When it comes to dental care, it’s important to find a dental provider that meets your specific needs.
Two options for dental care are family dentistry and general dentistry. While both types of dentistry focus on maintaining good oral health, they differ in their scope of practice and the types of patients they serve.
In this blog, we will explore the differences between both of these categories as well as help you determine which type of dentist is best for your needs. Read on to learn more.
What is Family Dentistry?
Family dentistry is a type of dental care that focuses on the oral health needs of patients of all ages. This includes children, adults, and seniors.
- Services Offered: A family dentist is trained to provide a wide range of services, including cleanings, fillings, and extractions. In addition to these basic services, family dentists may also offer more specialized treatments such as fluoride treatments, sealants, and orthodontic care.
- Main Objectives: One of the main goals of family dentistry is to provide preventive care and education to patients. This includes teaching patients about proper oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing, as well as providing regular cleanings and exams to catch and treat dental issues early on.
Learn more about family dentistry in Gilbert, Arizona.
What is General Dentistry?
General dentistry is a type of dental care that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of dental conditions in adults.
- Services Offered: General dentists are trained to provide a wide range of services, including fillings, extractions, and root canals. In addition to these basic services, general dentists may also offer more specialized treatments such as crowns, bridges, and dental implants.
- Main Objectives: One of the main goals of general dentistry is to diagnose and treat dental conditions in order to maintain good oral health. This includes identifying and addressing problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues that can affect the teeth and gums.
Differences Between Family Dentistry and General Dentistry
While both family dentistry and general dentistry focus on maintaining good oral health, there are some key differences between the two types of dental care.
- Age Range: Family dentistry is designed to meet the needs of patients of all ages, including children, adults, and seniors. In contrast, general dentistry is typically focused on the needs of adults.
- Services Offered: Family dentists are trained to provide a wide range of services, including cleanings, fillings, extractions, and specialized treatments such as fluoride treatments and orthodontic care. General dentists also offer a wide range of services but may place a greater emphasis on more specialized treatments such as crowns, bridges, and implants.
- Preventive Care vs Treatment of Dental Conditions: Family dentistry places a strong emphasis on preventive care and education, with the goal of helping patients maintain good oral health and avoid more serious and costly dental problems down the line. General dentistry, on the other hand, is more focused on the diagnosis and treatment of dental conditions that have already developed.
Choosing the Right Dentist for Your Needs
When it comes to choosing a dentist, it’s important to consider your specific needs and the needs of your family.
If you have children or are looking for comprehensive dental care for the entire family, a family dentist may be the best option. But if you are an adult and mostly want to get treatment for specific dental problems, a general dentist may be a better choice.
Also, if you’re looking for specialized treatments such as crowns, bridges, or implants, a general dentist may be a better fit. On the other hand, if you’re primarily interested in preventive care and education, a family dentist may be a better choice.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between family dentistry and general dentistry can help you make informed decisions about your dental care needs. This can ensure that you and your loved ones receive the best possible treatment.
If you’re looking for a dentist in Gilbert, Arizona, we got your back. Feel free to reach out to us!
