Family Dentistry Services: Treating Patients of All Ages
Dr. Andrew Mortensen believes that comprehensive general dentistry for the entire family is a key to strong doctor-patient relationships and good dental health. That may be why so many families in the Fountain Valley area have placed their trust in him and his team.
Family dentistry changes its focus from age group to age group. We'd like to take a moment right now to consider how the needs of patients differ at different points of their lives.
Dental Care Treatments for Infants and Toddlers
With infants and toddlers, we always focus on positive experiences and solid general and preventative care. We will monitor teeth as they emerge and provide parents with tips on what they can do at home to ensure their child has great dental health. Good experiences early in life allow children to avoid dental phobia in the future. (Though keep in mind that positive dental care experiences are perennial, and we always strive for that with patients of all ages.)
Dental Care Treatments for K-6 Patients
When it comes to patients in K-6, our primary concerns are good general dentistry. That means routine cleanings, dental fillings, and teaching these children how they can brush and floss properly to keep their smiles healthy.
K-6 is also a good time for us to begin orthodontic treatments if possible, as orthodontic care done early is easier and much faster in young patients than it is in older patients. This is especially important for impacted canines and other impacted teeth that have not properly emerged.
Dental Care Treatments for Teenagers
With teenagers, the focus on general dentistry continues, with an emphasis on prevention and promoting good dental health habits. If orthodontic care was not done earlier in the patient's life, the teenage years can be a good time to consider it since they are still maturing. Teenage patients may be eligible for Invisalign®, an invisible alternative to traditional metal braces that is perfect for teens.
Dental Care Treatments for Young Adults
When patients hit their early twenties, their wisdom teeth come in. These are extra sets of molars that emerge behind the existing molars. In many cases, these wisdom teeth grow in crooked, which can cause painful impaction and pressure on the other teeth. To alleviate pain and prevent more serious dental health problems, it's important to consider wisdom tooth extraction. This oral surgery is quite common and very effective.
Dental Care Treatments for Older Adults
With older adults, the treatments focus on maintenance, prevention, and the basics in order to ensure long-lasting dental health and wellness. That means taking care of tooth decay as well as gum disease and more advanced dental problems.
In addition, the wear and tear of aging as well as some food and beverages are bound to affect the aesthetics of the smile. Given that, it's rather common for older adult patients to undergo cosmetic dentistry procedures. These will help smiles look bright, white, and healthy.
Dental Care Treatments for Senior Citizens
As patients reach their golden years, the main focus is ensuring their mouths are healthy and they still have a lot to smile about. In these cases, we often focus on restorative treatments, particularly given how common tooth loss is in older patients. Dental bridges and dentures can be used to restore smile appearance and function. Additional restorative procedures will help ensure that elderly patients maintain total wellness.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Andrew Mortensen
To learn about all of the treatment options available for your entire family, we encourage you to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Mortensen and the entire team at the practice looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you have a healthy, beautiful smile.