What does a family dentist do?
A family dentist is a general dentist who sees everyone, from small children to grandparents. That is how this office works. The same team gets to know the whole family, and everyone's records are kept in one place, so nobody has to start over with a new office when their needs change.
Most of what a family needs is done here: cleanings and exams, fillings, crowns, root canals, dentures, implants, Invisalign, and care for a tooth that will not wait. When something would be better handled by a specialist, we will say so, explain why, and refer you.
Children, from the first tooth
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises a first visit when the first tooth appears, and no later than the first birthday, and we follow that advice. A first visit is mostly a look and a conversation: a count of the teeth, a check of the gums and the bite, and advice for you on brushing, toothpaste and bedtime bottles.
As children grow, their visits look more like an adult's, with a cleaning, an exam, and X-rays when there is a reason for them. Sealants on the back teeth and fluoride do a lot of the protecting. Children's dentistry covers those early years in more detail.
Teenagers: snacks, sports and straighter teeth
Teenagers need the same check-ups every six months, plus an honest word about the habits that matter at that age: snacks and sugary drinks through the day, and tobacco, including dip. If your teenager plays a contact sport, a mouthguard is worth the nuisance.
Teens who would like straighter teeth can ask about Invisalign, planned from a digital scan rather than a tray of impression putty. Invisalign for teens covers wear time, sports and the parent's part in it.
Adults: keeping the teeth you have
For most adults, a cleaning and an exam every six months is how a small problem stays small. The hygienist measures your gums at each cleaning, and every exam includes an oral cancer screening. Preventive dentistry sets out everything that goes into it, at the office and at home.
When a bigger job comes along, such as a crown, a root canal or an implant, it can usually be done here too, by people who already know your mouth, so it does not have to mean a trip to another town.
Grandparents and older adults
Later in life the questions change: dentures and relines, whether implants could steady a loose denture, a dry mouth from medicines, and decay on roots where the gums have pulled back. Dental care for seniors goes through each of them.
We work with many of the newer Medicare Advantage dental benefits. They vary from plan to plan, so call with the plan details and we will check what it covers here.
How to book the whole family
Give everyone's name when you call. When there are appointment times next to each other, whoever answers can book the family into them, so one trip covers everyone. Call anytime. Appointment scheduling is available 24/7.
Patients are seen Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at 300 Tazewell Street in Pearisburg, with parking at the door. If you would rather not call, request an appointment online and the office will call you back to settle the times.
Insurance for a family
We are participating providers with Delta Dental, Cigna and United Concordia, we work with many other plans, and we file the claims for you. If family members are on different plans, have each card handy when you call and we will check what each one covers here. The details are on the insurance page.
No dental insurance? The Virginia Dental Club is a membership plan for people without it. It is not insurance, so there is no deductible, no annual maximum and no waiting period.
Questions patients ask
Do you see patients of all ages?
Yes. We see children from their very first visit, teenagers, adults and older adults, so a family can keep all of its dental care in one office in Pearisburg.
When should my child have a first dental visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises a first visit when the first tooth appears, and no later than the first birthday, and we follow that advice. The visit is mostly a look and a conversation, and it is as much for you as for your child.
Can the whole family be seen on the same day?
Ask for times side by side when you call, and have everyone's name ready. When neighboring appointments are open, the family can be booked into them, so one trip covers everyone.
What if family members have different insurance plans?
That is common. Have each card handy when you call, and we will check what each plan covers here. We file the claims for you, and anyone without dental insurance can look at the Virginia Dental Club.
Do you see older adults who wear dentures?
Yes. We provide full and partial dentures, reline dentures that have loosened, and check the fit and the gums at each visit. Every exam includes an oral cancer screening, whether or not you have natural teeth.