If you are looking for a new dentist, you may notice that some practices use terms like “family practice” and “family dentistry” while others do not. To find the best choice for your dentistry needs, it’s important to know what these terms mean. Some people incorrectly assume that a family dentist is designed just for people with children, or that they only offer pediatric dentistry. It is true that family dentists typically offer children’s dentistry; however, they are often a preferable choice for adults, as well.
What are the Benefits of Choosing a Family Dentist?
Family dentistry simply means that the doctor has the skill and knowledge to treat patients of all ages. This is a benefit because it means they have worked with many kinds of patients at different stages of life with varying circumstances.
Working with older patients means they are familiar with the kinds of complex issues that are more common in adulthood or advanced age, making them more skilled dentists all around. Working with younger patients means they have the motor skills and precision to work on smaller teeth, boosting their abilities overall.
You can also depend on your family dentist as you get older and your needs change. What’s more, if you have children, you can all visit the same dentist. If you do not have children, you can still use your same family dentist if you decide to one day.
What Should I Look for in a Family Dentist?
There are a few things to look for in a new family dentist to confirm they have advanced expertise and that all your needs will be met. For instance, in addition to offering general and children’s dentistry, make sure they are also skilled in other areas like cosmetic and restorative dentistry. This helps ensure that they can help you with more than just your or your family’s basic needs.
Cosmetic Dentistry
This is an area intended to improve the appearance of teeth, like veneers and teeth whitening. Even if you do not require cosmetic dentistry treatments at the moment, finding a dentist offering these services means that, if aesthetic issues arise down the road or you decide to update your smile, you will not have to find a new practice.
Restorative Dentistry
This field of dentistry is meant to “restore” a patient’s teeth by repairing damaged ones or replacing those that were lost or extracted. It includes treatments like dental implants, crowns and bridges. You never know what issues might arise down the road, so it is wise to choose a dentist who is equipped to restore your smile should your teeth ever experience complications that damage them or require an extraction.
Hall Family Dentistry is a judgment-free Indianapolis family dentist offering general, pediatric, cosmetic and restorative dentistry to children and adults! Call our office today at (317) 204-8096. You can also schedule an appointment online.