For those of you looking for a new dentist in Odenton, you’ve most likely come across the term “family dentistry” quite a few times. But, what does that even mean? Are there any differences between a cosmetic dentist, a general dentist, and a comprehensive dentist? You might wonder what you can expect from a family dental practice such as Piney Orchard Dental.
Patients should be well informed about what we do in our office and the services that we offer. Here’s some useful information about family dentistry to get you started:
Treatment For All Ages in Family Dentistry – General, Preventive, and Comprehensive Care for Everyone

All general dentists are not necessarily family dentists. The majority of family dentists have received some training in working with children, though not as much as specialized pediatric dentists. Family dentistry is designed to assist you in meeting your oral health needs, as well as those of your children, at any stage in life.
Family dentists are aware that children’s dental needs differ from those of adults. They are trained to provide specialized care to ensure that their specific oral hygiene requirements are met.
Essentially, a family dentist serves as a “one-stop shop” for all of your dental needs. One of the major advantages of going to a family dentistry office like Piney Orchard Dental is that the same dentist can look after your dental health from infancy through childhood and adolescence, and even into adulthood. Never see another unfamiliar face again!
Throughout their careers, family dentists have learned to recognize the changes that occur in a child’s mouth at various stages of development. They are also trained to provide a gentle, caring approach to dentistry. Dr. Trevor Greene at Piney Orchard Dental, for example, wants to make sure that every time a child comes in for an appointment, it is a positive experience for the child and the parents.
What to Expect When Getting Family Dentistry Services
The majority of family dentists provide services related to oral hygiene and preventive dentistry. Some also provide orthodontics, oral surgery such as dental implants, and cosmetic dentistry services. The following are the most frequently requested services:
Cleanings and exams every six months – Teeth cleanings and exams every six months are extremely important because they allow your dentist to monitor the health of your mouth, or the oral hygiene of your child.
Fluoride treatments and dental sealants– Fluoride and dental sealants are effective in preventing cavities. They are frequently used in children who are at risk of developing cavities.
Detection of cavities and placement of fillings – Because cavities are by far the most common preventable childhood health condition, family dentists are trained in identifying and treating cavities with fillings.
Most family dentists will provide orthodontic assessments, though not all of them provide orthodontic services in-house. If you require orthodontic treatment, your dentist may refer you to another specialist in the area.
In order to treat cases of gingivitis or gum disease, family dentists perform procedures such as deep cleanings, gum flap surgery, and prescribe antibiotics.
Most family dentists also provide additional services, but these are the ones that are most frequently requested.

Piney Orchard Dental is Your Local Family Dentist
We specialize in family dentistry here at Piney Orchard Dental, and we’d like to think we’re pretty good at it. Dr. Greene and his qualified staff has been serving Odenton Families for over 12 years. Come see why your neighbors love Piney Orchard Dental. Give us a call or send us a message to see our availability.