Family Dentist Vs. General Dentist: What’s the Difference?

Proper preventive and treatment services are important for oral health. That is why finding the right dental professional to cater to your dental health needs is important. Knowing the difference between a family dentist and a general dentist can help you get the right dental care. Here are the details so that you can make an informed decision when choosing the right dentist.
 

Family Dentist

This dental professional can treat every member of your family. A family dentist pays more attention to the special dental needs of their patients. Age does not matter. Here are the services that this dental care provider can offer:
 

·      Comprehensive oral exams with digital dental X-rays.

·      Preventive services like dental sealants and fluoride treatments.

·      Routine professional dental cleanings.

·      Cosmetic dentistry treatments.

·      Orthodontic treatments.

·      Dental surgery.

·      Habit-breaking oral appliances.

·      Restorative dental services.
 

A family dentist is also able to cater to children as patients. The attending staff will be good at making your kids feel comfortable as well. Your family dentist can recognize early symptoms of dental misalignment during childhood. This can provide the child with early teeth straightening treatments.
 

A family dentist caters to elderly patients as well. The family dentist can assess the older individual’s medications and how they affect the patient’s dental health. Research shows that chronic diseases are often associated with tooth decay. Your family dentist may refer you to another dental care professional. This is important if the initial evaluation shows more complex dental issues. Here are the benefits of having a family dentist:
 

·      There is a focus on the patient’s specific needs. This dental professional can treat grandparents, parents, and children. Educating them includes focusing on preventive practices.

·      You can get proper dental care in one location. This is convenient if you have a growing or large family.

·      The price is affordable since you can get proper dental care for you and your family from one dental care provider.

·      The patients do not age out of a family dentist’s care. This dental care professional can be your dentist from childhood to your elderly years.
 

General Dentist

This dental professional can diagnose, treat, assess, and prevent oral diseases. A general dentist can also maintain the appearance and function of your teeth. If this dentist finds any abnormalities, there will be a referral to a dental specialist or physician. This can provide you with more evaluation or the right treatments.
 

A general dentist receives comprehensive education and training before taking in patients. But there is an age limit to the patients that this dental professional can take in. Some general dentists do not see patients under 16 years of age. Even so, this dentist can perform many dental treatments, such as dental straightening.
 

At Paglia Family Dental, we deliver high-quality oral care for individuals and families. You can visit our facility in Marlborough, Massachusetts, for an in-person consultation. Please call 508-485-2235 to set an appointment or ask about our family dental care packages.