You’ve heard the saying, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That certainly applies to dentistry! Seeing your dentist regularly for preventative care saves you time and money, keeps your teeth healthier, and helps prevent painful dental conditions from developing or worsening.
When you visit Amber Dental on a regular basis, you’ll receive professional cleaning, exams, x-rays, cancer screening, and dental education. It’s important to regularly receive these services so we can remove tartar buildup, make sure you’re cleaning your teeth properly at home, and catch any problems in early stages, before they become severe. Here’s what you can expect from preventative dentistry.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that everyone have a professional dental cleaning and exam at least twice a year. That’s because regular cleaning removes the tartar buildup that could lead to cavities and stains if left in place. Exams also give us a chance to check for problems and ensure your home dental routine is working for you.
During your appointment, our experienced team will gently but thoroughly clean your teeth. We’ll be sure to reach any areas your regular brushing and flossing may have missed. Then, we’ll polish your teeth to remove light stains and help prevent plaque from sticking to your teeth. We’ll let you know about any problem areas and what you can do to better care for your teeth in the future. Finally, we’ll check your bite, inspect existing tooth restorations, and evaluate your risk of gum or bone disease.
Periodically taking dental X-rays is another important part of preventative dentistry, because it allows us to clearly see your teeth and their surrounding structures. We use advanced digital X-rays that are remarkably accurate and use far less radiation than traditional film X-rays, making them both safe and effective.
We’ll take X-rays before beginning any treatment, and they’ll be stored in your electronic record. We’ll also take X-rays as needed during and after treatment so we can chart your progress.
In the United States, one adult dies every hour from oral cancer, making it a serious risk. Thankfully, our staff is certified to detect and accurately diagnose oral cancer. We’ll examine your mouth for any abnormalities and help you get treatment to reduce your risk of developing a more serious condition.
Cancer that is caught early is more easily treated, so be certain not to skip exams. At Amber Dentistry, we use a special tool called a Velscope that helps us detect subtle changes in oral tissues that might not otherwise be apparent. If we find anything concerning, we are able to take photographs and share them with your doctors.
It’s also critical that you pay attention to your own oral health, even between exams, so you can get checked right away if you notice any potential symptoms of oral cancer. If you experience any of the following symptoms for more than a week without improvement, call us to schedule an exam.
Good preventative care is essential for your health and the beauty of your smile. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
