Maintain Your Smile With Routine Dental Care
Just like routine oil changes keep your car’s engine in great working order, routine dental care is essential to maintain a healthy smile. Prevention is always better than restoration when it comes to your teeth.
Biannual checkups and exams help the health of your teeth and can also allow for early detection of potential concerns, including:
- New cracks or decay
- Necessary restoration of existing crowns or fillings
- Oral cancer
- Periodontal disease
At Peppermint Dental & Orthodontics, we recommend two cleanings each year as part of your routine dental care. We’ll remove any plaque or tartar that may have accumulated, despite your careful brushing and flossing, then send you on your way with a healthy, polished smile.
Regular visits could save you time, money, and a future emergency. Call Peppermint Dental & Orthodontics to schedule your appointment today. Don’t wait until a dental emergency strikes. Give your mouth the routine dental care it needs.
Routine Dental Check-Up
During the first examination, the dentist will use dental tools such as mouth mirrors, dental picks, and high intensity lights to visually inspect your mouth. They will thoroughly examine for any cracked or decayed teeth, as well as review other important aspects of your oral health.
- Review Of Medical History: The Dentist Will Evaluate The Potential Impact Of Any Recent Medical Conditions Or Illnesses On Your Dental Well-Being.
- During The Examination For Tooth Decay, We Will Assess Your Mouth For Any Signs Of Cracked Or Decayed Teeth.
- During The Oral Cancer Screening, Healthcare Professionals Will Thoroughly Examine The Face, Neck, Lips, Tongue, Throat, Tissues, And Gums To Detect Any Indications Of Oral Cancer.
- A Gum Bump Looks Similar To A Pimple.
- Evaluation For Gum Disease: An Examination Will Be Conducted To Assess The Condition Of Your Gums And The Bone Surrounding Your Teeth For Any Signs Of Periodontal Disease.
- We Ensure That All Current Fillings, Crowns, And Other Restorations Are Thoroughly Examined To Confirm Their Good Condition.
Digital X-Rays
Our office is dedicated to not only maintaining your smile but also your overall health. As part of our comprehensive dental care approach, we conduct an oral cancer screening during your routine examination. Early detection and treatment of oral cancer are essential as it can be a serious and life-threatening condition.
You can trust that our team has the knowledge and tools to identify early signs and symptoms of oral cancer and pre-cancerous conditions. While these symptoms may be caused by less severe issues, it is important to visit our office to rule out the possibility of oral cancer. Common indicators of oral cancer include:
Oral Cancer Screenings
If you experience dental anxiety, we have the perfect solution for you. Our oral sedation service is designed to help you relax during dental procedures. We also provide neck pillows, blankets, and TVs in our treatment rooms for your comfort and peace of mind.
Before beginning the procedure, our dentist will administer a powerful local anesthetic to numb the tooth, ensuring a pain-free experience. If you arrived at our clinic in pain, you can expect immediate relief once the tooth is numbed!
- Red or white spots or sores anywhere in the oral cavity
- A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
- A lump, thickening, or rough spot
- Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
Our team is trained to provide a thorough oral cancer screening that goes beyond just checking your teeth. We examine your entire mouth to detect any signs of cancer or precancerous conditions. In addition to a visual inspection, we also feel the tissues of your mouth and throat for any abnormalities. If we find any areas of concern, we may perform a simple brush test to collect cells from suspicious lesions, which will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. If the results are abnormal or positive, we may recommend a biopsy.
In addition to receiving an oral cancer screening during your checkup at our office, there are steps you can take to help prevent oral cancer. Avoiding tobacco products, drinking alcohol in moderation, and maintaining a healthy diet are key ways to reduce your risk. Limiting sun exposure and using UV-A/B-blocking, sun-protective lotions on your skin and lips can also help prevent oral cancer.
Don't forget to ask your dentist to perform an oral exam during your next dental appointment. Early detection of oral cancer can greatly improve the chances of successful treatment.