Despite recommendations from the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many Americans aren’t getting preventive dentistry exams regularly. Without obvious symptoms, like pain or signs of a cavity, many people assume that a routine dental exam isn’t necessary.
However, there’s more to a preventive dentistry exam than checking for cavities. Dental exams are comprehensive and include everything from clearing plaque buildup to screening for oral cancer. Additionally, several potentially serious health problems can be detected during a routine dental exam, such as diabetes and heart disease.
At the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry in Beverly Hills, California, our prosthodontist Dr. Ramin Mahallati and our dental team offer a range of cosmetic and restorative dentistry services, including preventive dentistry exams and aesthetic consultations.
Preventive dentistry exams serve important purposes. First, they’re your best line of defense against tooth decay and gum disease. Even if you brush and floss every day and eat a healthy diet, you need regular check-ups and professional dental cleanings to prevent plaque and tartar buildup over time.
When it comes to gum disease, you may not notice symptoms in the early stage (gingivitis). But gum disease is progressive, so the longer you wait, the higher the risk of irreversible damage to your teeth and gums.
On a cosmetic level, regular professional dental cleanings and a good oral hygiene routine between appointments will contribute to a healthier and more attractive smile. At your preventive dentistry exam, Dr. Mahallati and our team can also make recommendations for cosmetic improvements like professional teeth whitening or porcelain veneers.
Like other forms of cancer, it’s essential to catch and treat oral cancer as early as possible. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, oral cancer (which includes mouth and throat cancers) accounts for approximately 3% of yearly cancer diagnoses in the United States.
Oral cancer symptoms can be hard to detect on your own and often resemble symptoms for everything from a common cold (sore throat) to a lump under your tongue or in the lining of your cheek, so regular dental exams are essential to catching and treating it early, especially if you consume alcohol and tobacco or have been exposed to HPV (human papillomavirus).
Your preventive dentistry exam at the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry in Beverly Hills will also include:
Dr. Mahallati will make customized recommendations for treatment and cosmetic improvements to your smile based on the results from your preventive dentistry exam at our office.
Don’t wait to schedule your next preventive dentistry exam. For more information, contact the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mahallati at our office in Beverly Hills. You can also book an appointment online.
