Family Dentistry
What Is Family Dentistry?
Family dentistry provides comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages — children, teens, adults, and seniors. Unlike pediatric dentistry, which focuses exclusively on children, a family dentist treats the whole family under one roof.
At Dr. Hess’s practice in Whiteland, IN, we understand the unique dental needs that come with every stage of life. From a child’s first visit to maintaining a healthy smile in adulthood, our goal is to deliver compassionate, high-quality care that fits your family’s needs.
Dental Care for All Ages
Infants & Toddlers
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children see a dentist by age one or within six months after their first tooth erupts. Early visits:
- Help children get comfortable with dental care
- Allow us to monitor growth and development
- Provide parents with guidance on oral hygiene, diet, and habits like thumb-sucking
Children
As kids grow, preventive care becomes especially important. Regular cleanings and checkups help prevent cavities, while services like fluoride treatments and dental sealants provide extra protection. We make visits fun and stress-free, so kids build lifelong positive attitudes toward dentistry.
Teens
Teenagers face new dental challenges: braces, wisdom teeth, and sports injuries. Our team offers preventive and restorative treatments to keep their smiles healthy during these transitional years.
Adults
Adults often focus on maintaining oral health and preventing gum disease. We provide regular exams, cleanings, restorative treatments, and cosmetic dentistry to support both function and appearance.
Seniors
Older adults may face tooth loss, gum disease, or dry mouth. Our practice offers solutions like dentures, implants, and restorative care tailored to senior patients’ unique needs.
Dentistry for Kids: What Parents Should Know
Dr. Hess is not a pediatric specialist, but he welcomes children of all ages for preventive and restorative care. Parents appreciate being able to schedule family appointments together, saving time and reducing stress.
Some of the kid-friendly services we provide include:
- Gentle cleanings
- Dental exams and X-rays with low-radiation technology
- Fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel
- Sealants to protect against cavities
- Fillings for early cavities
- Guidance on brushing, flossing, and nutrition
We also strive to create a welcoming environment for kids, with patient-centered care that eases fears and builds trust.
Preventive Care for Children
Preventive dentistry is the foundation of lifelong oral health. Our focus includes:
- Sealants: A thin coating applied to back teeth to prevent cavities.
- Fluoride: Strengthens enamel and resists decay.
- Cleanings & Exams: Regular visits detect issues early before they become major problems.
- Education: Teaching kids proper brushing and flossing techniques.
By encouraging healthy habits early, we help children avoid extensive dental work later in life.
Creating a Comfortable First Dental Visit
We know a child’s first dental appointment sets the tone for their lifelong relationship with dentistry. Dr. Hess and his team make first visits fun, educational, and stress-free by:
- Introducing children to dental tools in a gentle, non-threatening way
- Explaining each step in kid-friendly language
- Encouraging questions and curiosity
- Rewarding kids with praise and small prizes for bravery
Parents are welcome to accompany their children during exams for reassurance.
Gentle Care for Teens, Adults, and Seniors
Family dentistry isn’t just about kids. We offer comprehensive services for all age groups:
- Teens: Orthodontic referrals, sports mouthguards, wisdom tooth monitoring
- Adults: Cleanings, periodontal therapy, cosmetic treatments, restorative dentistry
- Seniors: Dentures, implants, full-mouth restorations, dry mouth management
Because Dr. Hess knows your family’s full dental history, care is coordinated seamlessly across generations.
Why Families Choose Dr. Hess
Family dentistry isn’t just about kids. We offer comprehensive services for all age groups:
- Comprehensive Care: One office for kids, parents, and grandparents
- Convenience: Ability to schedule multiple family members in a single visit
- Experience: Dr. Hess provides gentle, high-quality care for patients of all ages
- Trust: Families appreciate our emphasis on comfort and preventive care
- Technology: Modern equipment ensures accurate, comfortable treatment
FAQs About Family & Kids Dentistry
Family dentistry isn’t just about kids. We offer comprehensive services for all age groups:
- At what age should my child first see the dentist?
Children should visit the dentist by age one or within six months of their first tooth. - Do you offer pediatric dentistry?
We are not pediatric specialists, but we welcome children of all ages and provide gentle preventive and restorative care. - Can my entire family schedule together?
Yes. We offer flexible scheduling so parents and children can be seen during the same visit. - Are dental X-rays safe for kids?
Yes. We use low-radiation digital X-rays with protective shielding for children. - What if my child is afraid of the dentist?
Our team creates a positive, fun environment. For very anxious children, we also offer conscious sedation dentistry to help them relax.
Looking for a trusted family dentist in Whiteland, IN?
Dr. Hess provides compassionate care for patients of all ages — kids, teens, adults, and seniors.
Schedule your family’s appointment today and experience dental care designed with comfort and convenience in mind.
The family services offered at Dr. Hess Dentistry include:
Dental Cleanings »
Emergency Exams »
Extractions »
Fillings »
Sedation Dentistry »