Comprehensive and Preventive Dental Care

Think you have healthy teeth and gums? If you're not seeing a dentist regularly for routine preventive care, you might want to think twice.

Preventive care dentistry is the only way to ensure that you maintain the healthy teeth and gums that will keep you looking and feeling great.  A simple routine of brushing and cleaning between teeth every day, establishing good eating habits and having regular dental visits can prevent many dental problems.  Keeping your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime is easy if you take proper care of them. Professional tooth cleanings and regular dental checkups are essential to prevent periodontal diseases, and should happen every 6 months. Schedule your professional tooth cleaning and check-up now.

Dr. Wolpo provides regular preventive care services that are both affordable and convenient.  If these measures are not taken, the likelihood of periodontal disease - otherwise known as gum disease - increases and this can have adverse effects on overall health.View animations showing the progression and treatment of gum disease.  Caused by bacteria found in plaque, gum disease most often occurs in patients who neglect routine oral care. Common symptoms of gum disease are swollen, red, and bleeding gums or a receding gum line. If left untreated, gum disease can result in tooth loss. We treat gum disease with a deep cleaning below the gum line to remove plaque and calculus deposits that lead to bacterial growth and bone loss. Depending on the stage and severity of gum disease, further treatment may be required.

We are happy to answer your questions. Find instructions on additional cleaning methods right on this website.  With regular checkups, teeth cleaning and dental sealants, Dr. Wolpo can help you maintain a healthy smile that will last a lifetime.

Oral Hygiene Care               Oral Cancer Screening 

Oral Hygiene Care

Daily preventive care, including brushing and flossing, will help stop problems before they develop. Prevention is key!

Professional tooth cleanings and regular dental checkups are essential to prevent periodontal diseases, and should happen every 6 months. Schedule your professional tooth cleaning and check-up now.

In between regular visits to your dentist, there are simple steps that each of us can take to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems.  These include:

• Brush thoroughly twice a day and floss daily
• Eat a balanced, nutrient dense diet
• Rinse your mouth with a mouth-rinse if advised by the Smile Sensations team
• Schedule bi-annual dental cleanings and oral exams
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months

The following are indications of good oral hygiene:

• Teeth are clean and free of debris
• Gums are pink and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss
• Bad breath is not a constant problem

Even with the best oral hygiene habits, gum disease can occur. View animations showing the progression and cure of gum disease.

If we encounter periodontal or pre-periodontal issues, Geri, our Nutrition Counselor will meet with you to discuss recommendations on a healthful diet that will improve your oral health.

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Oral Cancer Screening

Fortunately, most oral "sores" or "lesions" are not harmful. But a small number are dangerous, and if not identified early, they may progress to a more advanced stage.

Good News
 When oral cancer is detected early by your dentist it can be completely cured.

Oral cancer is a devastating disease when detected in its later stages. Late stage treatment usually involves major facial surgery with only half of such patients surviving past five years. Therefore, it is important to see your dentist regularly so that dangerous oral lesions can be detected at an early, easily curable stage.

Regular dental checkups, which include an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of both cancerous and precancerous conditions. A person may have a dangerous oral lesion and not be aware of it. Because harmful oral lesions often look identical to those that are harmless, the dentist cannot visually determine which lesions are troublesome. Only testing can do this. The dentist will perform a biopsy on the lesion in the mouth to determine whether there are potentially dangerous (precancerous or cancerous) cells present.

Reassurance
In the majority of cases, the sample obtained will be normal, reassuring you and the dentist that the oral lesion does not contain precancerous or cancerous cell. Your dentist may need to test your lesion periodically if it persists or changes. Rest assured that both you and you dentist have taken the right first step to detect oral cancer early ­ when it can be easily and completely cured.

Some facts about Oral Cancer
Oral cancer occurs more often in those who use tobacco in any form including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, pipes, and cigars; or those who consume large amounts of alcohol. But oral cancer can and does develop in people of all ages, races, and lifestyle habits. Over 25% of oral cancers occur in people who do not smoke and who only drink alcohol socially. An oral lesion may be a persistent sore or irritation, a small, flat, red or white patch, or a growth, lump, thickening, rough spot, crust, or irritated area. It is often painless, and you may not be aware of it. Because many oral lesions are flat, very small, or in an area of your mouth that you cannot see, they can often only be detected during a periodic oral examination by your dentist.    
 

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