Why Periodic Dental Check-Ups And Cleaning Are Important

While your teeth and gums may appear to be healthy to you, the mouth is a complex part of your body.At the office of Fred M. Rabinowitz, D.D.S. located in Plano, Texas we address many aspects of the mouth.

One of the most important reasons for periodic dental exams is early detection of oral cancer. In its very early stages, oral cancer may present no symptoms other than some minor visible changes that can only be flat, painless red or white spots or small sore. While these are usually harmless, some may not be.

Only testing can tell harmless spots from harmful ones.The office of Dr. Fred Rabinowitz also incorporates the use of a Velscope devise. This flashlight looking devise can detect oral cancer at its earliest stages, well before the cancer would show signs in the mouth. In the event Dr. Rabinowitz thinks that there is a likely reason for a sore or a suspicious lesion it will be treatedr
However, Dr. Rabinowitz may not be able to find a logical reason for the sore or spot. If this is the case Dr. Rabinowitz will perform a simple and painless test to collect cells from the suspect lesion. The cells are sent to a laboratory for a biopsy, a test to determine if they are pre-cancerous or cancerous. If they are pre-cancerous the lesion can be surgically removed. Periodic dental exams are needed in the event they return. If the simple test done by the lab is positive for cancer, it must be confirmed by a surgical incision followed by a histology lab exam. If a diagnosis is positive, Dr. Rabinowitzt will work with you on finding a specialist who can proscribe a treatment plan.

Other things Dr. Rabinowitz does during a periodic dental exam include:

Inspecting your mouth for gum disease, tooth fractures, eroded filling, oral infections and cavities. Your dentist has been schooled to find small problems and treat so they do not become big one. Many times the dentist will treat a problem during the exam.

Dr. Rabinowitz and his staff will update your dental health and medical health history. Dr. Rabinowitz will be interested if your teeth have become sensitive, if your gums bleed when you brush or if you have developed any allergies.

The usual last step in a periodic dental exam is a cleaning. Teeth that are cleaned at the Plano, Texas office of Fred Rabinowitz, D.D.S. will make your fillings and teeth smooth which makes it more difficult for plaque to grow on your teeth. Plaque is colorless and sticky and if not removed becomes what is commonly called tartar, professionals call it calculus. A cleaning at the dentist's office is the only way to remove tartar. If not removed, tartar can be part of the reason for developing gum disease. Additionally, cleaning removes some stains so your smile looks better.

Even if you take excellent care of your teeth, periodic dental exams and cleanings are the right thing to do to keep your mouth healthy and your smile great!