A complete dental exam will help you identify potential tooth decay. When left untreated, tooth decay will lead to pain and discomfort, affect your gums and eventually destroy your teeth. However, at the first signs, you need to visit the dentist immediately. If caught early enough, theivydental.com will help you reverse or prevent further damage to the affected area. Here are four reasons why you might need a complete dental exam:
1. Oral Cancer
Did you know that oral cancer is on the rise? According to The Centers for Disease Control And Prevention, there has been a significant increase of cases in men over forty years old, accounting for approximately one in three new cases. Before a complete dental exam, you can undergo a visual, oral cancer screening that will check for symptoms of the disease. If symptoms are found, your dentist may decide that further testing is necessary and refer you to a specialist.
2. Tooth Decay
Do you have symptoms such as sensitivity, additional cavities, or tooth pain? Those could be warning signs of tooth decay or, worse yet – gum disease. According to the American Dental Association, 90 percent of adults ages 30-64 have some degree of periodontal (gum) disease, leading to tooth loss if not treated immediately. Once diagnosed with the disease, you must visit your dentist at least twice per year for a complete exam.
3. Gum Disease
Similar to tooth decay, gum disease can cause serious health complications if left untreated for too long. Pus or redness around the gums are two of the main symptoms of this painful condition which is caused by plaque buildup underneath your gums. After a diagnosis is made, you must visit your dentist at least twice per year for a complete exam to prevent the progression of gum disease onto other teeth.
4. Oral Cancer
Did you know that oral cancer is on the rise? According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there has been a significant increase of cases in men over forty years old, accounting for approximately one in three new cases. Before a complete dental exam, you can undergo a visual, oral cancer screening that will check for symptoms of the disease. If symptoms are found, your dentist may decide that further testing is necessary and refer you to a specialist.
Many conditions can affect your oral health. Without a complete dental exam, you may not know what’s going on with your mouth. That means things like tooth decay or gum disease could go unnoticed until it has progressed to the point of being difficult to treat successfully. The ivy dental wants all their patients to enjoy their best possible smiles for years and decades to come, and we’re happy to provide an examination at no charge if this sounds good for you. Give us a call today so we can schedule one for you tomorrow morning.