What's the Difference Between General and Family Dentistry?

Do you have a dental problem that needs to be fixed ASAP?

Well, if you need a family dentist, you should call someone, and fast. You’ve got a problem that will only worsen if you don’t address it immediately.

But with so many dentists available, is there a difference between general and family dentistry?

Well, we’re going to talk about all that and more below. Keep reading if you want to know how to get the right dental treatment.

Introduction to General and Family Dentistry

General dentistry focuses on the prevention and treatment of common dental diseases, such as cavities. This may include dental cleanings, fillings, crowns, and more.

Family dentistry, on the other hand, provides a comprehensive range of services. From children’s dental care and preventive care to more complicated services.

Family dentists have specialized training in treating children. They are experienced in managing conditions that affect the jaw muscles and bites. They can recognize diseases of the jawbones, teeth, hair, and mucous membranes.

They are also experienced in providing cosmetic services. They understand the different phases of tooth development to create oral health for life.

Benefits of General Dentistry

General dentistry focuses on general oral health practices such as:

  • regular teeth cleanings
  • dental screenings
  • X-rays
  • fillings

By seeing a general dentist, patients can reduce their risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. It also offers preventive treatments like sealants and fluoride treatments to help strengthen teeth and protect against cavities.

Benefits of Family Dentistry

Family dentistry encompasses all of the services offered by general dentistry. It expands to include cosmetic treatments like veneers and tooth whitening. A dentist in a family dental clinic is equipped to provide all members of the family, from children to adults, with comprehensive oral health care services.

The benefits of seeing a family dentist include better overall oral health and improved oral development in children. It offers greater convenience by having one dental provider for the whole family. Contact these family dentists to learn more about their services and their benefits.

Cost Comparison

The cost of general dentistry is significantly less than that of family dentistry. Be it for a routine checkup or a major treatment such as a root canal. General dentistry typically costs between $50 to $200 for routine cleanings and $100 to $600 for a root canal.

In contrast, family dentistry typically costs between $100 and $300 for a routine checkup and $500 and $1,000 for a root canal. However, these figures can vary depending on the type of treatment required.

Family dentists tend to charge more because they are trained to treat special needs patients, such as those with physical or mental disabilities, as well as treating whole families. Furthermore, family dentists often have access to special techniques or programs for children that general dentists do not.

Find the Right Dentist for You

General and Family Dentistry both focus on patient oral health and hygiene, but their approach is different. General dentistry focuses on the diagnosis, management, and prevention of oral conditions. Family dentistry provides preventive treatments, cosmetic dentistry, restorative treatments, and treatment for TMJ.

Contact a dentistry professional to learn more about preventive care that can benefit your whole family.

If you are looking for more information and guides, make sure to check out some of our other articles on our website.