A Dentist for the Whole Family

A family dentist generally accepts patients of all ages, from children to the elderly. This makes family dentists a more convenient option if you have kids, or if you are looking for a dentist that you and your parents can use. A family dentist will take care of both baby teeth and permanent teeth and supervise their health and growth. The family dentist is also skilled in addressing problems that affect the older population, such as placing dental crowns to protect worn or damaged teeth, as well as dental implants to replace lost teeth.

Looking for a Family Dentist

In your search for a family dentist, begin by gathering recommendations. Ask the opinions of your relatives, friends, colleagues and even your doctor. They can give you advice on dentists they are pleased with, and ones they have been unhappy with.

Online dental sites and dental directories can also help start your search. You can look up patient reviews of your prospective dentist to see what others have to say about their experiences. Search family dentists by specialty if you are looking for a specific procedure such as orthodontics, neuromuscular dentistry or cosmetic procedures.

Schedule a Consultation

Most dentists offer free initial consultations. Schedule a time to visit the office to get a first impression of the dentist and the practice. Make sure your potential family dentist is someone whom you believe your children will feel comfortable with. Many children are scared of having their teeth checked and treated, and only a caring family dentist can coax them into the dental chair. It is best if your dentist’s office is close to where you live. This way, you will be more likely to maintain appointments because they will be less of an effort to get to than if the practice is across town.

Procedures

Family dentistry includes procedures such as:

• Professional cleanings
• Placement of tooth-colored and porcelain fillings
• Treatment of periodontal disease
• Tooth extractions
• Tooth whitening
• Placements of crowns and dental bridges

If your dental problem requires specialty treatment, you will likely be referred to another professional, such as an orthodontist for braces or an endodontist for root canal treatment. The benefit of having a family dentist is that this professional can continually monitor the condition of your family’s dental health and keep an updated record of your dental history.

If you are looking for a family dentist in the Valencia and Santa Clarita, California area, please contact Aesthetic Dentistry of Valencia to see if Dr. Joel Miller and his dental team are a good fit. Please contact our office today.