Preventative in Mechanicsburg, PA
Checkups and Cleanings for the Entire Family
How important are regular checkups and cleanings? The American Dental Association wanted to see how patients were affected by the delay in preventative care caused by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. According to a 2021 poll, over 25% of dentists saw increased instances of cavities, while over 30% of dentists saw increases in gum disease. The latest CDC figures state that over 13% of US children and over 25% of adults have untreated dental caries, such as cavities. The data shows that even if you floss and brush twice a day, regular checkups are essential.
Maintaining optimal oral health is essential to maintaining your overall health and well-being. A lifetime of great health might just begin with your smile! With preventative dentistry services for Mechanicsburg, PA, Agate Dental is here to help you prevent oral diseases and maintain optimal oral health.
What is Preventative Dentistry?
Preventative dentistry aims to keep your teeth, gums, and their supporting structures healthy in order to prevent disease. By attending regular checkups and cleanings, you can prevent conditions such as gingivitis, gum disease, periodontal disease, and tooth loss.
Preventative dentistry can include the following treatments:
• Digital X-rays
• Cleanings
• Sealants
• Fluoride treatments
• Periodontal charting
• Scaling
• Root planing
• Prophylactic treatments
Not only does preventative dentistry help you avoid major issues, but it will also help you save a considerable amount of money over restorative treatments. After all, it is much more economical to keep a tooth healthy than to replace it.
Accurate Diagnostics with Digital X-Rays
Visual inspection only reveals what is happening on the surface of the teeth and gums; Digital X-rays can reveal what is happening between teeth and below the gum line, which is typically where cavities form since these areas are also the most difficult to clean.
Modern oral digital X-rays are incredibly safe. One digital X-ray is roughly equivalent to the same amount of radiation you would receive from being a passenger in a commercial plane for one hour.
Oral Appliances
As part of your family’s overall preventative care, Agate Dental offers customized oral appliances. These include:
• Sports guards
• Bruxism (teeth grinding) guards
• Sleep apnea and snoring appliances
Have a question about being fitted with a custom oral appliance?
Oral Cancer Screening
Our preventative dentistry services extend beyond the basics to include comprehensive oral cancer screening. In this section, we will delve into the importance of oral cancer screening, what it entails, who should undergo it, and address some frequently asked questions to provide you with a thorough understanding of this essential aspect of preventative care.
Oral cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can affect various parts of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment and improving the chances of a full recovery. Oral cancer screening is a painless and non-invasive examination that helps identify any signs or abnormalities that may indicate the presence of oral cancer or pre-cancerous conditions.
Oral cancer screening is an essential part of routine dental care and is recommended for everyone, regardless of age or risk factors. While certain lifestyle habits, such as tobacco and alcohol use, can increase the risk of oral cancer, it can affect anyone, including individuals who have never smoked or consumed alcohol. Regular screenings are essential because they allow for the early detection and timely treatment of oral cancer, improving the prognosis and increasing the chances of a full recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, oral cancer screening is a painless and non-invasive process. Your dentist will visually examine your mouth, looking for any signs of abnormalities or suspicious areas.
Oral cancer screening should be a part of your routine dental check-ups, which are typically recommended every six months. However, if you have specific risk factors, such as a family history of oral cancer or a history of tobacco use, your dentist may recommend more frequent screenings.
It's important to be vigilant for any unusual changes in your mouth between screenings. This may include persistent sores, red or white patches, lumps, swelling, or difficulty swallowing or speaking. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's crucial to contact your dentist promptly for a thorough evaluation.
Take Your Family’s Oral Health to Heart
Agate Dental offers checkups and cleanings for patients of all ages in Mechanicsburg and the surrounding areas. Call us today to schedule an appointment!
Schedule an Appointment