Orchard Heights Dental is not only dedicated to your smile, we’re also dedicated to your overall wellness. All regular exams include an oral cancer screening. Like many kinds of cancer, oral cancer can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.
We look for early signs and symptoms of oral cancer and precancerous conditions. While these symptoms may be caused by other, less serious problems, it is very important to visit our office to rule out the possibility of oral cancer. The most common symptoms of oral cancer include:
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Red or white spots or sores anywhere in the oral cavity
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A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
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A lump, thickening, or rough spot
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Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
The intraoral camera is an amazing diagnostic tool for viewing different angles in the mouth. The camera gives us the ability to view the entire mouth on a monitor so that we can get a closer look at any potential issues or problems that may arise. In addition, the patient will have the ability to see for themselves first hand the same images we are seeing. These digital images are also excellent for gaining procedure acceptance from insurance companies.
To ensure that you maintain great oral health, this level of quality needs to extend into your personal oral hygiene routine. We can help you establish a dental hygiene routine that will keep your teeth healthy and white. If you have any questions about your current hygiene plan, please ask us during your next appointment.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums surrounding your teeth. Gum disease is one of the top reasons for tooth loss in adults, and because it is virtually pain-free, many patients do not know they have the disease. During each regular checkup, your dentist will check for signs of periodontal disease by measuring the space between your teeth and gums.
Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque (a sticky form of bacteria that forms on the teeth). If the plaque is not removed it will continue to build up and create toxins that can damage the gums. Remember to brush regularly, clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet and schedule regular dental visits to help keep your smile healthy. During your next appointment ask us about the factors, symptoms and treatment for periodontal disease.
Your children brush twice a day so why do they still get small cavities? We know that getting to the crevices in the back molars and premolars is nearly impossible for little, untrained hands. Orchard Heights Dental can include sealants in your child’s dental plan. Sealants are a noninvasive, preventive tooth-decay treatment that protects teeth and keeps them healthy while they mature and strengthen. The procedure for applying sealants is simple, painless, fast, and takes only one visit.
