At Westwood Family Dentist, the dentists are board-certified dental health professionals who focus on caring for the dental needs of everyone in the family, from young children to the elderly. Their primary weapon in their arsenal is preventative dental care, including cleanings, fluoride treatments, and radiographs. These basic preventative treatments are key in reducing or eliminating dental problems, which is why they are the cornerstone of the family dentistry practice.
In addition to preventive treatments, their dentists also have trainings in diagnosing and treating a various dental health problems such as cavities, tooth loss, tooth decay, and periodontal disease. If these conditions are left untreated, they can lead to extreme pain and discomfort and certain cosmetic issues. At Westwood Family Dentist, the most common dental procedures are root canals, fillings, treatments of periodontal disease,and a variety of restorative treatments.
In recent years, studies have shown that certain kinds of dental problems are associated with overall physical health. For instance, researchers have linked periodontal disease to cardiovascular disease as well as inflammatory problems that can cause premature death, a strong reason why you need to have a quality dentist.
Every dentist at Westwood Family Dentist has received rigorous academic credentials. They begin with an undergraduate degree and then attend a three to five year graduate dental program. Many people are surprised to find out that many components of the dental program are modeled after a rigorous medical school curriculum.
Once they have finished their respective programs, they then take and should pass an all-inclusive series of board exams to be able to get certification as a or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). Some family dentists in the clinic have completed training in cosmetic dentistry after having finished their doctorate.
When choosing a family dentist, there are a few things to keep in mind. A good place to start your search is by looking for recommendations from friends, family members, and colleagues. You can also consult online directories and look at reviews of family dentists.
Make sure the dentists you select have convenient hours and locations. If you have some type of dental insurance, you will want to make sure the dentists on your list accept it. When you have narrowed your list to a few family dentists, call each one and ask them detailed questions about what kinds of procedures they offer and what training they have received, including any advanced training in cosmetic procedures or other sub-specialties.
You can also ask them regarding pain management procedures and treatments and patient comfort, or whether they use pre-medication, twilight sedation, or nitrous oxide. You may also want to ask whether the clinic provides some basic comforts, including TV sets, heating pads, and headphones. It is also very important that you ask them about the costs of the procedures and treatments, and whether the dentists provide convenient payment packages or plans.
Steven D. Hopkinson, DDS is one of the finest dentists at Westwood Family Dentist. He graduated from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1983. He holds an advanced certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Case Western Reserve School of Dentistry.
