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Family dentistry is a type of dentistry which deals with the dental needs of all family members. The entire family is typically included in the care plan. Unlike a private practice, or dental office, family dentistry provides care for people of all age groups and health levels. Depending on where you live, most of the dentists who provide care for your family may be from one of a few different fields: general dentistry, paediatric dentistry, endodontics (root canal treatment), oral surgery and more. There are many financial considerations to think about when deciding on which provide is best for your family’s needs.

Are they experienced?

This is a good question to ask when considering dentistry. While many patients need emergency care, it is important that your family dentist can also provide you with routine care. It is hard to find general dentists who have experience with small children and older adults, so be sure that you choose the right provider for your special needs.

When you ask about experience, do not be shy. If there is one thing you should avoid, it’s dentists who are not willing to share information about their track record. You can expect a good dentist to easily answer questions about their experiences in this field.

Are they affordable?

The biggest consideration that you need to keep in mind when choosing a family dentist is your budget. If a family doctor, who is usually more affordable than a general dentist, can provide the care that your family needs, then you might have found your perfect healthcare provider.

Are they conveniently located?

It is important to find a family dentist who is convenient for your schedule. While some patients have an emergency, it is unlikely that you will be able to get into the office right away. This means that you need to be looking for the right provided well before any dental needs and emergencies.

Are they accepting new patients?

The last thing you want is for your family membership in a dentistry practice to depend on your dentist leaving and taking their staff with them. If there is one thing you can count on, it is how hard it is to find expert help these days! So, when choosing a family dentist, ask about becoming a new patient.

Do they work well with kids?

It is important to find a family dentist who is experienced with children. They will also be able to provide the guidance your kids need for taking care of their teeth. This is an experience that you will not find dentists, so if your provider does not work well with children, they might not be the right fit for your family.

Are they professional?

The staff members of the dental practice provide care to patients of all ages and health levels. The staff members are also professional, which can be seen in how they interact with their patients.

1. Sealants are expensive and do not last a lifetime as a dentist recommends.

Dental sealants are expensive and do not last a lifetime, as a dentist recommends. Sealant cost ranges from $20-150 and must be replaced every 3-7 years. They only work on molars, which are one of the last teeth to show signs of decay. Over time, the sealant may wane and when it does, it is probably too late to fix your child’s teeth.

2. Sealants are hard to keep clean

Sealants are harder to keep clean than most people realize. The dentist’s website recommends peeling them off in the morning and night, and it only takes a few seconds to remove them. But if you are not careful or follow the directions or wear the sealant down, it can be a pain to get off. Parents often have trouble getting off the thing from their child’s mouth, which makes cleaning it difficult.

3. Sealants are uncomfortable and have little benefit.

Parents often find sealants uncomfortable for their children. They often tell the dentist that it is too hard to swallow. This is a sign that the sealant is too high on the tooth, where there is no gum tissue or jawbone to protect it from constant chewing. If you think your child is going to be chewing constantly with a sealant, you are wrong. Children (and adults) chew all day long, except during sleep and school. The only way to keep children from damaging their teeth is by teaching them good chewing skills.

4. Sealants do little to protect your child’s teeth

Dentists do not tell you this, but the sealant is a temporary fix. It will probably last the life of your child–maybe a few years, depending on how much they wear it down–and then it needs to be topped up every 3-7 years.

But sealants do little to protect a child’s teeth. They do not prevent cavities; they just stop your child from getting more cavities in the spots where you have put them. If your child is eating a lot of sugary foods, the surrounding teeth will still decay and need treatment. If your child is not eating a lot of sugary foods, a sealant probably will not make much difference to their oral health.

So why do dentists recommend sealants? If they did not, they would not be making so much money with them, right? Well, most dentists must follow the ADA guidelines that say that all kids should have them, so I can see where they get their money. But you should not let this money motivation override your own health.

If you are afraid of the dentist, it might be because you have had unpleasant experiences that made you worry. Maybe one time when the dentist looked away for a second, he left a tooth with a big cavity. Or maybe your child screamed during their first visit and refused to go back.

To get over your fear of going to the dentist, here are some tips:

Think about how much better your dental health would be if you were getting treatment every 6 months instead of every 5 years. You would also be less likely to have cavities and other problems if you got regular visits. Finally, think about what else is more important than teeth — like how much happier and healthier life would be without teeth aches.

Do something different the next time you go to the dentist. Pick a dental practice that is right for you, one that is clean and comfortable. Ask questions during your appointment to put your mind at ease, like asking how long each procedure will take and what types of tools they will use.

Ask the dentist’s office if they have any sedation dentistry options for you. If you are nervous about seeing the dentist, taking a pill, or getting an injection at the office may help you relax enough to get through your appointment without panicking. Seek the help of a friend or family member to go with you if you are nervous. This way you can feel more secure that they will handle any safety issues and will also get your mind off your fear.

Remember that just like getting work done on other parts of your body, fixing your teeth needs to be done at least twice a year, every 6 months.

When it is time for your next visit, think about what is going to prepare you. Find out in advance if the dentist is going to do an X-ray, a root canal, or a crown. And make sure you are aware of how much that cost will be.

Do not feel bad if you cannot get through your visit without feeling scared. It is better to be scared — it means that you’re paying attention and actually listening to what the dentist is saying. When the dentist is done with your appointment, remember to thank them for all their hard work. Always follow up with the dentist in a timely manner.

Always remember that no one is going to hurt you at the dentist’s office. Most dentists are very gentle and understanding. You might be surprised at how easy it is to get all your teeth cleaned, checked, and (if needed) repaired at the dentist’s office.