General dentists are trained through dental school following an undergraduate degree. Routine cleanings and services are typically offered at this type of practice, as well as other services like root canals, crowns, veneers, and similar enhancement options. General dentists often restrict their practices to specific age groups. Specific dental needs vary across age groups. One general dentist may focus solely on the dental health of children, while another may focus on the care of elderly patients with dentures.
Family dentists receive the same extensive education and training as general dentists and often offer similar procedures as a general dentist, as well as typical routine cleanings and patient education about dental hygiene. However, there are a few key differences in the two types of practices.
The major difference between the two types of dental practices is that a family dentistry does not restrict patients by age. The focus is on the education of proper cleaning and care for patients of all ages. From teeth cleanings in young children through the care of dentures in the elderly, these practices help guide all ages of patients in proper dental hygiene.
In addition to routine cleanings, appointments focus on preventing dental health issues across all age groups. Plaque removal, flouride treatments and sealants, and cavity detection and treatment, as well as gum disease prevention and treatment, are all part of a typical visit. Yearly X-rays keep dentists aware of any shifting of teeth below the gumline and alert them to problems that may arise, such as impaction and tooth alignment issues. These exams inform dentists of the need for oral surgery or extractions so that they may guide patients in choosing the appropriate dental care.
Treating patients of all ages makes these practices a practical option for families that consist of members across several age groups. Sending all family members to one physician is easier to schedule and track. These practices often strive to schedule appointments for multiple family members at the same time or one after the other if desired, to ease the travel and scheduling burden on families.
A general dentist often focuses more on specific age groups in each practice, while a family dentist has a much broader focus of treatment of patients across all ages and dental needs. The makeup of a family, along with the specific dental needs of each patient, should be taken into account when choosing a dental care provider.
Request an appointment or call Dragonfly Dental of Port Charlotte at 941-676-9225 for an appointment in our Port Charlotte office.
Taking young children to the family dentist can be overwhelming at times, especially because they are more prone to dental fear and anxiety. However, dental care is essential for children, just as it is for adults, and should start at a very young age. The American Dental Association recommends that children visit the dentist as…
A family dentist is a dental professional that specializes in dental treatment for patients of a wide range of ages. They typically offer diagnostic, preventive, restorative, and cosmetic services, and they are designed to address the long-term dental needs of their patients. This review discusses four advantages family dentists offer their patients.Family dentists specialize in…
A family dentist is a dental health professional that can provide services for children, teenagers, and adults. Although their focus is mostly on preventive dentistry, they can treat the large majority of oral care issues. Whether you are searching for a dentist to monitor your child’s dental development or are interested in treatment for yourself,…
Patients looking to replace missing or failing teeth may benefit from dental implants, a long-lasting…
Missing teeth can severely affect an individual's self-esteem. Fortunately, an implant dentist can help restore…
An implant dentist can provide a natural-looking and durable alternative to traditional tooth-replacement methods with…
Dental cleanings are not only about cleanliness, but they also contribute to oral health.
Find out what dentists use laser dentistry for and whether this treatment can correct your…
Implant dentists provide a teeth replacement option that closely resembles natural teeth. Whether a patient…
