Questions Every Parent Should Ask Their Family Dentist

Choosing a family dentist as your next dental provider is one of the best decisions you can make for every family member. However, there are multiple factors to take into account when asking questions. Here are a few potential questions to consider when searching for a family dentist.

Is my oral health up to par?

Most feel comfortable starting with questions about their oral health. When scheduling an appointment with a family dentist for the first time, they will begin with an evaluation. This includes X-rays and a physical assessment. From here, patients are encouraged to advocate for themselves by asking any questions about oral health, potential treatments, and the correct oral products they should use.

How do you approach working with children?

One of the main benefits of choosing a family dentist is that they can work with patients of all ages. However, it is important to ask if they have an age limit for the children they work with. For example, do they work with babies and toddlers or only those aged 12 years and older? Do not stop there. Inquire whether they have a special approach to children with dental anxiety. Along with that, parents can help ease children into the concept of regular dental checkups.

Do you offer emergency services?

Emergencies happen. Whether it is extreme tooth pain, a fractured or knocked-out tooth, or a recently exposed abscess, it is important to know available options. Some family dentists are unable to meet the demands of same-day appointments, while others can. Either way, inquire how quickly a particular provider can treat an emergency and the services that are involved if they do.

What services are available?

This question may seem obvious, but it is easy to forget when trying to soak in as much information as possible at a new dentist. Though patients will not use every service in one appointment, it is good to note what needs the family dentist can cater to when the time comes. For example, if the patient needs a root canal, inquire whether the dentist can provide it or if they will need to recommend them to an endodontist.

What is your approach to preventative care?

At its core, dentistry is a personalized service. Therefore, preventative care will look different for each patient depending on their oral health status, age, and habits. For example, dental sealants are recommended for children's premolars to help prevent cavities, but the family dentist may recommend fluoride treatments for adults. No matter the age, ask the dentist what preventative measure they recommend for your or your child's mouth.

Do you provide orthodontics?

Some family dentists have orthodontic appliances on hand, such as clear aligner systems or mandibular management devices. Therefore, it is important to ask how they can help if misalignment or sleep apnea becomes an issue. If not, do they have an orthodontist in their dental network they can recommend, if necessary?