Dentistry can be defined as the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of conditions that affect your teeth and gums; these conditions can affect your maxillofacial area (an area associated with the face and jaw.) Family dentistry specializes in oral care and hygiene throughout the stages of life. The dental care a small child needs will differ from those in adulthood. However, the difference in pediatric dentistry, as opposed to family dentistry, is that pediatric dentists have additional training in caring for children and typically do not care for adults in their facility.
The care needed for a teething toddler, developing teen, or aging adult will vary greatly, the benefit of choosing family dentistry is it can be a place to meet the diverse needs of every family member. Starting dental visits at a young age can help create a sense of comfort with small children and having the opportunity to watch mom or dad be the patient by the same dentist they see can be very settling.
Like the patient demographics, the services offered in family dentistry are very diverse. Some services that may be offered include dental exams, teeth cleanings, crowns, dental implants, TMJ treatment. Endodontics or root canal therapy may be necessary if there is infection or damage to in inner pulp of the tooth. Periodontal care is another service offered as gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss and can be linked to other systemic health problems. Smile Advantage by Dr. Ali Shmara is one of the top-rated family dentists in the Riverside area.
A few things to consider when choosing a dentist for yourself or your family is to ensure they are covered by your dental insurance. Also, choosing a dentist that is within a reasonable distance can be helpful, especially if you were to have a dental emergency. Choosing a primary dentist is as crucial as choosing a primary medical doctor, having your dental records and history in one location improves continuity of care and can make dental concerns down the road easier to navigate. If the dental office brings fear or anxiety to you it is crucial to share this with your dental team; there are things they can do to make the visit more pleasant for you. In the long run, if the dental visits are more pleasant you will be more likely to make return visits; and the key to excellent oral health is routine cleanings and exams. If the cost of dental procedures is a deterrent, discuss this with your dentist and they can give you their recommendations on how to proceed; many dental offices will also assist in setting up a payment plan if desired.
There are many things to consider when choosing a family dentist, but the most important is to choose a dental team that you feel comfortable with and that understands your concerns or wishes.
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