Care that grows with your family
Family dentists act as primary care dentists. Many families stay with the same practice for decades, which builds trust and gives your dentist a long view of each person's mouth. Good family care is easy to reach, continuous and centered on the patient. Many of our services are performed in-house, so your family's dental needs can be handled in one office.
- Care for children, adults and seniors
- Appointments for several family members at the same time or close together
- A dentist who is easy to talk to
- A focus on both prevention and treatment
- Prompt appointments when something urgent comes up
What a family dentist treats
Families come to us for checkups, cleanings, cavity prevention and treatment, and gum disease prevention. We also offer dental sealants, cosmetic dentistry and other services. When a problem needs a specialist, we refer you to the right one.
Dental specialists, explained
All dentists complete an undergraduate degree and four years of dental school. Specialists then train further. Knowing the fields can help you understand a referral:
- Pediatric dentistry: care for children from infancy through age 18.
- Endodontics: root canal treatment and problems inside the tooth.
- Periodontics: gum disease and the bone that supports the teeth.
- Oral surgery: injuries and diseases of the mouth, gums and jaw, such as a broken tooth that needs surgery.
- Orthodontics: braces and aligners to straighten teeth, usually for teens and adults.
- Prosthodontics: replacing missing teeth with bridges, dentures and implants.
Your first appointment
At a first visit we assess your dental health with an exam and updated X-rays. X-rays matter because they show problems an exam alone cannot detect. We also do a thorough cleaning, then go over your X-ray results with you and build a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Tips for the whole family
- Brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. A manual or electric brush both work; use the one you will use consistently.
- Floss every day. Floss reaches between teeth and under the gums where a brush cannot.
- Ask us about sealants. Adults can benefit from them too, on teeth without cavities.
Children should see a dentist by their first birthday. After that, plan on a checkup every six months.
Common questions
At what age should my child see the dentist?
By their first birthday, so you can learn how to care for their teeth. If a child has stopped using a bottle and does not eat or drink at night, the first visit can wait until around age two. After that, visit every six months.
How often should I see a family dentist?
Every six months, or more often if we recommend it. Regular exams help us find small problems before they become larger and more costly.
How important is flossing?
Very. Flossing removes plaque between teeth and below the gumline, which helps prevent tartar and receding gums. If string floss is hard to use, try floss picks, threaders or a water flosser.
Do family dentists provide sealants?
Yes. Sealants fill the tiny grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities. Adults can have them too.