Family Dentistry

Family Dentistry - Rochester, MN

Protecting Smiles Young and Old

Driving to different dental practices can be exhausting, and it can be a hassle setting up appointments for everyone in your family. At Gentling Dental Care, we make protecting the most important smiles in your life easy by treating patients of all ages. By seeing your whole family at once, we can make sure everyone gets the excellent dental care they deserve while making things easier for you! 

Why Choose Gentling Dental for Family Dentistry?

  • Patients of All Ages Welcome
  • Fluoride Treatment for Younger Patients
  • Dental Implants and Dentures for Older Patients 

The Advantages of Having a Family Dentist

There are several benefits to family dentistry in Rochester that can give you plenty of reasons to smile. For example:

  • A family dentist makes scheduling appointments and transporting everyone to said appointments easier.
  • Family dentists offer a wider range of treatments for patients at different stages of dental development.
  • Your children will feel more comfortable around a dentist that knows everyone in your family.
  • It allows you to set a good example by letting your children see you receive dental care.
  • Having a family dentist makes it easier to track dental history or identify dental issues that get passed down from parent to child. 

Checkups and Cleanings

Everyone in your family should have a dental checkup and cleaning at least once every six months. This is the best way to monitor your dental health and prevent minor dental health issues from developing into larger ones. Regular cleanings to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums are particularly important for patients that have a hard time cleaning certain spots in their mouths. For younger patients, these checkups may be a good opportunity to receive dental sealants, which are thin layers of composite resin that protect the teeth from bacteria. 

Children's Dentistry

Children should see the dentist within six months of their first teeth erupting (which is around the age of 1). At Gentling Dental Care, we can help you guide through your child’s different dental development stages. This includes taking care of baby teeth, making sure their smiles are being brushed properly and thoroughly, and discouraging behaviors such as sleeping with a bottle of juice that could lead to cavities. As they grow older, we’ll help you identify potential problems, such as baby teeth that are lost too early. 

Dental Implants

Teeth are meant to last for a lifetime, but sometimes older patients find they have a gap in their smiles. If you or a senior member of your family is missing any number of teeth, contact our office right away to ask about dental implants. These titanium posts, when topped with crowns, bridges or dentures, can replace your pearly whites from the roots up. Unlike traditional dentures, you can count on dental implants to stay in your mouth without slipping, and they can last 30 years or more with the proper maintenance.

Curious about what other services your family could benefit from? Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

Children's Dentistry - Rochester, MN

How to Take Care of Your Growing Smiles

Gentling Dental is proud to offer children’s dentistry in Rochester MN. Here are some answers to common questions about your kid’s oral health. 

When Should I first Take My Child to the Dentist?

A good rule of thumb is to take your baby to your family dentist six months after their first tooth erupts. Generally, this is when they are about 1 year old. 

How Important are Baby Teeth?

Baby teeth are critical to the permanent teeth to follow. Infections can affect the permanent teeth underneath. Baby teeth hold the space for the permanent tooth that will arrive later. A baby tooth that is lost too early can cause the permanent teeth to shift and be out of alignment when they come in. 

When is My Child Old Enough to Brush by Themselves?

Until the age of 5, most children do not have the fine motor skills necessary to brush their teeth by themselves. Parents need to supervise their child’s tooth brushing routine until they develop the skill to brush their own teeth. 

When Should I Add Toothpaste to Brushing My Child's Teeth?

When your baby’s first tooth erupts, it’s best to start by gently swabbing their gums with a soft cloth. By age one, you can introduce their toothbrush and begin to brush their teeth with water. As he or she becomes skilled at holding their own toothbrush, put a small smear of toothpaste on their brush. By the age of 5, you can begin to put a pea size amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush. 

Should I be Adding Fluoride as a Supplement to My Children's Drinking Water?

Generally, children receive the necessary amount of fluoride in their drinking water and from the toothpaste they use. For children on well water, you’ll need to ask your dentist about supplementing with fluoride tablets. 

What Should I do if My Child's Tooth is Knocked Out?

Place your child’s tooth in a container of skim milk and bring your child and their tooth to the dentist within an hour of the tooth being knocked out. The sooner you can arrive at your dental office in Rochester MN, the better, for the most successful outcome.

Is it ok if My Toddler Goes to Bed with a Bottle?

Generally, this is not a good idea. A child, who is put to bed with a bottle of juice or milk, is much more likely to develop cavities. If you feel your child needs a bottle in bed, make sure that it contains water only. 

When will My Child Lose Their Baby Teeth?

Children will usually begin to lose their baby teeth when they are 4 years old. Often times, the front teeth are lost first.

For more information on our children’s dentistry in Rochester MN, contact Gentling Dental Care today! 

Meet Your
Award-Winning Doctors

A Qualified Team of Dentists Dedicated to Your Smile

At Gentling Dental Care, we strongly believe that five heads are better than one – that’s why our dental office features a team of knowledgeable doctors who all bring unique strengths and skills to the table! At the same time, they share a similar passion for trustworthy, family-friendly dentistry that always adheres to very high clinical standards. To put it simply, they never perform care that they wouldn’t recommend to their very own loved ones.

Dr. Ryan Henrichsen

Dr. Phil Pattee

Dr. Melissa McColloch

Dr. Erich Eichwald

Dr. Scott Gruwell

Read Our Reviews

The Proof is in Our Patients

“Gentling staff graciously fit me into a busy day for a tooth pain emergency. The dentist and assistant quickly found the problem, applied a temporary fix and gave me a treatment plan for follow up. Everyone clearly knew what they were doing. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. All good here!”

- George D.

“I had a wonderful experience during my recent visit. The staff were not only friendly and professional but also genuinely cared about me as both a person and a patient. They consistently take the time to get to know you, your family, and your care needs. Additionally, the services provided were top-notch. Overall, I highly recommend this dental practice to anyone looking for exceptional care.”

- Joe D.

“I had chipped the corner of my front tooth when I was a kid and had a composite filling that time really took a toll on. So, I got an appointment scheduled to get a new filling! Dr. Melissa and Kristie did a wonderful, efficient, and painless job on my tooth. They matched the color and shape perfectly. You can't even tell I have a filling! Thanks for your great work!”

- Meredith M.

“Gentling 's dentists and staff are all very kind, patient, and friendly. Our entire family agreed upon a five star rating for Gentling. We highly recommend Gentling for any family, kids and adults.”

- Todd Z.

See What Makes Us Different

Our Friendly Dental Team Treats Everyone Like Family

1-on-1,
Thorough Consultation

Customized
Treatment Plan

Every Dental
Need Covered

Committed to Continuous Improvement

Our Location

Phone

Address

Working Hours

Monday

8AM - 5PM

Tuesday

7:30AM - 5PM

Wednesday

7:30AM - 5PM

Thursday

7AM - 5PM

Friday

8AM - 12PM