What You Should Know About Your Family Dentist

Your dentist is your partner in maintaining oral health and overall wellness. Not every type of dentist is exactly alike though. A family dentist is a special type of dentist that can see all the members, both young and old, of an entire family. Finding a family dentist to partner with your entire family is not just convenient but offers a host of benefits. From the ability to schedule appointments with a single phone call to one office to the dentist's thorough knowledge of your family history, a dental partner who works with every member of your household has many advantages. There are some important things to think about and look for in your specific dentist of choice though. Below is a guideline about what you should look for in a dentist for your whole family and what questions you should ask to help ensure you find the right one for you.

What should you know about your family dentist?

Maybe you are searching for the right family dentist for your household, or maybe you have been seeing the same dentist for years and now you are considering dental services for your own children. You should consider the following factors before making the important choice of a family dentist practice. 

Do they offer kid-friendly dentistry?

Your family dentist's office does not have to be decorated with cartoon characters to be considered kid-friendly. However, a dentist who is gentle and understanding with children is important. A family practice will often have child-friendly features as well, such as TV-viewing areas, video games, a playroom, or even games and puzzles in the waiting area. Children who are comfortable and find enjoyment in the dentist's office will be less likely to develop dental anxiety or throw a fit every time they take a trip to their dentist's office.

Do they perform restorative dentistry?

A family dentist who offers a wide array of professional services will be the most convenient and useful to your family. Preventative dentistry including regular cleanings, diagnostic exams, and X-rays is important, but at some point, most of your family members will also require restorative practices. Determine whether your dentist performs the following procedures in-house or offers referrals to other practices:

• Fillings
• Bridges
• Crowns
• Implants
• Dentures
• Root canals

Do they have convenient and flexible office hours?

If your family dentist is closed on certain days or is only open for limited hours during the week, it is sometimes difficult to obtain an appointment without missing work or school. Dental practices that offer flexible scheduling options are an attractive benefit for working families. Search for dental office schedules that include early morning or late evening hours during the week as well as weekend hours of operation. It is also beneficial to find a practice that accepts occasional last-minute schedule changes or provides completely online scheduling options to help in those times when life gets a bit out of your control.

What are their walk-in scheduling policies?

If you are unable to get an appointment at your family dentist for several weeks, this could be problematic in the event of an emergency. Check to see if your dental provider sets aside appointments for same-day visits. This is critical in the event you are having tooth pain that needs immediate attention. Some dental practices even have a separate phone line or online chat function specifically for emergency dental issues to help ensure that you swiftly get the help you need. Speak to the receptionist or administrative personnel to find out if this is the case.

Do they use the latest technology?

The science of dentistry is constantly changing, and preeminent dental practices are at the forefront of technology. From digital X-rays to interactive imaging and 3-D scans, advanced technology provides more thorough diagnoses of current and potential conditions and can assist the dentist in determining a course of care, ultimately shortening your time in the dental chair.

Conclusion

Finding a family dentist to provide quality oral care for your entire family is a great benefit. Having a qualified, conveniently located dentist that you are comfortable with is the most important factor. It is also important to find a dentist that provides easy scheduling, uses advanced technologies, and offers a variety of preventative, restorative, and emergency services. Provided you do your research and understand the office protocols, services, benefits, and technology offered by your dental provider, your family's oral health needs will be looked after for years to come.

Request an appointment here: https://www.islayhilldentistry.com or call Islay Hill Dentistry Co. at (805) 316-4968 for an appointment in our San Luis Obispo office.

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