General Dentistry Treatments – Gum Disease, Oral Cancer, Sleep Apnea
According to the latest recommendations of the American Dental Association, people should visit a dentist at least twice a year. While bi-annual dentist visits might seem like an exaggerated precautionary measure, they are crucial as they allow dental professionals to detect many potentially serious diseases before they destroy dental and maxillofacial (jaw and facial bone) structures. Some of the more serious conditions that can create devastating consequences if not detected and treated promptly include gum disease and oral cancer.
Gum Disease: Symptoms and Treatment
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacteria-caused gum inflammation. Over time, the bacteria multiply and produce toxins that damage soft tissues, teeth and bone. As a result, gum disease patients experience gradual bone receding, which can lead to tooth loss (get dental implant information). Because gum disease often does not cause serious discomfort and proceeds slowly, many individuals ignore it until it has caused serious damage. Consequently, gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss among Americans.
Sadly, in many cases tooth loss could have been avoided if patients had promptly sought the help of skilled dentists. Some of the more common signs of gum disease include: gum sensitivity and bleeding; bad breath; and loose, shifting teeth. In more advanced stages of the disease, patients might also notice pockets of puss between the gum and the teeth, which can cause significant tissue swelling and discomfort. If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule a visit with your dentist who will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the best treatment plan. Some of the more common gum disease treatments include professional teeth cleaning, deep scaling and root planing. In cases of advanced gum disease, more complex treatments, such as tissue regeneration, laser therapy and/or periodontal surgery, might be necessary.
Oral Cancer: Diagnosis and Prevention
Oral cancer is another dangerous dental condition that often progresses slowly and without major symptoms. Because in many cases oral cancer is diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease, more than 7,000 people die every year due to oral cancer complications. In order to prevent oral cancer from advancing, it is crucial to undergo regular cancer screenings. Most dentistry specialists perform oral cancer screening as part of routine dental exams. A careful examination of the mouth, lips, tongue, gums and throat allows them to detect oral cancer early when it can be treated very effectively. If a biopsy confirms cancer diagnosis, the patient typically receives one or more of the three cancer treatment modalities — radiation, chemotherapy or surgery.
Dental Devices for Sleep Apnea
The latest advancements in dental technologies and techniques allow dentists to provide relief for a variety of conditions affecting patients' everyday lives. For example, many individuals suffering from sleep apnea are delighted to learn that their dentists can offer simple-yet-effective solutions for this vexing problem. Sleep apnea is a term describing a condition whereby patient's breathing is obstructed during the night. It is often first noticed by the patient's partner who might complain about loud snoring and sudden, loud grasps for air many times during the night. Because sleep apnea interferes with normal sleep patterns, patients cannot get adequate rest and often feel drowsy during the day, as well as experience difficulty concentrating.
According to the statistics compiled by the National Institutes of Health, more than 12 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. Unfortunately, most of them do not seek help and continue struggling with this condition on their own. Those patients who do see a dentist for their sleep apnea are often positively surprised by the tremendous improvement devices such as mouth guards and tongue-retaining devices make in their sleeping patterns. Not only do patients wake up more rested and energetic, but many of them also notice a decrease in blood pressure, improvement in cardiovascular health and even a boost in their erectile function. Dental devices come in various shapes and forms, allowing dentists to provide patients with highly customized solutions. In addition to treating sleep apnea, mouth guards are also used to provide relief for TMJ disorder sufferers and to offer protection for athletes participating in contact sports.
Solutions for Dry Mouth and Bad Breath
While most people think of dentists as root canal and dental filling specialists, today's dental professionals provide relief for a wide variety of problems affecting the mouth. Some of the more common mouth conditions include dry mouth and bad breath. Unfortunately, many people fail to recognize that dry mouth syndrome is not only an inconvenient hassle but also a serious health condition. If left untreated, the dryness of the mouth can contribute to plaque, tooth decay and gum infections. This is because the saliva contains important substances that neutralize many of the bacteria present in the mouth. In the absence of saliva, the bacteria can multiply without restrictions, causing serious damage.
Dry mouth syndrome can also cause bad breath. Often referred to as halitosis, bad breath can also be caused by poor dental hygiene, a diet high in protein and certain medical conditions. A consultation with a skilled dentist can help determine the precise cause of bad breath. Depending on the root of the problem, the dentist might recommend a change in dental hygiene habits, dietary modifications, special mouth rinses and prescription medications.
Dental Procedures and Insurance
Depending on the dental procedures performed, a dentist visit might cost anywhere from a hundred to several thousand dollars. According to each patient's insurance plan provisions, a portion of the dentist's bill might be covered by the insurance company. While coverage varies widely, most dental insurance companies provide reimbursement for routine general dentistry procedures, such as dental exams, traditional fillings and root canal therapy. Other procedures, such as wisdom teeth extraction and veneer placement, might be reimbursed partially. Most cosmetic dentistry treatments (including Zoom, Opalescence and Britesmile teeth whitening) are considered elective and are not covered by dental insurance providers. If you are considering undergoing dental procedures, you should discuss the costs of your treatments with your dentist. He or she might also provide valuable advice on how to maximize your insurance coverage.