DENTAL HEALTH

Everything you Need to Know about Gum Disease

May 29, 2022July 7, 2022Sean MartinezLeave a comment

Has your dentist told you that you have gum disease? According to our Cary dentist, this common condition is usually a result of improper or poor dental hygiene. Understanding how to prevent and treat gum disease is important to maintaining good oral health, no matter what your age. In this article, we’ll explore the basics of gum disease and how to take action to prevent or treat gum disease.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease occurs from bacteria or infection of the tissues (gums) that hold your teeth in place. Usually, this is caused by poor brushing or lack of flossing, which allows bacteria to build upon your teeth. Plaque that is not removed and is allowed to sit on teeth can cause gum disease.

Some risk factors enhance the likelihood of gum disease. These risk factors include smoking, diabetes, hormonal changes, and certain medications.

What are the symptoms of Gum Disease?

Gum disease can cause several symptoms to manifest in the mouth. These include bad breath, red or swollen gums, tender or bleeding gums, pain when chewing, sensitive teeth, receding gums, and generalized mouth discomfort.

Causes and Prevention of Gum Disease

As previously mentioned, gum disease starts with developing plaque that is caused by bacteria. As plaque builds on your teeth, it is important to maintain optimal oral hygiene to continually remove this plaque. Otherwise, plaque can eventually progress to gum disease.

Preventing gum disease before it occurs is the most ideal situation. This begins with good oral hygiene throughout your entire life. To help prevent gum disease, brush your teeth at least two minutes at least two times a day (morning and night). At a minimum, you should floss at least once per day. Flossing helps you prevent the buildup of bacteria between your teeth.

In addition to your at-home dental hygiene, professional dentist visits help to prevent gum disease. At least once every six to twelve months, a dental cleaning should be performed. This in-office dental cleaning helps remove plaque which can lead to gum disease.

Treating Gum Disease

Once gum disease has already occurred, the treatment will depend on the severity. Your dentist may want to take x-rays to look for potential bone loss and review your medical history. Treating gum disease is possible but will require adopting better oral hygiene practices. This may include stopping smoking or tobacco use, as well.

Many non-surgical treatments for gum disease are available. One option, known as scaling, helps to remove tartar and bacteria from the teeth and gums. Root planing is another procedure that helps discourage the further buildup of bacteria. Some surgical treatments also are available for more severe forms of gum disease. This includes flap surgery or grafts, which may be needed if the gum disease has destroyed the bone around your teeth.

Preventing Gum Disease is Key

Taking good care of your mouth is important in preventing gum disease. With a few basic oral hygiene habits, you can help prevent this condition! Daily brushing with a soft toothbrush, flossing, and using a mouth rinse are simple ways to prevent this condition. Avoiding smoking or chewing tobacco is also important in eliminating further risk for gum disease. Gum disease can lead to serious complications if not addressed. If you think you may have gum disease, talk to your dentist about treatment plans.…

All You Need To Know About Pediatric Dentists

August 10, 2022July 12, 2022Sean MartinezLeave a comment

If you have a young child, then you know just how important it is to find a good pediatric dentist. A pediatric dentist has been specifically trained to care for the oral health of children from infancy through adolescence. They understand that each stage of development presents unique challenges when it comes to taking care of teeth and gums. In this blog post, we will discuss what you need to know about choosing a pediatric dentist for your child. We will also provide some tips on how to make visits to the dentist less scary for kids!

The first thing you need to know about pediatric dentists is that they have completed an accredited dental program. In addition, they have also completed two or three years of specialized training in the care of young patients. Pediatric dentists are able to provide comprehensive dental care for children, including routine check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays. They can also provide more specialized services, such as sealants and fluoride treatments.

When choosing a pediatric dentist for your child, it is important to find someone who has experience treating kids of all ages. You should also look for a dentist who has a warm and welcoming personality. It is also important to find a dentist who offers sedation options for children who may be anxious about visiting the dentist.

If you are looking for a pediatric dentist in the Atlanta area, then we encourage you to contact us at Pediatric Dental Specialists. We would be happy to answer any questions that you may have about our services. We look forward to meeting you and your family!

Visiting the dentist can be a scary experience for kids, but there are some things that you can do to make it less daunting. First, try to schedule appointments during times when your child is not tired or hungry. You should also avoid using words like “shot” or “needle” when describing dental procedures. Finally, be sure to praise your child for being brave during their visit!

We hope this blog post has been helpful in providing you with some useful information about pediatric dentists. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at Pediatric Dental Specialists. We would be more than happy to chat with you about your child’s oral health!

Choosing a pediatric dentist for your child is an important decision. You want someone who is experienced in treating kids and who has a warm and welcoming personality. You also want to find a dentist who offers sedation options for children who may be anxious about visiting the dentist. If you are looking for a pediatric dentist in the Atlanta area, then we encourage you to contact us at Pediatric Dental Specialists. We would be happy to answer any questions that you may have about our services. We look forward to meeting you and your family!

What is TMJ?

July 5, 2022June 1, 2022Sean MartinezLeave a comment

All About TMJ Disorders

TMJ disorders refer to a group of disorders, which can include several different conditions. If you’ve been diagnosed with the condition, you’re likely to have questions. This basic overview guide is designed to provide basic information about types of TMJ disorders.

What are TMJ Disorders?

TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorders, are medical conditions that affect your jaw and surrounding muscles. There are three main types of TMJ disorders, which include Internal Derangement of the Joint, Degenerative Joint Disease, and Myofascial Pain Disorder. While these conditions can affect any person at any age, they’re mostly seen in people between the ages of 20 and 40. It is also seen more frequently in women than in men.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

TMJ conditions can present in several different ways, depending on the individual. Common TMJ symptoms include jaw pain, headaches, pain in the neck or shoulders, difficulties opening the mouth fully, earaches, ringing in the ears, tooth pain, chewing problems, and more. All the symptoms associated with TMJ disorders are related to teeth, jaw, face, or ears, as all these structures are closely related.

The severity of symptoms can differ quite a bit from person to person. Some people have very severe symptoms, whereas other people have very mild symptoms.

Diagnosis of TMJ Disorders

In some instances, a TMJ disorder may be discovered during a routine dentist visit. If your dentist notices you cannot fully open your mouth or you experience comfort, this may cause suspicions. If your dentist suspects a potential TMJ disorder, they may ask that you go for additional tests.

Several scans can help in the diagnosis of TMJ Disorders. One method of diagnosis is a panoramic x-ray, which shows your teeth and jawbone. These images can help your doctor look for signs of TMJ. In addition, your doctor may order CBCT scans. CBCT scans or cone-beam computed tomography scans, which give an incredibly detailed view of your facial anatomy. In some instances, an MRI scan can also show the position of your jaw.

Treatment Options for TMJ Disorders

Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical treatments can help to manage bothersome symptoms of TMJ disorders. For mild conditions, these can be helpful to improve the quality of life. Applying moist heat or cold packs can help to relieve discomfort on and surrounding your jaw.

Watching what types of foods, you eat can also help improve symptoms. Soft foods, such as cottage cheese, macaroni, yogurt, and other soft items are easier on your jaw. You should aim to avoid difficult to chew foods that are crunchy or hard. In addition, people with TMJ disorders are advised to avoid chewing hard candies or gum.

Over-the-counter pain and inflammation management is another option to manage discomfort associated with TMJ disorders. While these can help occasionally, overuse of NSAIDs is also not advised.

Other Treatments for TMJ Disorders

If you’ve tried several non-surgical treatments without success, your doctor may turn to a more aggressive approach to manage your condition. Some more advanced treatments for TMJ disorders include:

Trigger Point Injections: This procedure involves the injection of pain or numbing medications directly into the area of concern, known as trigger points. The medication is injected directly into the muscle.

TENS: TENS stands for transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation, a therapy that is aimed to reduce pain by relaxing your jaw and face muscles. Some TENS machines may be covered by insurance for at-home use, or you may need to go to the doctor to use a TENS machine.

In some instances, Botox injections can be used to reduce inflammation and muscle pain surrounding the jaw.

Radio Wave Therapy: Using low-level electrical stimulation, some patients have had success in increasing blood flow to provide symptomatic relief.

Talk to Your Doctor

If you suspect you may have a TMJ disorder, it’s important to promptly discuss it with a trusted medical professional. Based on your individual symptoms and scans, your doctor can work with you to create a specialized treatment plan to help alleviate your pain and uncomfortable symptoms. Before trying any new treatment, it’s always a good idea to discuss it with your doctor.…

The Basics of Preventative Dentistry

June 28, 2022June 1, 2022Sean MartinezLeave a comment

As its name suggests, preventative dentistry is all about protecting your teeth and caring for them before problems occur. Preventative dentistry includes teeth, mouth, and gum care to prevent cavities, gum disease, enamel wear, and other dental concerns.

Though you may think you’re caring for your teeth properly, you may find some of these important steps to preventative dentistry you’ve missed. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of preventative dentistry!

Why does Preventative Dentistry Matter?

Preventative dentistry is important for several reasons. Proper dental care helps people to avoid or lessen the effects of dental conditions, including loss of tooth enamel, gingivitis, cavities, periodontitis, and other unwanted conditions.

Parts of Preventative Dentistry

Preventative dentistry does not just refer to one thing that helps keep your teeth in great condition. It’s a combination of several practices that people take to keep their teeth healthy. Below, we’ll explore some of the basic steps you can take to start keeping your teeth and mouth healthy.

Brushing your Teeth: Though it may seem simple, brushing your teeth each day for enough time is one of the most fundamental components of preventative dentistry. You should brush your teeth at least twice daily, using high-quality fluoride toothpaste.

Changing your Toothbrush: People often forget that toothbrushes don’t last forever! The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends replacing your toothbrush at least three to four times per year, or if you’ve noticed serious wear or fraying of the toothbrush bristles.

Flossing is another important component to prevent dental problems. Flossing helps remove the buildup between your teeth which helps to prevent cavities.

Frequency of Dental Visits: Regular dental cleanings should be performed at least once to twice annually. Many insurance plans will cover at least one or two visits to have your teeth cleaned by a hygienist. In addition, the dentist will give you an exam which will look for potential problems in your teeth or gums.

Regularly scheduled visits to the dentist are one of the best ways to prevent dental problems that are bad for your health. In addition, did you know dental problems can also be costly? Visiting your dentist a few times a year can help you save money on expensive dental procedures and care.

Limit Sugar: Your teeth come in direct contact with the food you eat daily. As such, eating sugary foods or drinks can cause cavities and other wear and tear on your teeth. In addition, eating a well-rounded diet helps protect your tooth by providing adequate nutrients to keep them strong and healthy. The vitamins you eat help support good oral health and prevent illnesses of all types.

The important steps listed above are just a few of the ways to help care for your teeth and protect them from developing dental conditions. While these things require diligence and a daily regimen, they’re an important investment to help protect your teeth as you age.…

When Is It A Good Idea For Dentures?

June 22, 2022June 1, 2022Sean MartinezLeave a comment

Our smiles are the gateway to so much in life. It’s the first thing people see when they meet us. Our smile sets the tone for how we’re approached.

Your smile may mean and say a lot more to people about you than you think. So, it’s important to ensure your smile is always on point, which explains why dentures are such a hot commodity.

As we get older, we don’t want to lose those important first impressions to lost teeth, face sags, and other issues that affect how we present ourselves, so we tend to think more about the role dentures play in our lives.

Whether you’re contemplating dentures for yourself or someone close to you, this article will help answer some commonly asked questions about dentures.

Why Use Dentures

Regular visits to the dentist have proven that our teeth are not guaranteed to last forever. We can lose teeth, they can decay, and without our healthiest teeth, it can be difficult to eat certain foods. When our teeth are at their worst, they can cause serious pain or cause oral health issues. Our teeth help to form our face structure and without them all in place, our face can sag causing us to look older.

Dentures are great substitutes for your initial teeth that are no longer in place. Dentures are artificial teeth and gums created specifically for your mouth by your dentist. That means they’re custom-formed so that they place easily and fit nicely into your mouth and should look like your own teeth.

Dentures can replace all of your teeth or a subset of teeth. They can improve your appearance when teeth are missing and help keep the structure of your mouth in place by supporting other parts of the mouth.

Dentures make it possible to eat foods that otherwise, would be impossible or hard to eat without the appropriate teeth to bite down on.

What Are Dentures Made Of?

Dentures have come a long way over the years. What used to be porcelain or plastic, is now more of a hard resin and is more fragile than natural teeth. That means they can wear down quicker and can easily chip or crack without proper care. Because of this they generally need replacing after about five years.

Types of Dentures

Dentures can be custom-made to replace a portion of your teeth or all of your teeth, so there is more than one type.

Partial Dentures – Partial dentures are used to replace one or more teeth that are missing, but not all of your teeth. They are made to fit the gumline and are fastened to surrounding teeth to help keep them in place. They can be easily removed to be cleaned or taken out before going to bed.

Full Dentures – Full dentures are complete dentures that replace all of your natural teeth. They are easily removed as partial dentures but are held in place by an oral adhesive or suction.

Immediate Dentures – Immediate dentures are placed in your mouth until permanent dentures have been made. Immediate dentures are placed after extraction and during your healing process, so you won’t be without teeth. After the healing process, the immediate dentures are disposed of and replaced with permanent dentures.

Overdenture – Permanent dentures can be uncomfortable for some people. Overdentures are fitted over the roots of natural teeth (if some remain) or on dental implants. This serves the same function as permanent dentures and preserves the remaining teeth.

How To Care for Dentures

Just as it’s important to take care of your natural teeth, you also have to care for your dentures. Dentures should be cleaned daily by running water over them and removing food particles that may be stuck in between teeth. Use a soft toothbrush to gently brush over the dentures with a denture cleaner. Continue to care for any remaining natural teeth and your gums regularly as you should.

How Much Do Dentures Cost?

No one price is available for the cost of dentures. The cost of dentures varies depending on your particular needs, the fees the dental practice charges, and other determining factors, like location, the complexity of the treatment, and how long it will take.

Talk with your dentist to know how much your dentures will cost.

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SOURCES USED:

https://www.gotoapro.org/dentures-faq/…

Wisdom Tooth Removal – It’s Not As Bad As You Think!

June 17, 2022June 1, 2022Sean MartinezLeave a comment

Wisdom tooth extraction is a common surgical procedure many people experience in their lives. It involves the removal of one or more ‘wisdom teeth’ that are four adult permanent teeth and are located at the very back corners of the mouth.

Why are they called ‘wisdom teeth’?

They are referred to as ‘wisdom teeth’ as we develop them later in life, or with experience and wisdom. Historians suggest that Aristotle came up with the name.

For oral surgeons though, they are referred to as third molars.

Why do we have wisdom teeth?

Researchers believe that our wisdom teeth are an evolutionary feature we have. Our ancestors ate lots of hard nuts, crunchy leaves and uncooked, tough meat, so they needed more teeth to get the job done.

Today though, much of our food is cooked and we eat in smaller portions (due to utensils) and over time the wisdom teeth become redundant in our mouths.

How do they grow?

Just like any other teeth, they are formed after we start losing our ‘baby teeth’ when we are young. The third molar is that last of our permanent teeth to grow. They may or may not erupt to the surface of the gum line like other teeth.

Why are they such a problem?

Wisdom teeth often cause crowding of other teeth or can become impacted and create mouth pain. Oral surgeons will often recommend wisdom tooth extraction even if an impacted tooth is not causing any pain.

When do wisdom teeth appear?

As mentioned, they are the final of the permanent teeth to appear and most people see them erupt to the surface from ages 17 to 25. Some fortunate people never develop wisdom teeth, and other fortunate ones grow wisdom teeth that erupt normally and don’t cause pain, become impacted or crowd other teeth.

What signs might there be that I need to get my wisdom teeth removed?

Generally speaking if someone is older than 17 years and experiences any of the following symptoms, they should see their dentist who may then refer them for a consultation with an oral surgeon. If someone experiences these then it’s important to act fast:

Pain around the back of the mouth
Food constantly getting stuck around the wisdom teeth
Gum disease around molars
Tooth decay (cavities) on a partially erupted wisdom tooth
Develops a cyst (fluid-filled sac) around one or more wisdom teeth
Gets sustained damage to nearby teeth or surrounding bone.

How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Either a dentist or an oral surgeon extracts wisdom teeth. If a patient only has one or two wisdom teeth, that are fully erupted, not impacted and there’s no sign of infection, a dentist may decide to remove the teeth themselves. If it’s no more complicated a procedure than regular tooth extraction, a dentist may perform the procedure.

If the removal is more complicated because the wisdom tooth/teeth sit below the gum line, are impacted or there is sign of an infection then an oral surgeon will likely be needed to do the procedure.

An x-ray is performed to make this determination.

Local anesthetic is used by the dentist for the area where the tooth is to be extracted. Sometimes further sedation is given to relax a patient.

A small incision is made at the site of the tooth. From there it is extracted via a number of techniques that are aimed to minimize any surrounding nerve damage and post surgery pain.

If an oral surgeon is to perform wisdom teeth extraction, a general anesthetic is given, as it is a medical procedure performed in a hospital. This is more than likely a quick same-day procedure, but patients need someone to take you home while the anesthetic wears off. Pain medication is often prescribed for the days after the surgery. Patients also won’t be able to eat solid foods, and regular salt water rinses will help prevent infection post surgery.

SOURCES USED:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/wisdom-tooth-extraction/about/pac-20395268

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisdom_tooth

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/wisdom-tooth-removal/what-happens/

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22119-wisdom-teeth-removal…

What Age Should Children First See the Dentist?

June 9, 2022May 29, 2022Sean MartinezLeave a comment

When you have a baby, it can be hard to know just when to take your child to see the dentist for the first time. After all, it takes months for the first tooth to come in. Should you take your baby when there’s a tooth, or perhaps when all the teeth are in? Should you go before one comes in? Is there a specific age or a specific number of teeth?

In general, the first time that you need to take your baby to the dentist is when they sprout their first tooth. That’s when you need to start taking care of your baby’s oral hygiene. The first tooth usually appears when a baby is about six months old. But no matter when it comes in, you need to make that dental appointment when you see it. However, if you see problems before then, such as bleeding or white spots in your child’s mouth, you need to call right away for an appointment.

Why Your Baby Needs to See the Dentist So Early

It may seem like the eruption of one tooth isn’t enough to see a dentist, but dentists recommend it at this time for a reason. Nearly 20% of kids under age five already have some tooth decay. When this starts to develop early, your dentist can treat the problem before it gets worse. The dentist can get your baby off to a good start to a healthy smile. Having a good baseline also allows the dentist to track changes to your baby’s mouth in case of any problems.

If you have had your baby’s pediatrician look inside their mouth, even if there is already a tooth there, this doesn’t substitute for seeing a dentist. A dentist has highly specialized knowledge and can better care for your child’s oral health than a pediatrician alone. A dentist can also give your child a fluoride treatment when they are about nine months of age. This can help to protect the teeth so they are less likely to develop tooth decay.

A Baby’s Oral Health

Young boy looking at the mirror with toothy smile sitting on the chair with dentist and assistant at the dental office

At a young age, your baby needs to have their oral health taken care of, and they are unable to do it themselves. There are several ways that you can care for your child’s dental health at home, and your dentist can give you those recommendations and show you how to do them. Being able to tend to your baby’s dental health keeps their teeth and gums healthier, and it sets them up for a lifetime of good oral hygiene.

When you care for your baby’s teeth, the methods you use will change with your child’s age. This allows you to keep up with their dental health at every stage in their development until they’re able to care for their teeth themselves. This means that they will experience dental care every day and will be firmly in those habits as adults.

Getting into these healthy habits and having consistent dental care is always important to a person’s oral health. When kids know that it’s important, they will understand that they need to care for their teeth and gums for better overall health.

SOURCES USED:

https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/childrens-health/when-should-a-child-see-a-dentist-for-first-time

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/kids-oral-care/when-to-take-a-child-to-a-dentist-for-the-first-time…

To Veneer Or Not To Veneer…

June 3, 2022May 29, 2022Sean MartinezLeave a comment

The Benefits of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry option to help enhance your smile! Using a thin shell that covers the front of teeth, dental veneers can help cover cosmetic flaws in teeth such as chips or yellowing. Many people opt for this type of cosmetic fix to help boost their confidence in their smiles.

If you’re thinking of getting dental veneers, you may not have considered all their benefits. Below, we’ll highlight the many reasons to get dental veneers.

What are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are made of either porcelain or resin, which is colored to match natural teeth. They can be done in various shapes, helping to match your ideal tooth shape. To place veneers, a cosmetic dentist needs to shave a thin layer of the enamel of your natural teeth. This is necessary to help prepare the tooth surface for bonding.

Benefits of Dental Veneers

There are many advantages to consider when considering dental veneers. Below are the top seven reasons you’ll love having dental veneers:

Immediate New Smile: Unlike other tooth correction and cosmetic dentistry options, dental veneers provide an instantly new smile. You won’t have to wait months or years, such as the time it takes for braces to straighten teeth. The process of getting veneers is done in either one or two visits, depending on your specific needs.

If you don’t want to wait a long time for your perfect smile, dental veneers are an excellent option. Plus, the process of getting dental veneers is simple and not painful. Unlike some other procedures, the risks associated with a dental veneer placement procedure are quite low.

Whitening: Do you have staining on your teeth? Instead of whitening treatments which are not effective for everyone, dental veneers instantly brighten your smile. Dental veneers are designed to look natural, while also staying very white. You’ll love smiling with your teeth in photos!

Customizable: Your dentist can make dental veneers in any shape you’d like. This benefit of veneers allows you to get the tooth shape you want. Some individuals may prefer rounded-off teeth, while others prefer straight, square teeth. No matter what your dream smile looks like, dental veneers can make it happen.

Not only can you make your smile look exactly like you want it, but you’ll also have a long-lasting smile. Most veneers last at least ten to fifteen years, or longer, with proper care. That makes dental veneers an excellent investment!

Cosmetic Improvements: One primary reason people choose to get veneers is that they are unhappy with their natural smiles. This may be because of staining or discoloration. Or this may be because of chips or cracks they have in the teeth. Dental veneers can instantly improve self-confidence. Veneers can immediately conceal your most bothersome cosmetic flaws.

Resistant to Stain: While natural teeth can quickly become stained, dental veneers are made to be stain resistant. This means you can safely eat or drink your favorite foods and drinks, such as coffee, without worrying about ruining your white smile. The naturally stain-resistant materials used to make dental veneers will stay nice and white!

Improved Confidence: Feeling embarrassed or insecure about your smile can impair one’s self-confidence. Dental veneers are affordable cosmetic dentistry options that can help improve your self-esteem. In turn, you’ll enjoy smiling and have a higher quality of life.

Add Strength to Teeth: Veneers can be used to reinforce the natural tooth’s durability. If your teeth have eroded or weak components, dental veneers can help. Your dentist may encourage veneers if you have serious signs of weakening teeth.

Ask About Dental Veneers Today

Not sure if dental veneers are for you? Talk to your dentist to learn more about dental veneers and receive a consult. Based on your individual goals and requirements, your dentist can help advise you on the best ideas for dental veneers. If you’re not happy with your smile, dental veneers can be a game-changer to make you feel confident!…

No Dental Insurance? No Problem!

June 1, 2022May 29, 2022Sean MartinezLeave a comment

The Benefits of In-House Dental Plans

Dental insurance can be expensive, and it often doesn’t cover very much. If you don’t have dental insurance, it can benefit you to use an in-house dental plan that will help you with the cost of the dental services you need. Getting preventative care is especially helpful for good dental health, and in-house plans are often very good at paying for the preventative care appointments that you need.

Don’t Pay Full Price

If you are uninsured, paying full price for dental care may seem like your only choice, but dental practices are increasingly adding in-house dental plans that allow you to purchase coverage directly from your dentist. This generally requires a yearly payment for the plan with different prices for single people, couples, and family coverage. Some plans have a start-up fee as well as an annual fee.

In-house plans often offer deep discounts on your twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings with many paying 100% of those visits. Other services have specific discount amounts based on the type of treatment needed.

Many patients find that they are unable to pay for the treatments they need without their in-house plan. Dental care can get expensive, and these plans offer a great way to save a significant amount of money over the course of the year or even for just one treatment.

How You Benefit

The main benefit is that it makes getting dental care more affordable. Without preventative care, you risk having serious dental and gum problems affect your health. When you are able to get your semi-annual dental exams, the dentist can find a small problem before it becomes a larger one. This can mean that you need fewer treatments than you would need without those exams. This means that you pay even less because you won’t need as many treatments.

If you’ve been going without needed dental treatments, this can easily snowball and cause worse and worse problems. It may also mean that you are embarrassed by your smile. Getting an in-house plan can help you to finally get the work that you’ve needed for a healthier and stronger smile.

In-house plans often offer discounts for a wide range of treatments needed. It can be hard to know which treatments you will need in advance, and a surprise dental bill can be hard to handle. Whether you need restorative care, cosmetic care, or preventative care, most in-house plans offer discounts on it all.

It’s easier to sign up with an in-house dental plan than it is to apply and be accepted for insurance. Getting independent dental insurance can be a long process that takes time to become active. With an in-house plan, you can sign up for plans quickly and easily. You can even do it the next time you’re in the dentist’s office so that it’s easy and convenient.

Being a part of an in-house dental plan is much simpler than getting independent dental insurance. Because the plan is initiated by the dental office, you know that the office will accept it. While independent insurance plans may or may not be accepted by your dentist, the in-house plan always will be. You also don’t have to go through a separate insurance company to find out how much you will owe for your appointment or wait for paperwork and claims to go through.

With an in-house plan, you will know exactly how much you will pay up front. The dental office has specific pricing, and your dental plan will have a specific percentage off that price. You don’t have to worry about any surprises when it’s time to pay.

If you’ve ever had to contact an insurance company, you know how difficult it can be. To get simple answers can be incredibly difficult, and that’s after you’ve stayed on hold for an hour. With an in-house plan, your plan’s provider is the same place you go for your dental appointments, so you can ask all of your questions directly and get straight answers.

There are so many important benefits to these plans that it’s a great idea for many patients to enroll in one of these plans to pay less and get the treatments they need.…

Oral Cancer – Early Detection Is Key

May 31, 2022May 29, 2022Sean MartinezLeave a comment

All About Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is one of the rarer types of cancer. If you haven’t heard about it, chances are it’s because it represents only about three percent of all cancers. On average, about 50,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. Though it may not be common, it is extremely important to be aware of. Knowing the signs and symptoms of oral cancer to watch for can help in early diagnosis.

In this brief overview, we’ll explore the basics you need to know about oral cancer and prevention.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can cause a wide array of problems within the mouth. Some common symptoms include white, red, or speckled patches in the mouth, swelling or bumps on lips, gums, or cheeks, bleeding in the mouth, numbness or loss of feeling, and more. Some people with oral cancer also experience sores in their mouth or difficulty chewing or swallowing.

Symptoms of oral cancer can overlap with many other less serious conditions. However, if you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to your dentist. Oral cancer is treatable if caught early. Therefore, patients should not delay seeking medical advice if they’ve noticed any of these symptoms.

Oral Cancer Risk Factors

Men are at a higher risk of oral cancer. Some research indicates they may even be twice as likely to develop oral cancer as women. In addition, those over the age of 50 are at a higher risk. Other risk factors may also increase your chances of developing oral cancer, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, family history of cancer, tobacco use, and more. The risk of oral cancer in Caucasian people is higher as well.

Oral Cancer Diagnosis & Prognosis

With early detection, the prognosis for people diagnosed with oral cancer is promising. The 5-year survival rate is 84%. If oral cancer spreads to nearby tissues or organs, the survival rate drops to 65%. In addition, 1/3 of people treated for oral cancer will eventually develop a new type of cancer.

Regular visits to your dentist can help to ensure oral cancer is detected early. During regular visits to the dentist, your dentist will watch for signs and symptoms of oral cancer. Remember, your dentist knows what to look for and all the early signs. Therefore, patients mustn’t skip out on their regular dental screenings.

Prevention of Oral Cancer

Though cancer has some genetic links, there are also some lifestyle factors and health habits to consider. To prevent oral cancer, general health and wellness practices are important. First, avoid any type of smoking or tobacco use. Consume alcohol carefully and in moderation. Secondly, maintain regular exercise and eat a well-rounded diet. Also, limit your exposure to the sun, as repeated exposure can increase the risk of developing cancer on your lips.

People between the ages of 20 and 40 should have an oral cancer screening at least once every three years. Those over the age of 40 should be examined annually for oral cancer.

Treatment of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can be treated through surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. A combination of treatments may also be used. The type of treatment will vary depending on the type of oral cancer, whether it’s spread to other areas of the body, your age, and other health considerations.

Talk to your Dentist

Concerned about a symptom you’re experiencing in your mouth or lips? Don’t delay seeking medical care. Early diagnosis is critical to help saving your life. In addition, seek help from a trusted medical professional if you’d like to learn more about oral cancer prevention.

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