Dental | Dental Articles

Family dentists are the first level of defense against dental abnormalities and are most commonly associated with preventative and restorative dentistry. These dentists care for a wide variety of patients, from young children to elderly adults.

Role of a Family Dentist Family dentists are responsible for removing plaque buildup around your teeth and keeping tooth decay to a minimum. If the plaque has hardened and turned into tartar, a family dentist will remove that buildup so it does not cause periodontal or gum disease. If you do have gum disease, a family dentist can perform periodontal therapy to remove the infected gum tissue.

If any tooth decay is found, the decay will be removed and you can have a tooth-colored filling placed, or if the decay is minimal an inlay or onlay may suffice.

Recommended Checkups The American Dental Association suggests visiting a family dentist every six months for a routine checkup. These deep cleanings will remove plaque and tartar and help ensure your oral health while defending your mouth against tooth decay and gum disease.

X-rays should be taken to uncover any cavities or issues with your jaw alignment. Routine checkups also catch problems early, so you can have a cavity filled before the decay becomes so severe that a dental crown or root canal is needed.

Your family dentist is also trained to help you keep your teeth healthy and can even provide teeth whitening services to keep your smile bright.

Finding a Family Dentist It is important to find a family dentist that your entire family is comfortable with. This will help easy anxiety about routine dental checkups and additional necessary treatment. If you have children, it is particularly important that your children feel comfortable with your dentist so they have a positive experience and do not develop a fear of the dentist at an early age.

It is also a good idea to find a family dentist close to your home. This way you will be more likely to maintain your regularly scheduled appointments. In your search to find the right family dentist for you, start by asking the advice of your:

* Friends
* Coworkers
* Neighbors
* Extended family members
* Family doctor

These people may be able to recommend a trusted family dentist who they are happy with. You may also be able to find a quality family dentist through your insurance carrier or a dentist matching service. Before making an appointment, you can always visit the office, talk to the staff and ask opinions of patients in the waiting room.

While family dentists most commonly work with preventative dentistry, some undergo additional training so they can provide cosmetic dentistry services, such as dental bonding to fix chips and gaps to porcelain veneers placement to correct crooked or uneven teeth without the hassle of braces.

About the Author

If you are looking for a family dentist in northern Virginia, please visit the website for Softouch Dental Care of northern Virginia to learn more.

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