Family dentistry is one of our main focal points at Parkcrest Dental Group. When you choose us as your dental provider, you might consider a dentist who can treat patients of all ages, from 2 to 102.
Find out more information about what family dentistry is from our team!
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What Is a Family Dentist?
A family dentist can address dental health and oral issues at any stage of life, from babies getting their first tooth to a great-grandparent who needs to maintain their smile well into their Golden Years.
Here at Parkcrest Dental Group, we have several doctors capable of providing dental care for the whole family. Dr. Stuart Scott is our pediatric dentist who encourages you to bring in your baby as soon as the first tooth comes in. Dr. Steven Harrison is a board-certified orthodontist with a lifetime of experience treating anyone who wants a straighter smile.
Our other doctors are all experts in their field, and enjoy the work they do in taking care of your family’s dental needs.
What Do Family Dentists Do?
Family dentists can take care of any part of your oral health, from preventative care to treating gum disease.
Regular Cleanings & Exams
We recommend seeing a family dentist every six months for regular cleanings and exams at any age. Part of the exam may include an X-ray to see any developing teeth below the gum line for kids. Then an X-ray of adult teeth can see any tooth decay or wear that can’t normally be seen with a visual inspection. A regular cleaning can also include fluoride treatment or dental sealants.
Checking for Cavities
One vital aspect of dental cleanings and exams is checking for cavities and tooth decay. If your doctor sees any cavities, they will recommend a treatment plan that includes preventative maintenance with brushing and flossing or a filling to prevent the spread of a cavity to another tooth, even for children who still need their baby teeth for a few more years.
Orthodontics, Braces & Invisalign
Your family dentist can assess the straightness of your smile and recommend a treatment plan, such as traditional braces or Invisalign.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Our team can examine ways to improve your smile with veneers, teeth whitening, crowns, dentures, bridges, and partials. The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to enhance your smile and to give you confidence every time you show off your pearly whites.
Gum Disease Treatment
A family dentist can screen for gum disease and recommend a treatment plan if necessary. Regular periodontal maintenance and good oral health habits can prevent gum disease. However, we can recommend a treatment plan to halt the progression of gum disease depending on the stage of gum disease someone has.
What Are the Advantages of Seeing a Family Dentist?
The benefits of seeing a family dentist like Parkcrest Dental Group are numerous.
One Place for Your Entire Family’s Dental Care
A family dentist like Parkcrest Dental Group can see everyone in your family on a single day, from your baby at age 2 to your great-grandma at age 92. Your young children might be seen by our pediatric dentist, while a teenager might have an appointment with our orthodontist. Then Mom, Dad, and Grandma would be seen by their doctors simultaneously. It’s more convenient, and busy families can save time by having one day for everyone’s dental appointments at the same dental practice.
Trusted Relationships to Last a Lifetime
Our dental staff and doctors can start seeing your child when they’re young. As they grow into teenagers and young adults, they can keep the same dental office as their main provider. Plus, family dentists earn the trust of their patients. As your child gets to know their dentist through the years, they are more likely to tell their doctor about any dental issues because they are familiar with their current provider. As they grow and their dental needs change, the dental records remain at the same office when transitioning to a general dentist.
Comprehensive Dental Services for the Whole Family
Some of the dentists at Parkcrest Dental Group have different specialties. Rather than having to refer out to another dentist’s office in Springfield, Missouri your family can keep the same group of dentists for a lifetime of care. As your young adult gets older, they can consult with a doctor who focuses on dental implants or orthodontics, if needed.
How to Choose a Family Dentist in Springfield, MO
Consider the following factors when selecting a family dentist in Springfield, Missouri.
Ask for Recommendations From Family, Friends & Colleagues
Referrals and recommendations from people you trust offer a great way to discover what a family dentist’s office is like. They’ll tell you about a dentist’s personality, how they bond with young kids, and if there are any negatives. Referrals can help you navigate an unfamiliar situation, such as changing dental providers, finding a new dentist after moving, or if your family doctor has a recommendation for a dentist.
Peruse Online Reviews
Read online reviews of a family dentist’s office to see what current patients say about a family dentist. You can find reviews on Google, Facebook, Yelp, Healthgrades, and WebMD. Look at the overall star rating but also what people are saying. If there are any negative reviews, look at them to see what the complaints are. Do the complaints seem valid? Did the dentist’s office respond to them? It’s essential to gauge what people say about a family dentist and look beyond the starred ratings.
Examine the Dentist’s Credentials
Look over the family dentist’s website to see if the doctor has credentials, such as where they went to dental school or if they received any advanced training in a specialty. Board certification in a particular area is also important, such as pediatrics, orthodontics, oral surgery, endodontics (treating the inside of the tooth) or prosthodontics (crowns, bridges, and implants),
Visit the Family Dentist’s Office
Much like test driving a car, you need to experience a family dentist’s office before committing your family’s care to a dentist. Visit a dentist’s office and get to know the staff. See how they interact with people who walk in the door. This is also a chance to ask questions and get the information you need ahead of your family’s dental care.
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Our Family Dentists, Here for Your Family
Do you have additional questions about family dentistry here at Parkcrest Dental Group? Feel free to reach out to us anytime during office hours by calling (417) 887-1120. We’re happy to assist you in any way we can.
