Responsibilities of a Family Dentist

Family dentists perform a range of tasks on a regular basis. Tooth extractions, pediatric care, tending to oral tissues, offering preventive and corrective care are some of their duties. They are trained to offer complete dental care for the whole family.

Here are some of the many responsibilities of a family dentist:

Understanding the Patient’s Needs

Because they understand that each family member is unique, they take the time to listen and talk to their patients which allows them to address their oral health problems while also being able to understand their cosmetic needs.

General Patient Care

Family dentists diagnose and treat issues involving gums, mouth, and teeth. They also offer advice related to brushing and diet to prevent any future problems. Apart from this, they fill cavities, examine X-rays, straighten teeth, perform root canals, extract teeth, and write prescriptions for pain relievers and antibiotics.

Preventive Health

The main duty of a family dentist is to educate the patient on problems regarding preventive maintenance of the teeth, mouth, and gums. This includes informing them of the best way to floss and brush as well as advise them on their dietary choices.

Cosmetic Corrections

A lot of times, patients visit family dentists for getting cosmetic procedures done. A family dentist is trained to perform treatments such as, repairing chipped or fractured teeth, teeth whitening and replacing or straightening teeth. However, for more complicated processes, such as installation of braces, the dentists may refer patients to experts such as orthodontists.

Use of Equipment

Family dentists have to know how to operate special equipment to execute their tasks. For example, x-ray machines are utilized to examine the facial bones, lasers are utilized for teeth whitening, drills are used for administering fillings. Apart from knowing how to handle each piece of equipment, the dentist should also be knowledgeable of the laws that govern the use of such machines.

Administrative Duties

Several dentists have private practices, which may necessitate them to undertake certain administrative duties. For instance, they have to supervise and hire other staff members, such as receptionists and hygienists. They have to maintain and order supplies and equipment, and oversee the billing and bookkeeping procedures and ensure records are kept accurately and the scheduling is done as desired.

Pharmaceuticals

Some patients require medications to relieve pain and treat oral infections after a medical process. The family dentist decides what medicine is best for the patient given their medical history and diagnosis and prescribes the drug for the patient.

Qualifications & Training

Family dentists have to undergo vigorous training and education to qualify. Aspiring dentists are obligated to obtain a bachelor's degree and take the DAT or Dental Admissions Test. Once dental school completes, the dental experts must become licensed by passing their state's practical and written exam.

Family dentists are a big part of everyone’s lives. They provide treatment for gums and teeth, diagnose problems of the mouth and perform precautionary care to make sure healthy oral hygiene is maintained. Good oral hygiene prevents periodontal disease and tooth decay. Families normally visit these dentists two times a year for regular cleanings and also when they suffer from tooth problems and gum disease.

There are several dental clinics in California that cater to families. The best way to find out about them is to search for them online. Most dentists have websites that display their services, testimonials and contact information. You can go in for a consultation before narrowing down to one clinic. Another great way to find out about such dentists is through word of mouth. Ask your friends and family for references.    

Perfect Smile with Invisalign Braces

With advancements in dental processes and new technology, cosmetic dentistry has become very popular. Having a perfect set of whites is extremely easy now with the help of several different procedures. One of such techniques is by using Invisalign.

Invisalign are lot like normal braces, without wires, brackets and other devices used for straightening and enhancing a smile. Your orthodontist will begin the process by taking an impression of your teeth. Once done, a variety of "aligners" will be used; each designed to make subtle gradual changes to the tooth’s position. In every couple of weeks, depending on the doctor’s recommendation, you will have to switch one aligner for the next to shift your projections into place progressively.

Design

As your teeth shift and move during the alignment stages, you will have to go back to the dental office to get your progress monitored. Though the dental expert will keep your progress charted out, your checkups will mainly let the doctor measure the speed of your movement and make adjustments, if needed, to the next set, to shift your projections. This kind of treatment is entirely customized for the mouth, i.e., the devices can be utilized only for the patient they are made for.

If invisalign interests you, you can speak with your dentist. While it is known to work on almost all kinds of dental issues, such as under-bites, overbites, and other problems, your dental expert can decide whether invisalign will do well for you or not.

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces

The main difference between braces and invisalign is two-fold. The first is that aligners can be removed completely, making it easier for the patient to floss, brush, and even eat without dealing with wires and brackets that are used extensively in conventional braces. Also, invisalign can make dental care less complicated, allowing the patient to maintain a normal diet (without having to avoid harder food products that can break off the traditional braces). The other benefit of invisalign is the comfort. While the patient may experience some tenderness or soreness within the jaw or teeth as the aligners move their position, there will be no irritation within the mouth that takes place with conventional braces. The main reason for this is that invisalign braces are smooth, and the insides of the mouth does not press or rub into hard brackets.

Cost of Invisalign Braces:

The cost of these braces is based on the dental office fee and the lab fee. As every case is different, the price may vary from four thousand dollars to seven thousand dollars.

How to find the right dentist

Your regular dentist should know how to find a good aesthetic dentist. Check to see if the dentist is certified and has proper training and credentials. Check with the court for any negligence cases against the doctor. Also, ask the dentist about how much experience he/she has for the particular procedure that needs to be done.

Talk to patients who have had the same procedure done. If the dental expert does not have any pictures of the procedure, request them for some. Go to the expert for a consultation. Most clinics offer free consultation. Discuss procedures, expectations and costs on this first visit. In case you do not feel very comfortable, choose a different dentist. It is always a good idea to take a second opinion.

There are several dental experts in California that offer aesthetic procedures.  However, before choosing one, be very sure you’re aware of the details involved in the process, the dentist’s experience in invisalign, payment and financing options, follow-up care, and the total number of appointments required.