CLEANINGS & EXAMS
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Caring for your oral health should be a priority. Just as you would visit your doctor for regular check-ups, you should undergo routine dental cleanings and exams. At Denture & Dental Services, Dr. Masone and his hygienist will provide you with comprehensive examinations which include cleanings, x-rays, and oral cancer screenings. We are dedicated to going above and beyond for our patients to provide exceptional dental care that is personalized, friendly, and comfortable. Daily brushing and flossing will keep dental calculus to a minimum, but a professional cleaning will remove calculus in places your toothbrush and floss have missed.
Teeth cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is a procedure for the removal of tartar (mineralized plaque) that may develop even with careful brushing and flossing, especially in areas that are difficult to reach in routine toothbrushing. Professional cleaning includes tooth scaling and tooth polishing and debridement if too much tartar has accumulated. This involves the use of various instruments and devices to loosen and remove deposits from the teeth.
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Why Routine Cleanings & Exams Are Essential
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Routine dental cleanings and exams are essential not only for your oral health but also for your overall well-being. Serious dental conditions such as periodontal disease have been tied to heart disease, stroke, and other issues. Having your teeth cleaned on a regular basis can:
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Prevent gum disease
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Help detect oral cancer
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Address issues at early stages
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Prevent bad breath
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Maintain a healthy smile
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Keep oral health on track
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We recommend that you schedule a dental cleaning and examination at least twice a year (every six months). However, if you suffer from ongoing dental
problems or are at a high risk of periodontal disease, we may suggest that you come in more frequently. These visits allow us to provide preventative care and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that can prevent conditions from escalating. This also allows us to use more conservative methods, such as dental fillings, to correct any issues that arise.
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What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the gums caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. A common cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene, which over time, can cause an accumulation of plaque. However, you may also be susceptible to gum disease due to genetic factors, autoimmune diseases, and even pregnancy. There are several warning signs of gum disease such as:
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Red, swollen gum tissue
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Bleeding gums during flossing or brushing
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Tenderness
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Recession from teeth
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Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
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Loose teeth
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You should always be on the lookout for these indicators when you are flossing and brushing your teeth. We may also be able to detect the beginning stages of gum disease during your six-month dental cleaning and exam. If we believe you may be suffering from the effects of this condition, we will help you develop a treatment plan to prevent or minimize the effect on your health.
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How Gum Disease Can Affect Your Health
When gum disease progresses, it can cause tissue to pull away from the teeth. The bacteria can then affect the bone which can lead to loose, weak teeth that are susceptible to falling out. The development of gum disease should not be taken lightly as it can also have serious consequences on your overall health. In severe cases, oral bacteria can even enter the bloodstream if left untreated. Untreated gum disease has been tied to conditions such as heart attack, dementia, premature birth, alzheimers and other major health problems. However, with proper care, we can stop gum disease from escalating.
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Gum disease can increase the risk for serious health conditions:
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Heart attack
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Dementia
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Premature Birth
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Other Health Problems
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Examining Your Teeth & Gums
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Dental cleanings and examinations are about more than polishing your teeth and looking for cavities. We will conduct an in-depth evaluation of your oral health and more. During your visit, we will inquire about your health and dental history, medication use, and other factors that may impact the condition of your teeth and gums. At this time, we may also provide an oral cancer screening which we will examine your mouth, lips, cheeks, jaw, and neck for any suspicious lesions or bumps.
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During your examination, we will evaluate:
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Risk of tooth decay
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Loose or broken teeth
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Problems with your bite or jaw
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Need for tooth restoration or replacement
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Damaged fillings
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Signs of gum recession
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Need for fluoride
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Risk of gum or bone disease
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If we find dental conditions in need of treatment, Dr. Masone and his staff will work with you to develop a personalized plan to treat the concern safely and efficiently. Dr. Masone and his staff in Destin are able to provide a comprehensive range of services to address your needs, including general dentistry and periodontal treatments. They can also discuss your cosmetic goals at this time to develop a plan for helping you achieve a flawless smile.
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We will provide you with their oral health recommendations based on your evaluation. We may suggest special cleaning aids as well as adjustments in your dental hygiene routine or diet. After your exam and cleaning, you can leave our office with polished teeth and an accurate understanding of your current dental health.
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How Periodontal Therapy Treats Gum Disease
Plaque develops naturally and tends to be thickest along the gum line, which can then irritate and infect the gums. Regular cleanings can generally help prevent gum disease. Scaling and root planing is a special deep-cleaning technique that removes tartar and plaque from under the gum line and smooths the root surfaces to prevent reinfection. When periodontal therapy and improved dental hygiene habits are implemented at the first signs of gingivitis, it can usually be reversed.
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If Dr. Masone and his hygienist determine that you require surgical treatment to address advanced gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, they can provide you with information on the options available to you. There are several effective treatments that can help reduce the effects of your condition including pocket depth reduction procedures, regeneration, and soft tissue grafts.
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Dental Cleaning
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Dental cleanings and examinations are about more than polishing your teeth and looking for cavities. We will conduct an in-depth evaluation of your oral health and more. During your visit, we will inquire about your health and dental history, medication use, and other factors that may impact the condition of your teeth and gums. At this time, we may also provide an oral cancer screening which we will examine your mouth, lips, cheeks, jaw, and neck for any suspicious lesions or bumps.
​
During your examination, we will evaluate:
​
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Risk of tooth decay
-
Loose or broken teeth
-
Problems with your bite or jaw
-
Need for tooth restoration or replacement
-
Damaged fillings
-
Signs of gum recession
-
Need for fluoride
-
Risk of gum or bone disease
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If we find dental conditions in need of treatment, Dr. Masone and his staff will work with you to develop a personalized plan to treat the concern safely and efficiently. Dr. Masone and his staff in Destin are able to provide a comprehensive range of services to address your needs, including general dentistry and periodontal treatments. They can also discuss your cosmetic goals at this time to develop a plan for helping you achieve a flawless smile.
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Oral Cancer Screenings
The dangers and prevalence of oral cancer may best be explained in the form of statistics. The statistics below are provided by the Oral Cancer Foundation:
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Over 48,000 new oral cancer cases are diagnosed every year in the U.S.
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The oral cavity is where 75 percent of all head and neck cancers begin.
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Nearly 10,000 people die from oral cancer each year in the U.S.
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The five-year survival rate is less than 60 percent.
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Studies confirm that survival correlates with early diagnosis and treatment.
At Denture & Dental Services, we provide thorough oral cancer screenings during your routine dental exam. Regular screenings are vital for early oral cancer detection and successful treatment. Specifically, Dr. Masone will feel for lumps or irregular tissue changes in your head, neck, face, and oral cavity. While examining your mouth, we will look for sores, discolored tissue, and any of the symptoms listed above.
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If abnormalities are identified, we will perform a noninvasive brush test. This involves taking a small brush and rubbing it along the suspicious area to sequester cells. The sample is spread onto a slide and sent to a laboratory for analysis. If pre-cancer or cancerous cells are detected, you will be referred to a specialist for therapy.
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While there is no proven way to ensure complete prevention of oral cancer, there are steps that patients can take to lower their risk. Most of these steps are lifestyle changes, such as discontinuing use of all tobacco products. Minimizing alcohol consumption is another impactful preventive measure. Also, reducing your risk of HPV infection is important.
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Finally, patients can conduct self-examinations once a month. This can be done by looking in the mirror and tilting your head back, inspecting and feeling your gums, the roof of your mouth, the inside of your cheeks, the floor of your mouth, the gums and the throat for any of the symptoms listed above. Patients should also examine their lips and feel for enlarged lymph nodes on the neck.
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Oral cancer patients often do not notice symptoms of the disease until it has spread to another part of the body, which makes successful treatment more difficult. That said, patients should be watchful of the oral cancer symptoms and report any to our office immediately.
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For more information or to schedule your free consultation, please contact us today!
Get the quality you deserve at the price you can afford. The experts at Denture and Dental Services in Destin will present you with your options to help you choose the denture that is best suited to your individual needs and lifestyle. We want to make the life-changing, long-lasting benefits of restorative and cosmetic dentistry accessible.
Our team of dedicated professionals will work closely with you to design a treatment that suits your needs, budget, and end goals. Going to the dentist is an investment in time and money, and we want you to be thrilled with your final outcome. We will explain all your options and their advantages and drawbacks. At Denture & Dental Services, we will work hard to deliver a result that goes above and beyond your expectations!
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There is no substitute for experience. Call today to schedule your free consult at (850)-650-7979 and see the difference 35 years of experience and care can make in your life.