Because procedures associated with the dental exam and professional cleaning are often covered 100% by insurance companies, we may sometimes overlook the importance of these procedures by taking them for granted. You have probably all heard “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. A study by Fred Joyal found in his recent book “Everything is Marketing” put forward that nearly 50% of Americans do not have a dentist, and only go to a dentist for emergency care. Such individuals may find themselves without teeth at a relatively young age. It is critically important that we all do simple things to ensure an enjoyment of oral health.
The dental exam provides an opportunity to evaluate the current reality or state of your mouth. Jaw health (TMJ, or temperomandibular joint) and masticatory (chewing) muscles are evaluated. Gingiva (gum), periodontal ligaments and bone housing our teeth are evaluated. An oral cancer screening is provided. And of course, teeth are inspected and evaluated. WValue of Oral Hygienee look at enamel and visible root surfaces, as well as the integrity and stability of existing restorations (fillings, crowns, implants, dentures and other materials).
During the dental exam we also discuss your daily oral health practices. Brushing, flossing, rinsing, using a “water pick”, use of fluorides, nutrition, and other health risks are discussed. We review the patient’s medical history and can discuss oral implications of medications that patient’s have been prescribed by physicians.
After evaluating current conditions, we like to understand the vision and goals of where you hope to be regarding your jaw joint, gums, and teeth. It is our goal that patients will choose to pursue and maintain ideal oral health. Once we understand the your goals, and your current conditions, we can create with the you a plan to achieve your goals. Sometimes these plans require a continuation of ideal oral health practices like brushing, flossing, and rinsing. Other times a plan may require simple restorative care, or extensive reconstruction. We tailor a plan around the your goals and vision, and the current conditions.
I have discussed the examination purpose, process, and goals. I would also like to discuss the value of the professional dental cleaning. I employ two incredible dental hygienists: Shandi and Heather. They are incredible because they have educated themselves in the sciences, materials, products and techniques of oral hygiene. They are incredible because they are so thorough at identifying healthy or sub-healthy conditions. They are incredible because they provide extremely thorough dental teeth debridement (cleaning), and do so in the most comfortable way possible. They are incredible because they take time to educate patients on their current gingival (gum) health, and ways to maintain or improve their oral health.
The dental cleaning is critical to the overall health of our mouths. More research is showing that good oral health affects our systemic health (you may choose to follow the links here http://www.jdentaled.org/content/57/12/901.short, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1034/j.1600-, 0757.2001.22250103.x/abstract;jsessionid=64D0045671B4F5837D6E7C636ADA6F4B.d03t03?systemMessage=Wiley+Online+Library+will+be+disrupted+on+26+May+from+10%3A00-12%3A00+BST+%2805%3A00-07%3A00+EDT%29+for+essential+maintenance&userIsAuthenticated=false&deniedAccessCustomisedMessage, http://www.joponline.org/doi/abs/10.1902/jop.2006.060010 to get a sampling of research).
One good measurement of ideal oral health is your gums. When plaque is retained upon our teeth, our gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily. These effects are the result of inflammation. As part of each oral cleaning appointment, Shandi and Heather, on average, measure 168 gingival (gum) sites around the teeth to evaluate the amount of gum inflammation each patient. Shandi and Heather will calculate a percentage of the inflammed sites with our patients. This percentage helps us set goals with each patient for improving or maintaining ideal oral health.
I received permission from one of our patients, Sharon Whitaker, so share her name and percentage. Sharon had some gum inflammation, but during her most recent exam we found that her gums had absolutely no inflammation. Her gum inflammation percentage was ZERO! Sharon was the first patient I had ever met that recorded 0% of gum inflammation. It was quite a moment in our office. Since Sharon’s appointment there have been a few other patients we have met with that have also measured 0% inflammation. As a dental team we feel extremely excited to be involved in helping patient’s achieve ideal oral health.
When a patient achieves and maintain’s ideal oral health, they have a very low risk of suffering from periodontal disease, tooth decay, and other oral-related systemic diseases.
We invite you to see how “Every Stage, Every Age” can elevate life by engaging with us on the path to ideal oral health.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]