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.
The Process
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.
- Examination For Tooth Decay: Assessing Your Mouth For Any Signs Of Cracked Or Decayed Teeth.
- Oral Cancer Screening: Thoroughly Examining The Face, Neck, Lips, Tongue, Throat, Tissues, And Gums To Detect Any Indications Of Oral Cancer.
- Gum Bump: Resembling A Pimple.
- Evaluation For Gum Disease: Assessing The Condition Of Your Gums And The Bone Surrounding Your Teeth For Any Signs Of Periodontal Disease.
- Examination Of Fillings, Crowns, And Restorations: Ensuring Their Good Condition.
Digital X-Rays
At our office, we prioritize not just your smile but your overall health as well. As part of our holistic dental care strategy, we include an oral cancer screening in your regular check-up. Detecting and treating oral cancer early is crucial, as it can pose a serious threat to your well-being.
You can rely on our team to be equipped with the expertise and resources needed to spot early signs of oral cancer and pre-cancerous conditions. While these symptoms could be linked to less severe issues, it's vital to come in for a visit to rule out the possibility of oral cancer. Some common signs of oral cancer to watch out for include:
Oral Cancer Screenings
If you struggle with dental anxiety, we offer a great solution for you. Our oral sedation service is specifically designed to help you feel relaxed during your dental procedures. In addition, we provide neck pillows, blankets, and TVs in our treatment rooms to ensure your comfort and peace of mind.
Prior to starting the procedure, our dentist will give you a strong local anesthetic to numb the tooth, guaranteeing a pain-free experience. If you came to our clinic in pain, you can look forward to 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 specially trained to conduct a comprehensive oral cancer screening that goes beyond just examining your teeth. We thoroughly inspect your entire mouth to identify any signs of cancer or precancerous conditions. Along with a visual examination, we also palpate the tissues of your mouth and throat for any irregularities. If we discover any areas of concern, we may conduct a simple brush test to gather cells from suspicious lesions, which will be sent to a laboratory for further evaluation. If the results indicate abnormalities or positivity, we may suggest a biopsy.
Aside from undergoing an oral cancer screening during your regular checkup at our practice, there are measures you can take to help prevent oral cancer. Steering clear of tobacco products, consuming alcohol in moderation, and following a healthy diet are crucial steps to lower your risk. Additionally, limiting sun exposure and using UV-A/B-blocking, sun-protective lotions on your skin and lips can also aid in the prevention of oral cancer.
Remember to request an oral examination from your dentist at your next dental visit. Detecting oral cancer early on can significantly enhance the chances of successful treatment.