Finding the right dentist for your oral health needs is an important process. While a general dentist and a family dentist offer similar services, there are significant differences between these dental specialties. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision that best fits your and your family's needs.
A general dentist is a primary dental care provider who offers various services. These services often include:
General dentists diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health issues to ensure their patients maintain healthy smiles.
Similar to a general dentist, family dentists have extensive training to offer a variety of dental services. However, family dentists extend these services to patients of all ages. Instead of having to go to different locations, the patient can take care of their family's dental needs in one dental office. These dental professionals often undergo additional training in order to understand dental developmental changes from infancy to adolescence.
Additionally, many family dentists offer preventive treatment and educational services to prevent future dental issues. These resources allow them to educate children on proper oral hygiene practices in a way they can understand and carry with them into their later years. Some family dentists may also offer services specifically recommended for young children, such as dental sealants and flouride treatments.
The key difference between a general and family dentist is whether they can treat children. Many dentists use these terms interchangeably. However, family dentists specifically provide dental services to patients of all ages, from young children to older family members. While some general dentists can offer these services, many are not always family dentists; for example, a general dentist practice may not treat patients under sixteen years of age. In other words, while family dentists are general dentists, general dentists are not always family dentists.
When deciding between a general dentist and a family dentist, patients should consider their individual needs and preferences, as well as those of their family members. A family dentist offers comprehensive dental care for the entire family at a single location. However, if the patient prefers a dentist who focuses solely on adult patients or offers specialized treatments, a general dentist may better suit their needs.
Additionally, consider the dentist's training and qualifications. Family and general dentists have similar educational backgrounds. However, there are still certain qualifications to consider when choosing a dentist, such as:
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Bryan, TX
Regardless of which type of dentist you choose, it is essential to prioritize regular dental check-ups and preventive care to maintain your oral health. Do you have questions about our services? Reach out to our Bryan office to learn more or schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment or call Rivers Family Dentistry at 979-710-2216 for an appointment in our Bryan office.
When your general dentist says you need an oral sedative, you might have questions. There are many reasons why you might want or need an oral sedative. You may experience a lot of anxiety, or you may need a procedure that can cause discomfort. General dentists use several different kinds of oral sedatives to help…
Your general dentist may tell you that you may need a dental implant someday soon. The idea of getting an artificial tooth can be intimidating or even scary. Your consultation will give you the chance to clarify some things about the procedure. Here are some questions you can ask your general dentist during that first…
A general dentist may spot signs of gum disease during a six-month checkup. Fortunately, these dental care providers can diagnose and treat gum disease of various severity levels. Whether they recommend deep cleaning or periodontal surgery, a dentist can help patients restore oral health and relieve symptoms.Gum disease, or periodontitis, is common but preventable. But…
Proper dental care is important for the overall health of your entire family. Routine oral care from a family dentist can have an impact not just on the appearance of your teeth and gums, but on their function as well. Dental health can also affect many systems of the body and should be prioritized to…
Finding the right dental home for your family is an important part of supporting the oral health of all members. The right family dentist can provide such a home and help you facilitate getting your loved ones the care they need. Follow this helpful guide to finding a family dentist near you.A family dentist has…