Find Family Dentist

If you’re a busy parent, arranging dental visits for everyone in your family can add a time-consuming chore to your hectic schedule. The solution? Find a single dental practice that can take care of your whole family. This saves time and effort and can mean fewer individual visits.

While some dental offices are based on one or a few specialties, a family-focused practice will offer a wider variety of dental services. The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) says most dentists in North America are general dentists providing primary care for patients of all ages.

However, many family dentists are trained in specialized fields such as cosmetic dentistry, dentures, implants, Invisalign aligners, periodontal treatment, sleep apnea and root canals. Practices offering multiple dental services like these can provide a “one-stop shop” for all your family’s oral healthcare.

Benefits of Advanced Technology in Family Dental Offices

Because advanced dental technology is less invasive, a good family dentist will provide state-of-the-art treatment options, keeping up to date with new techniques and studying developments in dental healthcare.

For example, 3D digital imaging has revolutionized the diagnosis and treatment of dental issues. A non-invasive process, 3D imaging gives patients a better experience while providing the dentist with highly-detailed information.

Three-dimensional imaging – a key tool in Invisalign treatment – enables your dentist to visualize your mouth far better, giving them a view of your dental anatomy from various angles.

Compared with 2D X-rays, digital imaging lets your dentist see your whole mouth in its entirety, as opposed to a series of small sections. A 3D scan also provides more detail of soft tissue and bone structures, which can then be assessed more precisely. A further advantage is that 3D imaging reduces exposure to radiation.

Three-dimensional images allow your dentist to examine your mouth in considerably greater detail, making a diagnosis and subsequent treatment more effective than ever.

Establishing a Lasting Relationship with Your Family Dentist

However, good family dentistry isn’t just about outstanding clinical skills and cutting-edge equipment. Establishing a lasting relationship with your dentist, based on open communication and mutual trust, is an important factor.

Family dentists with a strong emphasis on preventive care will monitor the dental health of each member of your family and offer advice on the best at-home oral hygiene practices.

Regular dental exams are vital to maintaining oral health, regardless of age. The American Dental Association (ADA) advises parents to take children for their first dental check-up by the age of 12 months or when their first tooth emerges.

Early dental care at a family-friendly practice will get your youngster into the habit of visiting the dentist. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) says that if a child gets nervous about dental appointments, their apprehension can be eased by starting regular dental visits before a problem develops.

By spending time at a dental office as a family, you’ll develop a good relationship with the dentists, their dental team, and the office staff. This will give you the confidence to ask about any oral health concerns you may have, which will help you get the best care.

Convenience of a Single Dental Practice for the Entire Family

Finding a dentist for the whole family will avoid the complications of visiting different dental offices several times a year: you can take advantage of a single family dental office that will address the needs of your entire family in one comprehensive visit.

If you choose a pediatric dentist for your kids, as soon as they reach the cut-off age they’ll have to become comfortable with a new dentist. When you choose a family dentist, your children won’t have to find a new practice when they get older, and all their dental records will stay in one place, ensuring continuity and quality of care aren’t compromised.

Having one dentist for the whole family will spare you the hassle of taking time off work and driving to your dentist for your own appointment, and then repeating the process with another practice on different days for your children. A good family dentist will also offer convenient early morning and late afternoon appointments.

Family dental centers are experienced in providing care for different generations. For instance, Invisalign aligners are particularly popular with children because they’re inconspicuous compared with traditional metal and ceramic braces. On the other hand, as we get older, the need may arise for cosmetic dentistry or dentures or dental implants.

A good family dental practice will be able to offer these treatments – plus a host of others – to take care of your entire family.

Finding the Right Dentist for Your Whole Family

Finding the right dentist for yourself and your children will guarantee the best oral health care for your entire family. With a good family dentist, a trip to the practice can be a positive family experience, resulting in parents who’re well informed on oral health and kids motivated to take care of their teeth.

When choosing a dentist for the whole family, look for a family-friendly practice that’s committed to providing the highest standard of personalized treatment in a caring way in a calming atmosphere. An experienced family dentist will be able to understand and respond to the diverse needs of you and your children. Dr. Shumway a Spokane Valley dentist adds that another thing to look for is that if the dentist offers emergency dental care.

It’s also important to find a dental office where you feel comfortable with the dentists and their team. This will allow you to ask questions and voice any concerns about oral hygiene issues, from healthy snacks to the right methods of brushing and flossing.

Children need a dentist who’s gentle and patient. Kindness will help a youngster to feel comfortable and relaxed. Finding a family dentist who makes your kids feel good about taking care of their teeth will help them to develop a positive attitude toward dental visits.