A family dentist treats patients of any age, from children to the elderly. Often they work with many generations of the same family, offering convenient and comprehensive care to every member.
What Does a Family Dentist Do?
A family dentist provides general dental services to children and families, including routine dental examinations and cleanings, a wide range of dental treatments, and works to correct any potential issues. Much like other dentists, a family dentist often puts most of their emphasis on preventative care. Early intervention and developing proper dental habits can make a child less likely to develop cavities and occlusions, and can help keep an adult’s teeth and gums healthy without the need for painful and invasive procedures.
Family Dentists Comfort Children
As a child, the strange environment of a dental office can be frightening, with unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds. Compounded by pop-culture portrayals of dental offices as scary places, some children are afraid of the idea of visiting a dentist, and will do anything to get out of the situation.
An experienced dentist knows how to calm and comfort a frightened child, putting them at ease before any examination or procedure. They will explain everything that is happening, and work to break down the child’s fears to make their visit a positive experience. Good experiences at the dentist is likely to result in the child growing into an adult who is comfortable with routine dental care and stays on top of regular examinations and cleanings. Establishing a good relationship with the dentist at a young age will help your children avoid many of the dental concerns that might otherwise plague them.