Preventive Dentistry Can Maintain Your Oral Health
The Center for Dental Excellence offers comprehensive preventive dentistry treatments at his Hellam, PA, office, including screenings for oral cancer and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Along with daily brushing and flossing, attending regular dental checkups is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your oral health. We recommend that patients visit our office every six months so that we can detect decay and other health issues in their earliest stages, when they are easiest to treat. If you are new to the area, or need to establish ongoing care, schedule a checkup with us today.
A professional dental cleaning every six months can make a tremendous difference in the long-term health of your smile.
Tooth & Gum Examination
Every dental checkup consists of a full exam of your teeth and gums. A member of our dental team will inspect each of your teeth, searching for signs of decay, damage, or failing restorations. By detecting these conditions early, we can address them with a simple filling or dental bonding, rather than root canal therapy or extraction. Inspection of your gums will reveal any signs of gingivitis or more advanced gum disease. Digital X-rays will allow our dentists to detect small cavities, abscesses below the gum line, or developing wisdom teeth that may need extraction. The doctor will also check your occlusion to ensure upper and lower teeth meet properly.
Oral Cancer & TMJ Prevention in Hellam
During your checkup, we will use an instrument called a VELscope to check for neck and oral cancers. These diseases are most treatable when detected in their early stages. We will also screen for TMJ disorder. By manually manipulating your jaw joints and asking a few questions about jaw pain, headaches, and earaches, our dentists will be better able to determine if you are experiencing TMJ disorder during your exam at our Hellam or York office. TMJ disorder can be caused by patients grinding their teeth (bruxism) while sleeping, though an imbalanced bite (malocclusion), stress, and/or heredity can also cause the condition. Our experts may suggest a mouth guard that protects your teeth at night, or a restoration such as a dental crown to restore a balanced bite.
Dental Cleaning
Even with daily brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas of your smile. If there is no gum disease present, we can perform your cleaning immediately after your checkup. The hygienist will remove any plaque or tartar on your teeth. Finally, the teeth are polished. If your gum pockets are deepening, the hygienist may suggest some changes to your daily dental care routine. Should you have questions about brushing, flossing, or dental care products, we encourage you to ask.
Schedule Your Six-Month Checkup
Undergoing dental checkups every six months is very important to maintaining good oral health. While brushing and flossing daily is essential, regular professional dental cleanings are equally important, and can make a tremendous difference in the long-term health of your smile. If you need to establish ongoing preventive dental care for yourself and your family, we would like to meet you and become your source for outstanding care. Contact one of our York county offices to schedule your consultation today.
