Certain things are important to you when you’re looking for a dental home for you and your family. Maybe you are looking for a dentist who offers a wide range of services, including cosmetic dentistry, clear aligners, and emergency dental services. Perhaps you need to schedule appointments before school or in the evening. It could be that your child suffers from dental anxiety and needs nitrous oxide to keep them calm during their appointment.
Whatever the reason, you may wonder if you should choose a general dentist or a family dentist, but what’s the difference? Keep reading to learn more about both types of dentists so you can make the right decision for your family’s oral health needs.
Is a General Dentist Different from a Family Dentist?
Both general and family dentists have extensive training and are qualified to care for your dental needs; with the goal of helping you achieve and maintain your oral health, both types of dentists offer a range of services, including routine examinations and cleanings.
However, the most significant difference between general and family dentistry is the patients' age range; general dentists typically don’t see children, and family dentists welcome patients of all ages, including very young children.
At White Bear Smiles, we focus on educating our patients from their very first visit, making sure they understand how to:
- Practice proper brushing and flossing
- Care for their gums
- Eat nutritious foods
- Detect any potential dental issues before they worsen
- Contact our dental office in case of a dental emergency
7 Benefits of a Family Dentist
There are numerous reasons why finding a family dentist for you and your loved ones is the best option:
- Eliminating dental anxiety—Being nervous about visiting the dentist is extremely common for adults and children. When you go to the dentist as a family, your kids can see you in the dental chair, which will help them feel more comfortable when it’s their turn. Not only that, but when they see that going to the dentist is a regular occurrence, they are more likely to continue going to the dentist as adults.
- Convenience—When everyone in your household visits the same dentist, your schedule is simplified. You can make your appointments on the same day in the same dental office, saving time and money.
- Understanding your family history—It’s beneficial when your family dentist has a record of your entire family’s dental history. Any allergies, diseases, or genetic concerns will all be part of your dental record, which can help your dentist create the best treatment plans for you, your children, and your parents.
- Forming a long-lasting relationship—Finding a family dentist you trust makes it easier to communicate honestly about your family’s oral and overall health. Forming that lasting bond with your dentist can make your dental visits more pleasant and relaxed for you and your children.
- Consistent services—When you have a family dentist, you’re more likely to make and keep your regular appointments because you won’t want your kids to miss their checkups and cleanings. Also, once you find the right dentist, you’ll get consistent treatment every time you visit.
- Preventive care—A quality family dentist will educate you and your children about brushing twice a day, flossing between every tooth each day, and staying healthy. This type of preventive care can help you and your loved ones avoid tooth decay and gum disease.
- Emergency dental care—If one of your kids breaks a tooth, or if you have a toothache and need a root canal, your family dentist can ease your pain and work to save your tooth. Knowing who to call when the unexpected happens is a good feeling.
Questions to Consider before Choosing
The choice of a family dentist is a personal one, so consider some of these questions before settling on what works best for your loved ones:
- Does the dental office offer extra amenities like televisions, headphones, and warm blankets?
- Does the dental office use the latest technology?
- Is the dental team good with children? Do they make my children feel comfortable?
- Can the dentist provide nitrous oxide and other forms of sedation for anxious patients?
- Will the dentist take the time to explain the procedures and answer any questions I have?
- Can I schedule appointments for myself and my family at the same time?
Looking for a Family Dentist in 55110?
If you find yourself searching the internet for a “family dentist near me,” consider the expert dental team at White Bear Smiles! We offer caring and compassionate dental care to all ages, and we’d love to welcome you to the White Bear Smiles family. You can expect a welcoming environment and quality care whenever you visit us.
If you want to schedule an appointment or ask a question, please contact our dental office at (651) 426-8998. We look forward to seeing you and your loved ones!