When you look up dental care online, you may be recommended a ‘general dentist’ or ‘family dentist.’ Knowing the differences between general and family dentistry can help you make an informed choice. It will help you pick the type of dentist who best suits your needs.
A family dentist differs from a general dentist by providing dental treatment to people of all ages. Whether it’s you or your child, a family dentist can treat everyone. General dentists, on the other hand, primarily treat adults. Still confused? Read on to learn more about the differences between general and family dentists.
What is the Role of a General Dentist?
The general dentist is the first person to consult with patients at a dental appointment. Based on the diagnosis, they will treat or refer the patient. These professionals are trained to perform routine procedures for adults and focus on preventing and treating oral diseases.
A general dentist offers the following types of dental treatments:
- General dentists carefully check for decay, gum disease, and other problems during regular dental checkups. Almost 65% of dental procedures are either diagnostic or preventive.
- Restorative treatments such as crowns, fillings, and root canal treatments (RCTs) are standard procedures. For cavities, dentists remove decay and use materials like tooth-colored resin for fillings. They can also fix dental chips and breaks. Additionally, general dentists offer solutions for missing teeth, including dentures and other alternatives.
- Tooth extraction is performed for teeth with severe decay or as part of orthodontic treatment. General dentists are capable of performing extractions and are well-trained in managing them.
- Cosmetic treatments, such as smile makeovers. This includes teeth whitening, bonding, and veneers.
- Preventative care, like fluoride supplements and sealants. General dentists also offer personalized oral hygiene instructions. These treatments are intended to maintain good oral health.
General dentists are trained to handle most dental issues, and in complex procedures, they may refer patients to specialists.
What is the Role of a Family Dentist?
A family dentist undergoes extensive training to treat patients of all ages, from young children to seniors. Family dentistry emphasizes building trust with patients and maintaining long-term relationships, which helps ensure consistent and ongoing care for every family member.
A family dentist offers the following types of services:
- Preventive care that includes fluoride treatments and dental sealants. General family dentists help prevent tooth decay and gum problems.
- Restorative dentistry, including fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures. Your family dentist can restore oral health by fixing damaged teeth.
- Pediatric dentistry, which involves specialized care for children. A family dentist may monitor dental growth and oral hygiene in children.
- Cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding. It also involves smile makeovers to enhance the appearance of your smile.
A single dental practice is a workable option for busy family members. It reduces the number of trips to the dental office. Family dentists ensure that they meet all your dental needs under one roof. Studies show that families with a family dentist have fewer dental issues in general.
How to Differentiate Between a General and a Family Dentist?
While general and family dentistry are very similar, they have specific differences:
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Patient Demographics
- General dentists limit their practice to adults only.
- Family dentists handle patients of all ages, making them a convenient option for families.
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Specialized Pediatric and Geriatric Care
- Family dentists are well-equipped to handle different types of dental needs. They are trained to treat the dental problems of children and geriatric patients.
- General dentists primarily treat adult patients. They may refer their patients to other practitioners for specialized issues.
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Continuity of Care
- General dentistry focuses on individual patient care.
- Family dentistry emphasizes long-term relationships and continuity of care for entire families.
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Choosing Between General and Family Dentistry
Consider these points when choosing a dentist:
- General dentists treat young adults and adults.
- Family dentists are ideal for families with children.
- Both types of dentists provide quality care.
Shared Foundations of General and Family Dentistry
Both types of dentists share certain fundamental values.
- They offer all dental services, from check-ups to treatments.
- They focus on evidence-based dentistry and ensure your smile gets the best care.
- Both provide patient education and awareness of healthy oral practices.
Asking the right questions can help you get the most out of your dental treatments. Aim to foster open and honest communication with your dentist. A detailed medical and dental history will help your dentist formulate the correct treatment plan, which will also ensure smooth treatment and faster recovery.
Final Note
When choosing between general and family dentistry, consider your family’s specific needs. A family dentist might be a better choice if you have children or elderly family members since they have experience treating people of all ages. But if you are an adult looking for specialized care, a general dentist may be the better option.
Our dentists at RiverRock Dental can meet all your dental needs. We provide both general and family dentists to help you achieve your best smile.
Contact us today or book a consultation.
Our address: 403 1st Ave East Shakopee, MN 55379
Phone : (952) 445-5556
