General Services - Regular Checkups and Gentle Cleaning
General Services
As a preventative measure it is important to schedule regular check-ups before any problems arise. Regular checkups (ideally every six months) will help your teeth stay cleaner, last longer and can prevent painful problems from developing.
Checkups will almost always include a gentle complete cleaning, either from your dentist or a dental hygienist. Routine cleanings allow us to check the condition of your teeth and gums. Using special instruments, a dental hygienist will scrape below the gumline, removing built-up plaque and tartar that can cause gum disease, cavities, bad breath and other problems. Your dentist or hygienist may also polish and floss your teeth. At The Center for Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry we perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums and mouth, looking for signs of disease or other problems. Our goal is always to help maintain your good oral health and to prevent problems from becoming serious, by identifying and treating them as soon as possible.
If we identify any unhealthy condition of your gums (periodontal disease), we perform an evaluations your gums and recommend a course of treatment. This may include deep scaling, and root planning which are procedures intended to remove plaque and bacteria from under your gums. Deep Scaling removes the unhealthy deposits from your teeth and Root Planing smoothes the surfaces to allow gums to heal properly around your teeth.
Sealants are protective, composite "seals" that are usually placed on the chewing (occlusal) surface of a child's permanent back teeth - the molars and premolars - to help protect them from decay and prevent cavities. Children are more susceptible to cavities due to their tendency to forget to brush regularly therewere we suggest that you consider sealants for them. We will review your child's oral health and eating habits to determine if sealants are an appropriate solution.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a form of cancer that occurs on the lips, inside the mouth, on the back of the throat, the tonsils or salivary glands. Oral cancer occurs more frequently in men than women, and most likely to strike people over 40. Smoking in combination with heavy alcohol usage is a key risk factor.
If not detected early, oral cancer can require surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. It can also be fatal, with an overall five-year survival rate of approximately 50 percent.* Part of the reason for this poor prognosis is a failure to recognize the early symptoms, so detecting oral cancer early is the key to successful treatment.
Visilite™, which is an FDA approved Oral Lesion Identification and Marking System, allows us to identify oral abnormalities that increase the risk for oral cancer. You won't always be able to spot the earliest warning signs of oral cancer, which is why regular check-ups with both your dentist and physician are so important. Your dentist is trained to detect early warning signs of oral cancer. Oral cancer screenings allow your dental hygienist to note any abnormalities, especially in the mouth and around the jaw and neck.
If you notice any abnomalities be sure to schedule a regular checkup with us today!
The Center for Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry Aesthetic Dentistry Palm Beach FL