Family Dentistry

Family dentistry services mean your whole family gets the oral health care they need in a single, convenient location. Plaza Dental Group in West Des Moines, Iowa, offers dental support to all members of your family, including children. Call the office today to set up your appointment, or use the online booking tool to schedule convenient, quality dental care.

What is family dentistry?

As a family dentistry practice, Plaza Dental Group welcomes all members of your family to experience comprehensive, comfortable, and compassionate dental care. The front desk staff, hygienists, and dentists are skilled at working with patients at different stages in life, including young children and older adults.  

Children have different dental needs than adults and benefit from specialized care, smaller instruments, and a friendly chairside manner. 

Family dentistry focuses on preventive care and teaches patients how to care for their oral health from an early age. 

What services do you offer as part of family dentistry?

Family dentistry offers general dentistry services to all patients. These services include:

• Routine, professional cleanings
• Fluoride and sealants for the prevention of cavities
• Cavity identification and fillings
• Orthodontics

Having your child screened early for orthodontic problems means they can get prompt treatment to correct any bite issues and avoid complications associated with a crooked smile. 

What are signs that my child should see a family dentist?

All children should visit the dentist for general preventive care when their first tooth erupts or by the age of 1. These visits emphasize preventive dentistry, like good oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings and exams. You’ll also learn how to help your child care for their teeth. 

With proper preventive care, the team can detect problems early, when treatment is easiest and most successful. 

Signs that your child might benefit from an orthodontic evaluation from a family dentist include:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Teeth grinding at night
• Mouth breathing
• Snoring
• Thumb sucking
• Speech problems
• Narrow jaw structure
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Airway and facial concern

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends the first orthodontic screening happen by age 7. At this time, the Plaza Dental Group team can see how your child’s permanent teeth are coming in and identify possible overbite, crowding, or crossbite. By intervening early, your child can avoid more complex treatments later, including extraction or surgery. 

Call Plaza Dental Group today to schedule dental care for your entire family, or use the online booking tool to make your appointments.