Prevent oral health problems with Pasadena, TX dental check-ups and cleanings. Pasadena, TX dentists, Drs. Holmes and Revel, want to see their patients semi-annually.
You take your car for routine maintenance. Shouldn’t you do the same for your teeth and gums? Semi-annual check-ups and hygienic cleanings with Pasadena, TX family dentists, Drs. Kimber Holmes and Erica Revel, keep tooth enamel and soft tissues at their sparkling best and pinpoint oral and systemic health problems before they become expensive and complex.
What a dental check-up entails
During a routine oral exam, the Pasadena, TX dentist takes her time with each patient, reviewing medical history, medications and any concerns the individual has. Digital x-rays are taken when appropriate to assess roots and bone structure and to uncover hidden decay or other issues. Plus, the doctor:
- performs a visual inspection for dental decay
- does periodontal probing to check gum pocket depth, an indicator of gum disease
- assesses the condition of existing restorations such as fillings, crowns and bridgework
- uses the innovative VELscope to check for oral cancer, a prevalent and potentially health threat among American adults
- checks how teeth bite together
Dr. Holmes or Dr. Revel formulates a comprehensive treatment plan that includes the patient’s immediate needs, such as restorations, continuing preventive care, and cosmetic goals. Each dentist wants her patients fully participating in the care process.
Prevention is foundational
For best oral and overall health, dentists and patients partner to prevent problems. For example, when a cavity is diagnosed at its earliest stages through oral examination, decay is quickly and easily fixed with minimal damage to tooth structure. Put off, cavity treatment becomes more complex, and tooth loss looms as a real possibility.
What’s the big deal about losing a tooth or 2? Tooth loss impacts how people chew, speak and even how they look! Plus, smile gaps cause gum and jawbone recession and weaken remaining teeth.
Good gum health requires routine flossing and brushing at home and 6-month cleanings at Pasadena Family Dentistry. Tooth scaling removes biofilm–the bacteria-laden plaque and tartar that form from food residues on and between teeth. Left in place, biofilm causes cavities and infects gums–leading to loose and lost teeth. Bone recedes, too, and dentists see a toxic link between gum disease and larger health problems such as diabetes, heart attack and arthritis.
In addition, early diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer is only possible through careful preventive dentistry. Many oral cancers affecting the gums, lips, cheeks, tongue and back of the throat go undetected unless a trained dental care professional inspects the mouth regularly. The Oral Cancer Foundation states that this deadly cancer kills one American adult every hour of every day. Early diagnosis and treatment leads to better survival rates.
It’s all about your health
Your Pasadena, TX dentists urge you to adopt a great health habit: semi-annual dental exams and cleanings. For your personal appointment, contact the office today to speak to a friendly staff member.