Most people associate a visit to the dentist with the routine procedures they typically undergo during a semi-annual teeth cleaning. When it comes to a family dentistry practice this is often no different, but there are also plenty of other things that these types of dentists will cover.
Family dentistry is no different than any other type aside from the fact that dentists who are part of these types of practices see patients of all ages. Because of this,
however, it also means that they are there to help with many more issues than simply routine cleanings.
Family dentistry practices are simply those that welcome patients who range in ages from young children to older adults. Dentists who work in these offices perform all of the same procedures, have the same expertise, and can prescribe the same medicines and treatments, and you do not necessarily have to be a member of a family to see one.
At the same time, the fact that a family dentistry practice can cover entire families in a single location is an important convenience for many of these families. Rather than having to coordinate appointments and procedures for a number of different people in various different places, these offices serve as a type of one-stop shopping, so to speak.
The other major advantage that comes with family dentistry is the fact that these dentists can not only see every member of people's families, they can also accurately and successfully diagnose and treat them. For many people, that means going beyond simply having their teeth cleaned and checked.
For younger patients, issues such as how baby teeth are coming in and falling out are important in the growth of young children. Similarly, these patients are also more prone to developing cavities or having issues with the structure or growth of the area around the jaw.
For older children who may be approaching the age where they could need orthodontics, a dentist is often the first to examine and diagnose whether braces or other manipulative measures could be appropriate at a specific point in time or in the future.
For adults and other people of various ages, conditions such as gingivitis of the gums and halitosis - otherwise known as bad breath - also fall under the jurisdiction of these types of dentists, and can be addressed through various measures that he or she could prescribe.
Finally, for older individuals who may be experiencing various types of difficulties with their teeth, artificial prostheses that can help alleviate some of these major problems, including dentures, veneers, bridges and crowns are all things for which a dentist can get the proverbial ball rolling.
Because of the fact that a family dentistry practice can cover individuals of all ages and deal with this wide spectrum of issues that can affect them, it is an extremely beneficial and helpful means to allow for every member of all types of families to have their dental health covered for the duration of their life.
