Can a Family Dentist Really Treat Every Person in My Family?

Many parents of children and teens assume they need to partner with a pediatric dentist, but that isn’t the case. Family dentists provide preventive dentistry and treat oral health problems in people of all ages. 

At Family Dental Group, our caring team specializes in family dentistry. Here, we explain how family dentistry works and how it can serve every member of your family, from children to adults.

What’s the difference between family dentistry and general dentistry?

Great question! 

Providers who practice general dentistry diagnose and treat oral health problems in adults. Many general dentists also have specialties, such as cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, and root canal therapy.

Family dentists are different in that they provide complete oral health care for people of all ages — from children to adults. This means you can schedule appointments for two or more family members at the same time and avoid the hassle of visiting more than one practice. 

Since family dentists specialize in all aspects of dentistry, you can also receive specialized expertise without getting a referral or meeting an entirely different provider.

How does family dentistry work?

Family dentistry is similar to general dentistry. The main difference is that it provides specialized care for children, teenagers, and adults. Let’s take a closer look at how treatments can vary between these groups:

Children’s dentistry

Good oral health starts with early preventive care. Schedule a dental appointment for your child as soon as their first baby teeth come in. 

At Family Dental Group, we love caring for infants, toddlers, and children. Often, this includes preventive teeth cleanings, routine dental X-rays, and patient education. For children with cavities and other oral health problems, we also offer dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and emergency treatment.

Adolescent and teenage dentistry

Tweens and teens often need orthodontic treatment, such as retainers, braces, and invisible oral aligners. That’s because as more permanent teeth come in, they’re more likely to affect your child’s bite and tooth position. Teens are also more likely to drink sugary beverages, like soda and energy drinks, and don’t always stay on top of preventive care, like brushing and flossing.

We provide personalized dentistry for tweens and teens to ensure their teeth, gums, and mouths stay healthy. 

Adult dentistry

The older you get, the more likely you are to develop cavities (tooth decay) and gum disease. These and other problems can occur because of genetics, poor oral hygiene, or lifestyle factors. Regardless, visiting a family dentist at least twice a year can provide peace of mind and support your oral health.

At Family Dental Group, we also provide more specialized care, including root canals, metal-free fillings, and Invisalign®. 

What if I or my child has dental anxiety?

If you or your child have dental anxiety, you’re in good company. About 36% of Americans suffer from dentophobia (fear of dentists). Thankfully, you don’t have to worry.

We specialize in pain-free dentistry to ensure a comfortable and relaxing patient experience. Whether you have sensitive teeth and need numbing medication or you simply suffer from anxiety and want to relax, our friendly and compassionate dentists can help. 

We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas), twilight sedation with oral medications that cause you to doze off, and even intravenous (IV) sedation.

To learn more about the benefits of family dentistry, contact Family Dental Group today. Call the nearest office in Gardner, Northborough, or Paxton, Massachusetts, or book your appointment online.