorative procedures to protect and correct your teeth all in one office.

Preventive services include regular dental assessments to catch potential problems with decay, cavities, and gum disease before they become too advanced. Deep cleaning is also performed as a preventive service to remove plaque buildup. Fluoride treatments and sealants are additional procedures that can protect teeth from the harmful effects of acidic and sugary foods and beverages.

If you develop problems with your teeth despite your preventive measures, your family dentist can perform restorative services. Fillings are the most common of these. Crowns may also be used to cover teeth that have deep cavities or decay. When teeth are cracked or damaged, bonding can replace the enamel with a composite material that covers and protects the tooth. If you are missing teeth, bridges can be used to fill gaps, or an implant procedure can place a metal found in the jaw to anchor an artificial tooth.

2. Care for children's teeth as they grow

Dental anxiety can be developed at an early age, but having a family dentist enables parents and other family members to model appropriate behavior for the children. They become more comfortable and confident in the dentist's office when they see other family members being treated. Children also have special dental needs, and a family dentist has the training and expertise to address them. Once that relationship is developed, the child can continue to visit the same dentist throughout their life, and the dental services will continue to adapt to the changing needs of the patient.

3. Create a relationship with the whole family

Using a family dentist as your oral health partner enables the development of an important relationship. Your dentist will have all the information about your family history, including previous allergies, diseases, sensitivities, and surgeries, enabling more timely and accurate diagnoses and selection of appropriate treatments. In addition, this relationship facilitates and encourages open and honest communication, which is particularly important between a dental practitioner and a patient.

The importance of routine family dental care

Seeing a dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning and checkup is important for patients of all ages, from childhood to senior adulthood. Regular visits during the school-age and teenage years offer many valuable benefits. Cleanings help reduce the risks for cavities and gum disease, while screenings and evaluations enable dentists to detect any problems early on. Checkups also allow dentists to catch tooth decay, even if it is not yet causing painful symptoms.

Seeing a family dentist can help many patients prevent or reduce dental anxiety by maintaining a steady routine. If children only visit the dentist when painful treatment is needed, it can quickly lead to fear and anxiety. However, positive routine experiences can help young patients feel more at ease. When dental anxiety is less of an issue, people are less likely to avoid the dentist later on in adulthood.

Healthy teeth and gums are important not just for aesthetic purposes but for overall wellness too. Strong teeth aid in proper speech and digestion, while a beautiful smile can help build self-esteem. Without regular cleanings, patients are more at risk for tooth decay and gum disease down the road. Both can be problematic and can increase the risks of numerous other health issues.

Conclusion

Choosing a family dentist as your partner in maintaining the oral health of you and your family provides numerous advantages. The convenience of comprehensive services in one location and the lasting relationship that adapts to the changing needs of each family member are invaluable benefits.

Request an appointment here: https://www.oaktreefamilydental.com or call Oak Tree Dental at (703) 763-5239 for an appointment in our McLean office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Family Dentist in McLean, VA.