The Philosophy of Family Dentistry

Our family dentists work with kids and adults in Tonawanda to care for them as they grow and change. These dentists emphasize patient involvement by providing accessible, continuous, patient-centered, and comprehensive care. The hallmarks of many family dentistry practices include services that benefit patients at all stages of life, such as:

• Accessibility for children, senior citizens, and other age groups
• Appointment availability the same day or in a few days, especially for emergencies or urgent care needs
• Dentists who are easy to talk to
• Dentists who focus on prevention and treatment
• Multiple appointments at the same time or close together
• Multiple dentists representing general dentistry and, sometimes, various specialties
• Possible flexible payment options

Understanding Family Dentistry

Our family dentists for adults and kids in Tonawanda make a point of getting to know their patients. They encourage regular checkups and catch emerging issues such as cavities. They provide continuity of care even if patients do not see the same professional on each visit. Information such as medical histories, diagnoses, and treatment plans are less likely to fall through any cracks. Centralized paperwork and familiarity with medical history also help dentists pinpoint and treat various oral health issues.

Age Groups Treated by Family Dentistry

Parents and caregivers are busy, and the family dentists at our Tonawanda pediatric dental clinic make their lives easier. For example, parents can schedule appointments for their children simultaneously at the same dental office. Similarly, parents can seek out a practice that offers general dentistry in addition to certain services such as orthodontics for a child who needs braces. Since family dentists can treat patients of all ages, some family dental practices take care of most or all of a family’s dental needs under one roof for decades.

Needs Treated by Family Dentistry

A family dentist can practice alone, but some partner with other dentists. Whatever the case, a family dentist treats various needs. Patients often turn to their family dental practice for checkups, cleanings, cavity prevention and treatment, tooth decay deterrence, and gum disease prevention. Some practices may even provide orthodontic services, cosmetic dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and other types of specialized dentistry. When necessary, family dentists refer patients to specialized dentists for other types of treatment.

What to Know About the First Appointment With a Family Dentist

A patient’s first visit to a family dentist will consist of a thorough physical examination to assess their needs and current dental health. This will involve a dental exam and updated X-rays. X-rays are particularly essential as they can diagnose and evaluate any potential issues that an exam cannot detect. Bison Dentistry will also perform a thorough dental cleaning as part of the first visit. Then, once completed, our team will discuss any X-ray results and devise a customized treatment plan to meet each patient’s unique needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can a family dentist fit my child with braces?

A. You can find that information on each practice’s website or by calling the office. However, a family group without an orthodontist may refer children to the appropriate orthodontic professionals.

Q. Do family dentists see children and adults with disabilities?

A. Many do. However, it is best to check with the office before making an appointment. For example, in a practice with multiple dentists, just one or two may handle patients with certain disabilities.

Q. What is the age range for a family dentist’s patients?

A. Family dentists treat most ages, caring for both children and senior citizens. If the practice includes a pediatric dentist, it might accept infant patients. Otherwise, a family dentist tends to see children once they are in kindergarten.

Q. Can a family dentist treat cavities?

A. Most likely, yes. However, if the cavity is severe enough, family dentists may need to refer patients elsewhere for more specialized care. Regular checkups with your family dentist can help prevent cavities.

Q. How often do people visit their family dentist?

A. In general, each patient should visit once or twice a year. Dentists prefer to see children every six months. Meanwhile, adults with teeth in excellent condition might visit only once a year. People who are pregnant, undergoing chemotherapy, or dealing with serious health issues may need to visit their dentist more frequently than twice a year. We can help determine your unique risk profile.

Q. Is a family dentist the same as a general dentist?

A. They are not necessarily the same, although both types of dentists can be primary care providers. A family dental practice offers general dentistry services for most ages. A pedodontist, periodontist, or another specialist can work for a family practice as part of a comprehensive care approach. On the other hand, a general dentistry practice focuses only on the patients’ overall oral health needs. It may not always take a family-friendly approach. For example, a general dentist might not have multiple appointments available at the same time or a waiting room that caters to various age groups.

Cosmetic DentistryCosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.

DecayTooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.

Dental CariesDental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.

Dental CheckupA dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.

Dental FillingA dental filling involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth.

Dental ProphylaxisA dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.

Dental SealantsDental sealants contain a resinous material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.

DentistA dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.

GingivitisGingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.

Preventive DentistryPreventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth.

TartarTartar forms when plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth and calcifies into a hard surface that is much more difficult to remove and will require professional treatment.

Tooth EnamelTooth enamel is the protective visible outer surface of a tooth that contains the dentin and dental pulp.