Alexandria, VA
Family Dentistry
Family Dentistry
A family dentist serves patients of most ages, addressing their different oral health needs as they grow older. Patients can keep seeing the same family dentist or the same group of family dentists for decades. Family dental practices function as primary care dentists and treat family members such as parents, children, and grandparents.
Family dentistry services are available at Alexandria Old Town Dental in Alexandria and the surrounding area. Our professionals perform many treatments in-house, and our office can be a centralized solution for your family's dentistry needs. You may even be able to schedule appointments for multiple family members at the same time or back-to-back. Call our office today at
(703) 763-1078 to make an appointment.
Benefits of Having a Family Dentist
A family dental office is a one-stop scheduling aid as well, helping families manage preventive care for each member.
Saving Time
Busy parents can save time and hassle by using the same dentist for all family members. Dental team staff members work with patients to schedule concurrent or back-to-back appointments in one office. Being able to complete dental visits for multiple people in one day is a great convenience for families on the go.
Oversight
Family dental practitioners plan and provide oversight of dental treatments. This means they can maintain a big-picture focus on each patient's oral health, as well as attend to the details of each treatment. This also allows dentists to offer continuity of care.
Easing anxieties
Facing the dentist can be a scary proposition for some children. A family practice allows children to see the same professionals each time they visit. They recognize staff members and respond by feeling more at ease. Parents may also feel more comfortable making payment arrangements with offices that have provided a history of care.
Pediatric Dentistry
Preventative Care and Exams
Kid-friendly dentists work with children to keep their teeth healthy and help them develop good oral health habits for life. These dentists join forces with parents, caregivers, the children themselves, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that kids brush their teeth properly, get enough fluoride, and follow a healthy diet. A pediatric dentist generally works with children of all ages and helps care for their primary teeth, also called baby teeth.
Regular dental care helps ensure children understand and can follow proper oral hygiene practices. Kid-friendly dentists take special steps with their young patients. For example, they can tell stories or jokes to distract children from dental procedures. They often give frequent compliments and describe equipment and procedures in simple terms.
Our team provides general oral health examinations and visits, along with more specialized treatments based on the needs of our young patients. We can provide sealants to help minimize the potential for decay and fillings when cavities become problematic in both baby teeth and permanent ones.
We also keep a close watch on how teeth are coming in behind baby teeth. We can use technology to spot problems before they become an issue. This allows us to perform preventive procedures and to create any necessary game plans early on, such as utilizing braces or retainers to minimize the effects down the road.
When to Consider a Pediatric Dentist
Before age 6, most children still have their baby teeth. Between the ages of 6-13, these teeth begin to fall out. Permanent teeth erupt and gradually shift into place. During this period, children's mouths undergo rapid changes. As baby teeth begin to fall out, dental problems can arise without warning. A pediatric dentist tracks their patients' oral development, and thus, if a problem develops, they can take swift action.
According to the ADA, by age 13, children have most of their adult teeth. At this point, children may be ready to switch to a general dentist. However, younger children often benefit from a pediatric dentist. Pediatric providers undergo specialized training, and their offices are designed with children in mind.
Pediatric Dentistry FAQs
At What Age Should My Child See A Pediatric Dentist?
We recommend that children see a pediatric dentist by their first birthday, as it is important that parents learn how to care for an infant's teeth. The first checkup can be pushed to around two years of age if a child is no longer using a bottle and does not eat or drink during the night. After the first visit, six-month dental checkups are recommended.
How Often Should I See A Family Dentist?
Patients should have checkups every six months or more often if recommended. Maintaining a regular exam schedule can help a family dentist find developing issues and prevent them from becoming more significant problems that are also more expensive to treat. Routine exams typically begin with teeth cleaning, followed by an inspection.
How Can I Ensure That My Child's Dental Visit Goes Well?
We suggest making appointments at times when your child is well-rested. Also, plan a fun activity after each dental visit, so the child associates their dentist with a good time. Avoid terms such as "hurt" and "shot" when preparing the child for appointments.
Does A Family Dentist Provide Sealants?
It is normal for teeth to develop small cracks and holes on the exterior. A family dentist can apply sealants to prevent cavities from forming in these openings. Adults are also candidates for sealants on teeth that do not have cavities.