One of the greatest benefits of having a family dentist is the fact that he or she accepts patients of all ages and has the education and experience to treat them appropriately! Family dentists complete numerous hours of continuing education each year that focus on dental care for children, teens, adults, and the elderly. These classes give them special insight into their patients’ particular needs based on their ages and life stages.
Here are the most common dental treatments for children, teens, adults, and older adults:
Children
Did you know that children should have their first dental visit by their first birthday or six months after their first tooth develops? Here’s why:
Even babies are susceptible to decay and gum disease. These appointments are just as important for parents to learn about things like baby bottle tooth decay, pacifier habits, thumb-sucking habits, and how to care for their child’s teeth and gums. During appointments with the littlest patients, dentists examine the baby’s teeth and gums to ensure they are healthy and developing properly.
For children around age 4 and above, dentists offer the following preventive treatments:
- Dental cleanings
- Routine examinations
- Fluoride treatments
- Cavity detection
- Dental sealants
- Orthodontic spaces
- Orthodontic assessments
Pre-Teens and Teenagers
Teens need special oral health care because their bodies are going through so many changes. Dental cleanings every six months are imperative for avoiding bad breath, cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems that can lead to overall health problems and self-esteem issues.
For patients who have oral health problems, family dentists offer the following treatments:
- Fillings
- Dental crowns
- Emergency dental care
- Wisdom teeth removal
Dentists also focus on creating an orthodontic treatment plan during this time to correct any spacing and alignment issues. Without orthodontic care, these patients may be at higher risk for oral health problems in the future because spacing and alignment issues often lead to cavities and disease. It’s also best to get braces out of the way before they begin college or careers!
Adults
Family dentists always prioritize preventive care. Therefore, we always recommend that patients of all ages visit the dentist every six months for cleanings and exams.
Adults typically require more restorative treatments than children and teens. These include:
- Dental bridge
- Dental implants
- Dentures
- Partial dentures
- Inlays and onlays
- Root canal therapy
A family dentist also offers cosmetic dental procedures for adults who want to improve the appearance of their smiles. Some of the most popular cosmetic procedures include:
- Dental veneers
- Tooth contouring
- Teeth whitening
- Dental bonding
Patients who desire cosmetic treatments must be free of gum disease and cavities.
Older Adults
Older adults have different oral health concerns than those younger than them, such as:
- Gum recession
- Hand mobility for brushing and flossing
- Replacing missing teeth
- Caring for dentures
Family dentists work with these patients and their caregivers to ensure their oral health doesn’t suffer and lead to overall health problems. For these patients, attending regular dental cleaning and exam appointments is imperative to maintaining a healthy mouth.
Family Dentists in Duncan, OK
Dental care is more convenient when the whole family can go to the same place at the same time. Our team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center works with families to make dental care more accessible, affordable, and enjoyable.
To schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Bridges, call (580) 255-4880 today.
