Regular dental appointments are part of preventive care. The American Dental Association and other professional health organizations stress the importance of dental checkups in an effort to combat tooth decay and gum disease, and to prevent other serious health issues.
Going to the dentist on a regular basis can also help prevent costly treatment by identifying problems before they become more challenging and require extensive and expensive treatments. Dental cleanings and examinations can also head off problems before they begin.
Bite and jaw mobility and function.
During a professional cleaning, the hygienist will remove plaque and tartar build up. The hygienist will also discuss problem areas and offer tips for cleaning teeth at home, including proper cleaning techniques and products for teeth or dentures.
Imaging helps dentists to spot problems that can otherwise go unnoticed. A detailed image of the mouth can identify bite problems and provide the dentist with a good picture of the teeth and surrounding bone structure. Depending on the reason for your exam, the dentist may utilize more advanced imaging equipment such as cone beam computerized topography, to obtain a 3-d image of teeth spacing and the adjacent structures often used with implant patients.
Oral cancer screenings are an important part of the dental examination. More than 40,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer every year, and yet many signs of oral cancer can be identified with a simple screening. The screening involves looking for signs of cancer in the mouth, and feeling the area around the jaw and neck. The dentist or hygienist will also examine the inside of the lips and cheeks, as well as the tongue.
Following the appointment, any issues are discussed and concerns addressed. It is important to discuss any changes in health or any medical conditions and medications with your dentist, in case these impact the health of your mouth and gums.
A healthy mouth is essential to overall wellness, and dental visits are an important part of any health care plan. With regular visits to the dentist, and taking appropriate preventive measures, it is possible to live a life of health and wellbeing.
Contact Northwest Family Dental in Rainier to schedule your next appointment.
When a tooth is damaged – chipped, cracked or broken – it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible, regardless of the pain level. Not all damaged teeth hurt, and if left untreated, you run the risk of infection and tooth loss. An infected tooth may reveal itself as untreatable sinus problems or headaches. Your dentist will examine the damage and determine if it will impede the health of the tooth or if a cosmetic restoration is the solution.
Sometimes, damage goes unnoticed or ignored until discomfort is consistent. You may feel pain while biting or chewing food or feel sensitivities to hot and cold temperatures. There are ways to address the discomfort that comes with trauma, but there is no substitute for professional help. With any dental emergency it is best to see your dentist as soon as possible.
Fractures in the tooth are hard to identify with the naked eye – especially if they develop in a hard to see tooth, such as a molar. The tooth may look okay, but biting, chewing, and differentiating temperatures can cause pain. If the tooth hurts constantly, there may be a bigger problem at hand, such as interior infection attacking nerves, blood vessels and the roots. A cracked tooth cannot be treated at home, and you should contact your dentist immediately.
A broken tooth also needs professional treatment. However, to help with the process it is best to save any pieces of the tooth that you can. Rinse using warm water and stop any bleeding by applying a piece of gauze to the area until it stops. A cold compress can be used to reduce swelling and help with the pain. Depending on the severity of the break, it may result in exposed or damaged nerves which leaves the tooth open to infection. The tooth should be treated as soon as possible.
Use Scissors – opening packaging with teeth can actually cause serious damage to the teeth. Use scissors and avoid mouth trauma.
If you have experienced dental trauma or have a consistent toothache, contact our Rainier dental office to schedule an appointment. Northwest Family Dental offers a range of general and cosmetic dental procedures to help restore function, stop the pain and return an aesthetic smile.
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