Family Dentistry
Family Dentistry. What is it exactly? It’s general, preventative, + comprehensive dental treatment and care for all ages!
That’s what we do. University General Dentists provides dental care for people of all ages – children to teens to adults, even senior dental care. This means no more running around to 2 and 3 different dentists’ offices to ensure everyone’s oral health needs are met. It also means that the same dentist can take care of your dental health throughout your lifetime.
Children’s Dentistry
Children have different dental needs than adults, and great dental experiences at a young age create the foundation for the future of a child’s dental health. Our team provides gentle, compassionate dental care from developmental checkups and age-appropriate oral hygiene to extra preventative measures, such as dental sealants, for children.
By teaching children about their teeth and how to care for them in a way they understand and enjoy, we’re providing a baseline for successful dental practices as they grow.
Developmental Checkups
Dental Cleanings
Preventative Measures
Complete Adult Dental Care
Visiting your dentists regularly for routine dental care is not only important for your smile but also for your overall health. Research has shown that gum disease, which is common in adults, can lead to additional health issues like heart disease and stroke, which is why we provide periodontal assessments at every hygiene visit.
In addition to assessing your gum health, your regular hygiene visit will include a comprehensive exam to check for signs of decay, evaluate your bite, and screen for oral cancer.
Complete Exams, X-rays, + Dental Cleanings
Fillings, Root Canals, + Extractions
Senior Adult Oral Care
While the goal is to help patients keep their natural teeth well into their golden years, we understand the challenges that arise in your dental health later in life. When you visit our office, our doctors will perform a comprehensive exam that includes checking out current fillings or crowns as well assessing any effects of aging on your teeth, then we will discuss with you your smile goals for the future and talk options of treatment plans to reach those goals.
Complete Exams, X-rays, + Dental Cleanings
Fillings, Root Canals, + Extractions
Implants – Placement + Restoration
FAQs
What should I expect during a routine visit to your office?
When you visit our offices, our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible. If you are in for your routine 6 months hygiene appointment, during your appointment you will be:
Thoroughly Examined for Signs of Oral Cancer
Checked for Decay and Gum Disease
Professionally Cleaned and Polished
Checked for Loose, Cracked, or Leaking Restorations/Fillings
As you can see, this is more than “just a cleaning” and is a valuable visit for your overall health. If any issues come to light during this appointment, our staff will discuss these with you and make a plan for next steps.
What is the difference in family dentistry & general dentistry?
When it comes to dental health services and procedures, general dentistry and family dentistry are very similar; however, family dentistry is a specialization in dental procedures for all ages. Instead of visiting multiple dentists, your family can have all their dental care needs taken care of in one location!
Why is visiting the dentist so important?
Visiting the dentist regularly not only keeps your mouth and teeth healthy, but it’s important for other aspects of your overall health, too. Dental care is important because it:
Helps prevent tooth decay
Protects against periodontal (gum) disease, which can lead to other health issues like tooth and bone loss, heart disease, and even stroke.
Prevents bad breath – brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will help reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath
Helps keep teeth looking bright by preventing them from becoming stained by food, beverages, and other substances
Regular checkups allow for early detection of possible issues, potentially saving you time and money down the road
Strengthens your teeth so you can have a healthy, confident smile!
At what age should I bring my child for their first dental visit?
There’s a lot of information out there about when is the best time for a child’s first visit to the dentist. While answers vary, most professionals agree that the earlier you introduce your child to positive dental experience the better. By incorporating dental checkups and examinations early in life, you can also make future trips less stressful for all involved because your child will be more familiar and comfortable with the process.
Why is it important to continue senior adult dental care?
As we get older, we become more susceptible to a variety of dental issues, i.e. dry mouth and gum disease, which can directly impact the health of the rest of your body. Gum disease, in particular, has been linked to heart disease, and its presence can increase your likelihood of a heart attack, stroke, and other heart conditions. Other diseases and health issues linked to poor oral health include but are not limited to:
Pneumonia – Poor dental hygiene can lead to the inhalation of bacteria, which can cause an infection in older adults due to their naturally weaker immune systems.
Diabetes – Serious gum disease, also known as periodontitis, can limit the body’s ability to properly utilize insulin. On the flipside, high blood sugar (a common side effect of diabetes) can cause gum infections in the first place.
Dry Mouth – This is a fairly common side effect of many over-the-counter and prescription medications. Saliva plays a key role, as it limits the number of bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the mouth by breaking them down.
Make the dentist a family outing and schedule an appointment today!
With two convenient locations: one in UT Medical Center and one in West Knoxville, our offices are easily accessible for you and your family. Give us a call to start your journey to your best smile!