Are you looking for a family dentist in Lansdale, PA? At Brookwood Dental Associates, our dental team can see every member of your family under one roof. We offer family scheduling so parents and their children can get the care they need in one office visit. Our family dentistry services serve patients of all ages in Lansdale, PA, and many surrounding communities. Whether you have children who need pediatric dental services or you require general dentistry services for older members of your family, we can help.
Routine Pediatric Dental Visits
Early dental care creates a good foundation for your child’s future oral health. We recommend that your child visits the dentist after their baby teeth have emerged, typically around their first year. The primary, or baby teeth, typically erupt when children are between 3 to 7 months old.
We know that dental anxiety or fear can be common in younger dental patients. Because of this, we recommend that parents bring their children to regular dental checkups. Our team aims to create a welcoming, stress-free environment. We want younger patients to become familiarized with our office so they do not fear dental appointments.
Our team will examine their smile during routine dental visits and provide an age-appropriate dental cleaning. We will also recommend dental X-rays as needed. Our team can track any development-related concerns and provide early intervention when considered necessary for normal oral health and development.
Dental Sealants and Fluoride Treatment
We often recommend dental sealants and fluoride treatments for older children. These treatments help prevent cavities and tooth decay. Sealants are thin coatings that we apply to the teeth and then cure with a special light. Dental sealants are typically applied to the back molars, which are prone to cavities.
Sealants benefit children between the ages of 5 and 14. Fluoride treatments are another routine offering for children three years and older. We can apply fluoride to the teeth at regular dental visits to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay and cavities.
Age-Specific Dentistry
As a family dental practice, we treat patients of all ages. We want to ensure that everyone gets age-appropriate care that targets the problems their age group is most likely to face. The same issues for toddlers aren’t usually the most prevalent for teens or young adults. We understand the unique dental problems for each age and work with your growing and changing smile.
Adolescents and Kids
Toddlers and young children face tooth decay as their biggest issue. When they become preteens and teens, that’s when we want to target orthodontic problems. Orthodontic issues are easiest to treat before the mouth is completely developed. We provide traditional braces and retainers, as well as Invisalign clear aligners. We work with you to ensure you get the best treatment options for your case.
As teens age into young adults, wisdom teeth begin to cause problems in the mouth. Most of the time, our mouths don’t have room for these extra molars. If the teeth erupt, they cramp your mouth and make your smile crooked. If you’ve had orthodontic treatment, wisdom teeth can cause teeth to revert. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain and infections. We’ll monitor your wisdom tooth development. In most cases, we recommend wisdom tooth removal.
Senior Dental Care
As we age, the years take their toll on our mouths just like they take a toll on the rest of our bodies. With age, our teeth discolor. The bright white enamel that makes up the outermost layer gets thinner, exposing more of the off-white dentin layer underneath. Lifestyle habits increase this discoloration. If you smoke or drink coffee regularly, staining from these things builds up on the outside of your teeth.
Traditional teeth whitening can take years off of your smile. Professional teeth whitening is the best form of teeth whitening. It penetrates deeper and doesn’t cause as much sensitivity as over-the-counter options. Porcelain veneers are a great option for other staining or severe staining. We color-match them to the shade of white that you desire, and they cover the full front and sides of a tooth.
Seniors are also most likely to suffer from tooth loss. You must replace your missing tooth right away. Even one has detrimental impacts on your oral health. Whenever possible, we recommend dental implants. They’re the gold standard of tooth replacement, giving you back 100% of your bite function. They also prevent further jawbone degeneration and look and feel like natural teeth.
Family Dentistry FAQs
Read answers to common questions many patients have about family dentistry to learn more about our services:
What is the difference between general dentistry and family dentistry?
General dentistry focuses on treating patients of a specific age group, often adults. It includes basic dental care like cleanings, fillings, and exams.
Family dentistry treats patients of all ages—kids, teens, adults, and seniors. This means a family dentist can provide dental care for an entire family in one office. Both types of dentists can help keep teeth healthy, but family dentistry is more convenient if you want everyone in the family to see the same dentist.
Why are regular dental visits essential for children?
Regular dental visits are essential for children because they help them get comfortable with going to the dentist. When kids start seeing the dentist early, they’re more likely to feel relaxed during check-ups and cleanings as they grow up. These visits also teach children how to care for their teeth and gums. Dentists show kids how to brush and floss properly, which builds good habits that will keep their mouths healthy for life.
Pediatric dentists can catch small issues early, like cavities or crooked teeth, before they become bigger problems. This helps prevent serious dental issues down the road, which could be more painful and harder to fix. Regular visits also allow us to keep an eye on how a child’s teeth and jaws are developing, making sure everything grows in correctly. Starting dental visits at a young age sets kids up for a lifetime of strong, healthy smiles.
Do you offer dental care for seniors?
As we age, we can develop new oral health problems like worn teeth, tooth discoloration, and even missing teeth. Our office offers restorative, general, and cosmetic treatments to address these problems. Dental crowns, dental implants, porcelain veneers, tooth bonding, and teeth whitening treatment benefit our adult patients.
How do I care for my child’s teeth at home?
Even before your child’s teeth emerge, you can clean their gums. Wipe their gums with a damp cloth to clean off food debris and bacteria. Once your child’s baby teeth come in, you can use an infant toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste to brush their teeth. You can also ask us for tips to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy.
How long does a fluoride treatment last?
A fluoride treatment usually gives protection against tooth decay for three to six months. The duration will depend on the patient’s oral hygiene habits, diet, and the use of other fluoride products. Most dentists recommend getting a professional fluoride treatment about every six months. However, you may need the treatment more frequently if you have a higher risk of cavities.
How long do dental sealants last?
Dental sealants can last up to ten years. However, they can sometimes wear down earlier than that. Your dentist will check the condition of sealants ar routine dental visits. If wear and chipping become evident, they may need to reapply the sealants. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can prolong the life of your sealants.
What is the most common cause of tooth loss in the elderly?
The most common cause of tooth loss in elderly patients is gum disease. Factors such as cavities, poor oral hygiene, and tobacco use can also contribute to tooth loss. In addition, dry mouth and some prescription medications that seniors take can contribute to the condition. The good news is that tooth loss in seniors is preventable. Regular dental visits and avoiding tobacco products can prevent it in seniors.
Does teeth whitening have an age limit?
Teeth whitening doesn’t have a specific age limit. However, we recommend professional teeth whitening treatment for older teens and adults. Younger kids and teens are usually still developing their teeth, so whitening might not be ideal. Patients should wait until all permanent teeth are in place to avoid uneven color.
Whitening is safe for most adults. But we may suggest other options if you have sensitive teeth or certain dental issues. Always check with us to see if whitening is right for you.
Get Dental Care for Your Family
If you need a pediatric dentist, call us at 267-651-7247 or schedule a dental consultation with our team online. Let us know if you have any further questions or concerns. We’re here to provide family dentistry services in Lansdale, PA.