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GENERAL DENTISTRY
LOFTON CREEK SMILES
INNOVATIVE CARE
COMPLETE HEALTH SOLUTIONS
FLEXIBLE APPOINTMENTS
Flexible appointment options make our dental practice ideal for those with busy lifestyles.
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During the evaluation, your Lofton Creek Family dentist will check for cracked, broken, or decayed teeth as well as looking for any abnormal areas on your cheeks, gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth.
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Since gum disease affects almost 50% of adults in the U.S. (Center for Disease Control), we perform a comprehensive assessment during your exam to check for any signs of periodontal disease.
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When addressed in the early stages, periodontal disease is easily controlled and possibly reversible. Since gum disease exhibits minimal symptoms until it is significantly advanced, it is important to be evaluated for early stages of the disease. Conservative, early intervention is best and our team will assist you in choosing the best treatment options for your condition.
The dentist may recommend digital x-rays and photographs to help identify problem areas in your mouth. The type of images may vary based on your particular situation, but a full jaw x-ray, called a panoramic x-ray will give the dentist a comprehensive view of all the structures in your mouth as well as your jaw joint and your sinuses.
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Your dentist may also use a special digital camera to take close up pictures of your teeth or gums. This will help them identify and monitor any areas of concern. We also use intraoral cameras to provide live images of while we examine your smile.
Development of oral cancer is on the rise. When detected in the early stages, most oral cancers respond very favorably to treatment. The risk of developing oral cancer increases five times with smoking, two and half times with excessive alcohol use and thirty-two times in the presence of a persistent HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) infection.
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The dentist will look over all the tissue in your mouth, including your tongue, lips and cheeks, checking for anything abnormal. They will also feel for any unusual lumps or bumps and make recommendations for follow up if necessary. We also have the ability to do a salivary screening to check for an active HPV infection. Recommendations for reducing your risk of developing oral cancer include regular screenings and possible lifestyle changes.
Will my insurance cover my check-up appointment?
Most insurances cover the procedures completed at a check-up and cleaning appointment. Our insurance coordinators will help you navigate through your specific insurance benefits and provide you with an estimate of costs should there be a remaining balance after the insurance payment.
Your dental hygienist can be your partner in achieving good oral health and visiting the dentist at least twice a year for a professional cleaning can prevent tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. Our dentist may recommend more frequent visits based on the condition of your teeth and gum.
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What to expect at your check-up appointment:
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Visual evaluation of teeth, face, jaw and neck
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Digital images to check for cavities and other possible problems
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Gum disease evaluation
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Professional teeth cleaning and fluoride treatment
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Screening for oral cancer
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends fluoride treatments based on your risk for developing cavities. Our team evaluates if your risk for cavities is low, moderate, or high, based on criteria outlined by the ADA.
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Most individuals with low risk are offered a fluoride treatment twice a year. Moderate risk individuals are offered fluoride twice a year as well as a take-home fluoride product to help reduce the chance of them getting another cavity.
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Individuals with a high risk for cavities may be offered fluoride treatment more than twice a year, a take-home fluoride product, as well as an antimicrobial rinse to reduce the cavity-causing bacteria.