63% of adults had a dental visit in the last year. 86.9% of children did as well.
A family dentist has enough training and knowledge to handle both. They can take you and your children in to handle almost any dental issues you may have.
These professionals can be lifesavers that also save time and money, especially for large families. Read on to learn about eight major benefits of having a family dentist.
1. Convenience
At least 50% of workers aren’t allowed to use paid time off to go to the dentist. 13% used their unpaid time off, and 29% used holiday time.
Parents who need to take care of their children’s teeth have an even larger problem. Only 23% can use paid time off for it, and approximately 62% have used unpaid leave or holiday time.
Having a family dentist makes scheduling appointments for your family more convenient. You can schedule them all at the same practice or even on the same day.
Many family dentists also offer a range of services in a single practice. They could include:
- Checkups
- Dental crowns, bridges, or implants
- Emergency dentistry
- Cosmetic dentistry
- Pediatric dentistry
If they’re a local dentist, the process is even more convenient. This means less driving time and missed days of work or school or sacrificed days off.
2. Reduced Fear
At least 75% of adults have dental anxiety or fear, also known as dentophobia. The experience can be even worse for children who get uncomfortable around anything unfamiliar.
There are ways to reduce this fear in a pinch if you have to go to a new office for the first time. They include:
- Talking to the dentist in advance
- Using relaxation techniques
- Getting enough food and sleep
- Trying sedation dentistry.
One of the most underappreciated cures is seeing a family dentist regularly. The comfort of going back to see a familiar face will eventually set in, and you won’t be as afraid.
3. Familiarity and a Personal Touch
You and your children will get to know your family dentist after years of coming to them. This will make them feel familiar to every member of your family and make every visit less overwhelming.
Convenience also comes into play here. A dentist who you’ve seen multiple times won’t have to get paperwork detailing your medical history every time you step into their office.
They may even be able to give your dental visits a personal touch. Perhaps they know about:
- Your child’s favorite reward
- Your preference for earplugs
- Your favorite time to schedule appointments
That personal touch is what sets the best offices apart. You’ll want to come back to them and only them to get the kind of care only they can provide.
4. Continuity of Care
Regular dental checkups and regular cleaning are essential for your health because they keep serious issues from arising. They reduce the risk of:
- Oral cancer
- Gum disease
- Cavities
- Excessive plaque or tartar
A family dentist helps maintain the continuity of your care. Keeping a regular schedule helps you know what to expect and when. The fact that they already know you helps them do this effectively.
They’ll help schedule your next appointment for the best time for you. They’ll also remind you when it’s coming up through a text, email, or phone call.
5. Coordination of Care
A family dentist can help if you need more complex forms of dental health care. They can determine the best solution for you based on your medical history.
If they can’t perform the procedure in their office, they’ll be able to find a specialist who does. They can refer you to specialists such as an endodontist or periodontist.
Most of them will have a network of these professionals they can contact when needed. This speeds up the process so that you can get the care you need as soon as possible.
6. Affordable Care
At least 48% of patients with dental insurance still skipped necessary procedures because of cost. 65% of those without insurance did the same.
Having a family dentist can help you save money on more than just gas. Most family dentists with no further specializations give you affordable rates for general care such as cleanings.
A bigger family may even mean bigger savings. Many of them offer discounts to regular patients or families that have multiple members who go to the same practice.
7. Early Detection
At least 13.2% of children have untreated dental caries, otherwise known as cavities. That number jumps to 25.9% in adults 20-44 years old and 20.2% for adults 65 years or older.
These are only one of the many issues that go unnoticed or untreated without frequent trips to the dentist. Others include:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Gum disease
- Enamel erosion
Seeing a dentist can help make sure these issues get identified and treated as soon as possible. It can even help prevent deeper health problems such as diabetes, strokes, and heart disease.
8. Oral Health Education
A family dentist can educate your entire family on what they should be doing to keep their mouth as healthy as possible. This is especially important for children who are just beginning to learn.
A caring family dentist can help teach them the best ways to brush their teeth. They can also offer them tantalizing rewards if they do well.
They can tell you what the best toothbrush or toothpaste to use is. They can also let you know about new technology that just came on the market.
Where to Find a Family Dentist
A family dentist eliminates the need to schedule separate appointments for you and your children. They can take them all in a convenient group.
They’ll also remind you of your appointments and when you need another one, keeping up your continuity of care. They also coordinate your care with nearby specialists when necessary.
Go to them often enough, and they’ll feel like another family member. YOu won’t be as afraid of the dentist and will listen to any tips they give you.
Newbury Dental Group offers the services your entire family needs in one convenient practice. Book an appointment today.