How a Family Dentist Can Improve the Health of Your Household

If your family does not utilize the same dentist, you could be missing out, especially when it comes to building a long-term relationship with a provider you can trust. It will also save you time and money if you are able to schedule appointments for multiple members on the same day because you will be paying less in fuel costs. Here are some suggestions to help you in your search.

The typical family dentist is trained in many different aspects of dentistry, including basic procedures such as fillings and extractions. Some of them may also perform restorative care such as crowns and bridges and even more complex procedures like root canals. If you need more complicated treatment, such as implants or braces, they may refer you to a specialist. You should also look for a provider who is child-friendly, as they often have a special kid-sized room, chair, and equipment for their young patients and can even provide entertainment for them, such as video games, television, and movies. If the environment is fun for them, they will not be anxious when they return for regular visits and will be more excited about their checkups.

When you begin your search for a provider for the whole family, you should start by getting recommendations from friends, relatives, and neighbors. You should also consider which factors are most important to you, such as office proximity or hours of operation. Be sure to check with your dental insurance plan to see who the preferred providers are in your area, as that will save you a lot of money as far as out-of-pocket expenses are concerned. You should also call the local dental society to see if the providers you are considering are in good standing with them, such as if the dental board has fined or sanctioned them. When you have narrowed down your list, call each office and ask any remaining questions you may have; you may even make a "get-acquainted" appointment to see how the office staff and provider interact with everyone.

Once you have found the right family dentist, you should schedule an appointment for an examination and consultation for each of you. At this time, you will undergo a set of x-rays followed by a full mouth examination, including the teeth, gums, tongue, throat, thyroid gland, and lymph nodes in the neck, since any abnormalities in those areas can indicate a disease or condition you may not even be aware of yet. After that, your teeth will be inspected and the findings recorded in detail, and then the treatment recommendations will be discussed with you. Finally, arrangements will be made for you to see the hygienist for a cleaning, as plaque and tartar can be detrimental to your teeth and gums as well as cause heart disease and strokes. You should have regular cleanings, at least every six months; it is usually painless and takes less than an hour to accomplish.

There are many capable and experienced professionals available to provide dental services, and with careful thought and a little research, you will find the right one for all of you. Start your search for a family dentist today and get that perfect smile tomorrow.