A Guide to Choosing the Best Family Dentist for You

At Dental Care Associates of Buffalo, we know that choosing the best family dentist to care for everyone in your family can be a challenge. Whether you are dealing with family members who are reluctant to visit a dental care professional, have health challenges like sleep apnea, or had a poor experience at their last dentist, we understand that picking the right Buffalo, MN, dental office is a big deal. 

But you might be wondering how to even begin the process of choosing the right dentist office, especially when modern family life is busier than ever before! Here, we’ll dive into some of the things you should consider before booking an appointment with a new Buffalo-area dental care provider and why Dental Care Associates of Buffalo is a step above the rest!

Consider what your family needs from a dentist.

First and foremost, it is imperative to know exactly what your family needs from a new dentist. This will be different for every household, so don’t worry if you talk to your friends and relatives and their priorities are different than yours. 

Below, you’ll find some questions you should ask yourself prior to scheduling an initial appointment with a new dentist. Answering these ahead of time will give you the best chance of choosing the right general dental office the first time around, ultimately saving you the headache and frustration of multiple first visits.

Do any of my family members have health problems?

If any of your family members have health problems that need to be disclosed to medical professionals, it’s important to take this into consideration before choosing a new family dentist. Some dental offices are better equipped than others to deal with specific medical issues. At Dental Care Associates of Buffalo, for example, we have expertise in working with patients who have sleep apnea. 

The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) offers the following advice for sleep apnea sufferers who have concerns about undergoing dental treatment:

More and more dentists are incorporating OSA [obstructive sleep apnea] and snoring treatment into their practices. The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) provides support and education for dentists interested in treating OSA. Dentists trained to treat OSA with oral appliance therapy are your best option. They will work with you and your doctor to identify the best treatment for you.

At our practice, we take the potential risks of sleep apnea seriously, and we are here to help you or your loved one find the best course of treatment. 

What ages are my family members?

As a parent, you oversee a lot; whether you work in or out of the home, the mental load of the household, which includes making medical appointments for yourself and the kids, can be taxing. In some cases, you may even find yourself making medical appointments for your parents if they live close by.

Before choosing a new Buffalo general dentist for your family, it’s important to think about the age groups that will need to be served on a regular basis. At Dental Care Associates of Buffalo, we take a multigenerational approach to dentistry. 

From the youngest members of your family to those who are entering their golden years, we’re here for you, from generation to generation. We’ve been serving the Buffalo, MN, community for over 50 years, so we know how important high-quality dental care is to patients of all ages. 

How will my children cope with a new dentist?

At Dental Care Associates of Buffalo, our entire team is committed to providing compassionate dental care to children who may not be used to regular dental visits. Everyone, from our front office staff to our hygienists to our dentists, wants to make sure kids have a great experience from the moment they walk in the door.

If you have any questions about how we work with little ones in our family dental office, don’t hesitate to contact us at your earliest convenience. Your comfort and confidence are our top priorities.

Are family dentists and general dentists different? 

Often, patients are unsure of the difference between family dentists and general dentists. While both of these dentists can generally provide care for the whole family, family dentists often specialize in working with patients in specific age groups, like pediatric dentistry and geriatric dentistry.

Colgate explains the versatility of choosing a family dental practice:

Family dental groups or practices typically offer specialties or services for the whole family at the same location. With family dentists, you can schedule appointments for multiple family members at the same time. Of course, this depends on the schedule and availability of the dental office.

Get in touch with Dental Care Associates of Buffalo.

If you’re ready to make a dentist appointment with Dental Care Associates of Buffalo, or if you would like to ask one of our friendly team members a question, feel free to contact us! We can’t wait to meet you and your family.