A family dentist is a dentist who treats patients of all ages, including children and adults. La Puente Advanced Dentistry serves the families in the City of La Puente, CA, and its surroundings. We are dedicated to solving the dental issues of all members of your family, including children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. You can be assured that you and your family are in the capable, experienced, and skilled hands of a dentist who is committed to providing you with oral health care of the highest quality.

Types of Procedures Provided at a Family Dentistry

The majority of patients are unaware of the types of procedures provided by their dentist. Each dental treatment has its own set of advantages for promoting improved oral health or improving the look of a patient's smile. Your family dentist can perform a variety of dental treatments, including:

  • Preventive
  • Restorative
  • Orthodontic
  • Cosmetic

Dental procedures come in a variety of forms. You may whiten and realign your teeth as well as fill cavities using dental treatments. An oral checkup would be the first action your dentist will take in choosing which procedure you require.

Below is a list of procedures performed by general dentists:

Bonding

This entails the use of composite bonding material as a restorative technique that makes use of tooth resin to restore decaying, chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth. Bonding is also used to minimize tooth gaps.

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are often used to fill cavities or decayed teeth. They can also be used to restore fractured or damaged teeth. If a patient suffers from a toothache, the dentist does a thorough examination to look for dental cavities and cracks. They do this by carefully examining the tooth as well as using X-rays. If the dentist determines that the tooth requires a filling, the tooth is then repaired.

The dentist uses a dental drill to extract any decaying dental tissue in the inner tooth after numbing the teeth. They will next use wipes to rinse the tooth prior to sealing it with a dental filling.

The patient will select the sort of filling they like with the assistance of the dentist. Fillings can be made of gold, silver, porcelain, or dental resin. Dental fillings are the most commonly performed dental operation in the United States.

Crowns

Dental crowns are often used to restore teeth that have been severely damaged due to disease or trauma. Crowns are the only dental procedure that can keep damaged teeth from being extracted.

Because most crowns must be manufactured in a dental laboratory, the operation takes approximately two dentist sessions to complete.

However, sometimes general dentists are able to create the crowns themselves, allowing a patient to have a dental crown installed in one session.

Crowns repair teeth by completely covering them and protecting them from infection or injury.

Extraction of Teeth

A general dentist will extract a decaying tooth if it is too decayed to be salvaged. If an affected tooth tries but fails to push through the gum, the dentist will extract it.

If the affected tooth is above the gum line, the dentist will take it out by releasing it from its bone socket. Minor oral surgery is used to remove a tooth that is causing problems under the gums.

Dentures 

These are a type of removable dental appliance that may be used to replace lost teeth and enhance your smile. Replacing missing teeth may improve your look and health if you've lost all of your natural teeth due to gum disease, dental rot, or accident. That's because dentures make eating and communicating easier than it would be if you didn't have teeth—something that many people take for granted.

Facial muscles might droop when you lose all of your teeth, making you appear older. Dentures can make you seem younger by filling in the gaps in your face and profile. They may be designed to look identical to your actual teeth, thus your appearance will be hardly altered.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are the best and most lasting option to restore missing teeth. Dental implants need minimal dental surgery to place the dental implant into the jawbone of the patient.

The installation of dental implants provides the patient with permanent prosthetic teeth, despite the fact that it takes a few months and numerous operations to accomplish. Crowns and dentures supported by implants function similarly to natural teeth.

Root Canals

Root canal therapy is used to treat diseased or abscessed teeth. When a tooth is fractured or decaying, it must be opened and the diseased tissue in the center cleaned out. After that, the gap is filled and the aperture is sealed.

Braces

Braces are used to move teeth into a more visually attractive and easy-to-clean position. They're also used to fix bad bites that make it difficult to chew or speak. Braces are often used to realign the teeth of people under the age of 18.

Gum Surgery

Gum disease, also referred to as gum disease, is an inflammation of the gums that can result in tooth and gum loss. Periodontitis and gingivitis are the two main stages of gum disease. Periodontitis is typically more severe than gingivitis, which is milder and curable. Gum surgery may be necessary for certain situations to treat the disease.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer begins in the tongue, mouth, or throat cells. A mouth cancer check-up is generally done during a dental visit. Your dentist will look for lumps or abnormal changes in the tissues in your head, mouth, neck, and face during this examination. He or she will also examine your mouth for sores or any color changes in the tissues.

Sealants

To prevent decay, a thin, plastic coating is sprayed over the biting teeth surfaces, generally the rear teeth (premolars and molars). The sealant binds swiftly to the teeth depressions and grooves, producing a protective barrier over each tooth's enamel. By "sealing out" plaque and food, sealants protect these susceptible regions from tooth decay.

Teeth Whitening

Our teeth discolor gradually with age, but staining might be induced by a range of foods and drinks, including coffee and tea, as well as smoking. One of the most frequent cosmetic dentistry procedures is teeth whitening. Your dentist may develop a bleaching regimen to whiten the tint and restore the brightness of your teeth. This may be done at the dentist's office when casts of your teeth are made and a whitening gel given to you to use at home.

Veneers

These are tough, thin ceramic bits that are permanently attached to your teeth. Veneers are employed to fix chipped, damaged, or discolored teeth, as well as to close spaces in between your teeth.

All these forms of dental operations differ from person to person, so check with your dentist on a regular basis to learn more.

Choosing the Right Family Dentist

There are several aspects to consider while looking for a good family dentist. Sure, having a dazzling white smile is essential, but there's so much more to excellent dental health. It's essential to see a family dentist on a frequent basis for both you and your children to maintain good dental health. To ensure that you are comfortable and pleased with your dental appointments, you must choose a family dentist you can trust and who will attend to your specific requirements.

When looking for a good family dentist, there are a few things to think about:

  • If your insurance is accepted
  • If they have a lot of good feedback and reviews
  • If they are knowledgeable about the most recent dental techniques and technology
  • What their qualifications and education are
  • What services do they provide?
  • What their work culture is like
  • What are the characteristics and personality traits of the dentist?

When choosing a family dentist, it's essential to ensure that your entire family — especially your children, whose teeth are still growing — will have good oral health. Children require a compassionate and kind dentist who has worked with children before.

Even if it's nice when a dentist offers toys for children in the reception area, it's more crucial for a dentist to be friendly and pleasant so your child feels safe and secure.

Elements to Look for When Finding the Right Family Dentist

Let's look at the elements to think about while looking for a decent dentist for you and your loved ones.

Insurance

Is your insurance accepted by the dentist? If the dentist's office you're considering isn't covered by your insurance, you might want to seek another option, as dental operations can be costly. It's usually best to go with a family dentist that accepts your insurance and charges a fair cost. A dental office that does not accept their insurance might be a big deal-breaker for families on a limited budget.

Credentials and Education

Dentists in the United States must graduate from an approved dental school after completing both practical and written tests. They must enhance their skills after graduation as well because new technology and processes emerge all the time, and they'll have to keep up with the advancements. Look for their qualifications on their website or just question them. The following are some of the questions you'll most likely want to be answered:

  • What are their qualifications and education?
  • How long have they been putting their skills to use?
  • Do they attend further dental education classes?

You should also check whether the office has multiple dentists. If that's the case, make sure they all have the same degree of qualifications and expertise. Ask questions when you phone the dentist’s office. Find out if they treat children and teenagers as well as adults. Some family dentists refuse to treat children under the age of six. They could suggest that they see a pediatric dentist.

As a result, it's critical that you find out before making your decision.

An additional factor to consider is whether or not your children require braces. It will be ideal to locate a family dentist that not only provides braces but also fillings, cleanings, and other routine dental procedures.

Finally, is anyone in your family suffering dental phobias or fears? Choosing a dentist that recognizes these phobias and provides additional services such as music or anesthesia to help patients feel relaxed is a plus. Before you schedule an appointment, you should enquire about this. Dentists that care about you would like you to be as comfortable as possible during your appointment, and they and their office personnel should be open to all inquiries.

Testimonials and Ratings

Testimonials and reviews may influence your decision to hire a family dentist. You'll probably have a few questions, such as

  • What do the practice's testimonials and reviews look like?
  • Do you think your friends and family who have gone to this dental office would recommend it?

When looking for a family dentist, ask around. Check with your relatives and friends to see if they can recommend someone. It's critical to choose a dentist with a proven track record. Patients from the past and present are also useful sources of information.

Look for reviews on multiple places to get a sense of how previous patients felt. If you see that the majority of the evaluations are positive, it's a good indicator that they'll provide you the attention and care you require. You may obtain reviews on numerous dentists by conducting a simple web search. Look at sites like:

  • Facebook
  • Zocdoc
  • Yelp

Fortunately, there are numerous websites available. Going through pages of testimonials may seem tiresome, but it will save you a lot of time and aggravation in the long run.

Services

When searching for a dentist for your household, it's critical to locate one who provides the services you require.

A professional tooth cleaning procedure is vital, but your family dentist should also provide a wide range of additional dental treatments so that everyone in your family receives the care they require. You'll want a family dentist that provides a wide range of treatments, such as restorative dentistry, teeth whitening, and wisdom tooth extraction, so you can go to one place for all of your dental needs.

Consider a dentist that offers the following dental care services:

  • Dental care for the entire family
  • Children's dentistry
  • Invisalign
  • Treatment for Cavities
  • Dentists who practice preventative dentistry
  • Cosmetic dentistry
  • Extraction of wisdom teeth
  • Tooth extractions
  • Gum disease therapy
  • Root canal therapy

By choosing a dentist that provides all services ahead of time and developing a strong connection with them, you may avoid having to hop from one dentist to another to meet your needs.

Up-to-date with Current Procedures and Technologies

When looking for a dentist, ask yourself if they're up to speed on the newest dental techniques and technology. Patients can choose from a wide range of contemporary dental services, including restorative dentistry, aesthetic dentistry, and family dentistry. It's not a bad idea to inquire beforehand and see whether they're familiar with the newest dental procedures and technology, such as Invisalign braces and the KöR Whitening Deep BleachingTM System.

When looking for a dentist, ask yourself if they're up to speed on the newest dental techniques and technology. Patients can choose from a wide range of contemporary dental services, including restorative dentistry, aesthetic dentistry, and family dentistry. It's not a bad idea to inquire beforehand and see whether they're familiar with the newest dental procedures and technology, such as Invisalign braces and the KöR Whitening Deep BleachingTM System.

Workplace Culture

When searching for the perfect dentist, the attitude and atmosphere of the dental clinic are just as essential as everything else. Pay a visit to the clinic and have a look around before deciding on a dentist. There are a few things to keep in mind:

  • What is the atmosphere like at their workplace?
  • Do you believe your family, particularly your children, would feel at ease there?
  • Is the staff pleasant and hospitable?
  • Is the office tidy and the waiting room welcoming?

Your family will be less inclined to miss appointments if they feel more at ease with a dental office. You'll also be laying a strong basis for your children's dental hygiene in the future if they have a favorable encounter with the office and the dentist.

Personality

Your dentist should not only be skilled but also someone with whom you can have a great relationship. There's no replacement for a dentist who can detect possible tooth problems and sit with you just to explore your best treatment choices.

A family dentist who's had experience working with both children and adults is aware of their various requirements and can respond properly and compassionately. The following are some questions to consider about your future dentist:

  • How would you describe the dentist's personality?
  • Is it a good fit for you and your family?
  • Does the dentist appear to be a kind person?
  • Will you feel at ease seeing this dentist for a long time?

Your dentist should have the following characteristics among many others:

  • Excellent connection and trustworthiness are some of the best attributes of a family dentist.
  • Aesthetically minded, detail-oriented, and easy to talk to
  • Enjoys their work and demonstrates care and compassion as a leader
  • Excellent communicator

Find a Family Dentist Near Me

At La Puente Advanced Dentistry, our patients are our main priority, which is why we utilize the most up-to-date dental therapy techniques, from our instruments and equipment to our training and processes, as well as the best dental tools available.

Come in for a consultation if you live in the La Puente area and need assistance with a dental emergency, a regular check-up, and professional cleaning, or even a second opinion. Our goal is to establish long-term connections with our patients. Call our offices at 626-626-7075 today.