Family Dentistry | Santa Rosa, CA

It is inevitable that at some point in your life you will have to find a new dentist. Your favorite dentist may decide to retire; you may move and want to find one close to you or you may be in a new state entirely. Another reason people have to find a new dentist or another dentist is if they have a child or have to care for an elderly person. Not all dentists treat children or the elderly. It isn’t because they don’t like them, but children and the elderly have different issues than adults.

At Harry Albers DDS, when it comes to children, we above all, establish a relationship with the child so that a trip to the dentist doesn’t become anxiety causing experience. It makes not only our job easier but also yours.

Why Not Just Find A Dentist That Treats Children?

One of the best reasons for choosing a family dentist is that it simplifies your life. If you have one dentist that can treat everyone in the family, you can make your appointments so that you can all be treated on the same day. A family dentist can block out time for you, your child and your elderly friend or relative. This saves you time and makes it easier to keep track of your appointments.

When you choose us as your family dentist, we will build a relationship with your family. Your child will see that you come to us which could lower their anxiety level. They will see that you trust us and that goes a long way with children.

Family dentistry is a special practice. We are also a teaching specialty. We teach children the proper way to brush and floss and make sure they realize the importance of it. We also watch their teeth as they grow in. Many problems that could arise in the future can be discovered as the tooth erupts. We can tell if it is coming in straight. We can also see other potential problems, for example, children who don’t have roots for adult teeth. That means that when the first tooth falls out, a permanent tooth won’t grow in. We can advise you about your options in the future. We can see if the teeth may grow in overlapping other teeth. In short, we can alert you to potential future problems and begin planning the best way to handle it when the time comes.

Elderly Patients Have Special Dental Needs

The elderly have different issues. Some of their medications could cause tooth problems. If they need a tooth extraction, we evaluate the medications they are on and plan dental procedures with that in mind. Frequently they will need to alert their physician who will instruct them on what to do to prepare. This is particularly true if blood thinners are involved. Many times they have to be stopped or the dosage reduced before the extraction. We will also give you instructions on what to look for that may indicate a problem.

Elderly patients may also decide there are certain procedures they don’t want to be performed and want other options. We are usually ready for that and will give them all of the options, the pros, and the cons, and will guide them to the decision that is best for them. We are experienced with both children and the elderly, as well as everyone in between.

If you have any questions about how we can help you contact Harry Albers DDS at (707) 575-1190.