Your Professional Family Dentist in Finchley

A family dentist is the right choice when you want one trusted team to manage everyone's oral health. You should seek a family dentist for routine care, including six-monthly check-ups and hygiene visits for adults and kids. It's especially suitable when your children are ready for their first visit, typically around their first birthday, as we provide a gentle introduction to dental care. Many Finchley families choose us for convenience by booking back-to-back appointments. You are a good candidate if you value a long-term relationship with a dentist who knows your family's full dental history and needs.

A routine check-up for an adult or teenager at our Finchley practice typically lasts 30 minutes. First, we'll discuss any concerns you might have. Next, the dentist performs a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and soft tissues to check for signs of decay, gum disease, or other issues, using digital imaging where needed. We'll then provide personalised advice on your home care routine. If a hygiene visit is included, this takes an additional 30-45 minutes for a professional scale and polish to remove plaque and tartar build-up. We'll finish by creating a treatment plan if any further work is needed.

A child's first visit is all about familiarisation and fun. This 15-20 minute appointment might involve a simple 'ride' in the dental chair and counting their teeth. For a recent 4-year-old patient from North Finchley who was a little nervous, we spent the time showing him our tools and letting him 'help' with a mirror, making his first experience a positive one. We check for healthy tooth development, provide parents with advice on diet and brushing, and apply fluoride varnish if appropriate. Our goal is to build trust and make dental care a normal, anxiety-free part of their life.

While a family dentist offers convenience and continuity, there are alternatives. You could use a dedicated paediatric dentist for children and a separate general dentist for adults. A paediatric dentist has specialised training in children's dental development and behaviour management, which can be beneficial for children with complex needs or high anxiety. However, this means managing appointments at two locations and your child will eventually need to transition to a general dentist. For most families, the comprehensive, all-ages approach of a family practice provides the ideal balance of expertise and convenience.

To choose what's right for you, ask these questions whether consulting with us or another practice. Can we book family appointments together or back-to-back? What specific approach do you take with anxious children? What preventative treatments, like fissure sealants, do you recommend for kids? How do you handle out-of-hours dental emergencies for existing patients? Also, confirm their policy on private insurance, such as if they accept plans from Denplan or Cigna, to understand your payment options fully.

We believe in transparent pricing for our family dental services. A new patient examination for an adult starts from £75, with children's check-ups priced lower. Routine hygiene appointments start from £90. We provide a detailed breakdown of costs for any proposed treatments, ensuring there are no hidden fees. As a private practice, we do not offer NHS services. However, we accept several major dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact our reception team to discuss your specific plan and coverage before your appointment.