oral-cancer-and-gum-disease

Preventative Dentistry can Save Your Life

Your dental exam can expose and help diagnose Oral Cancer and Gum Disease early …

You know that your dental team keeps your mouth healthy and clean when you schedule your dental exam and cleaning every six months, but did you know that getting regular dental checkups is the most important procedure against oral cancer and gum disease? Your dentist is doing a lot more than just checking up on your smile and making sure you don’t have any cavities. Preventative dentistry can detect early signs of cancer, gum disease, and other major health problems. All in all, preventative dentistry could save your life.

Preventative Dentistry Protects Your Smile from Oral Cancer and Gum Disease

Preventative dentistry is also commonly known as general dentistry. These dental services include your regular dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays. When you go to the dentist for your normal cleanings and visits, you’re dealing with preventative dentistry.

This is because cleanings can prevent future oral health issues. With good preventive care, you can avoid costly and frustrating oral health issues in the future. So, it’s extremely important to see your dentist often for checkups. During checkups, dentists can also look for any signs and symptoms of serious oral health issues – providing a great defense and early detection of oral cancer and gum disease.

We offer:

  • Dental cleanings
  • Fluoride and sealants
  • Early dental diagnosis
  • Home care coaching and education
  • Mouth guards and retainers

What is Preventative Dentistry? Learn more HERE.

Related Article: The Importance of a 6-month Dental Appointment at Premier Dental

Schedule Your Visit to the Dentist

Your smile was meant to last a lifetime. That’s why it’s so important to take care of your teeth, so they can function well and last as long as they’re supposed to. Ultimately, the best thing you can do for your teeth’s durability is seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.

Some of these reasons include:

  • Prevention of tarter, plaque, and decay
  • Helps prevent gum disease
  • Check for oral cancer and other health issues
  • Get advice on your specific oral health needs
  • Establish oral health goals for treatment

Preventative dentistry at Premier Dental focuses on good oral health & hygiene, dental care practices, and early detection – all of which are happening during your routine dental checkups. So, your Dr. Caye and his team may talk with you about what steps to take to avoid cavities, sensitivity, tooth decay, best oral health practices, and more.

Dental Exam FAQ

Q. What Happens During Your Dental Cleaning?

A. If you are due for routine x-rays, we will begin by taking updated films. During your cleaning, Dr. Caye or one of our expert hygienists will use a scaler (a small metal instrument with a blade-like end) to scrape off tartar above and below the gum line. Or he or she may use an ultrasonic vibrating device to shake loose plaque and tartar and then rinse it away with a stream of water. An oral cancer screening will be completed. We will then polish your teeth with a lightly abrasive paste and finish up with a flossing. The now-smooth tooth surfaces make it more difficult for plaque to accumulate before the next cleaning.

Q. What Happens During Your Dental Exam?

A. When you see us for your dental appointment, we will carefully examine your teeth, gums, jaw, and oral tissues. We will also refer to your most current x-rays to help to assess your oral health. The purpose of the exam is to accurately assess your current oral health and if possible, identify problems, such as oral cancer and gum disease, while  in their earliest stages. When patients attend routine checkups as recommended we tend to uncover problems before they can lead to complications that require more extensive treatment options.

Q. What happens during an Oral Cancer Screening?

A. During an oral cancer screening exam, your dentist looks over the inside of your mouth to check for red or white patches or mouth sores. Using gloved hands, your dentist also feels the tissues in your mouth to check for lumps or other abnormalities. The dentist may also examine your throat and neck for lumps. The most important factor is providing early detection for oral cancer and gum disease

Your dentist will not be able to diagnose cancer during an examination. Oral cancer can be diagnosed only with a biopsy, when a sample of tissue in the area is removed and examined under a microscope. However, your dentist can identify suspicious-looking areas or growths that may need further evaluation.

The bad news: Oral cancer is common. The good news: If you have oral cancer and your dentist finds and treats it early, it usually is very curable. Oral cancer can usually be detected by a dentist or doctor in a routine mouth exam.

Q. How Often Should You Have Schedule a Dental Exam & Cleaning?

A. The American Dental Association recommends regular dental appointments every six months and we agree!

  • Children (once their first baby teeth erupt), teens, adults, and seniors all benefit from regular exams every six months.
  • Those with high risk factors of gum disease and other oral health issues may benefit from an exam every three to four months.

If you have any questions or if you would like to schedule one for yourself, then contact our team today!

Remember, if you are suffering from any pain, or notice a sore or legion that is not healing, please call to schedule an Emergency Dental Appointment, so we can help you get out of pain.

Do You Have Questions About Achieving a Healthy Smile?

We can provide a thorough exam to assess the health of your smile and provide early detection for oral cancer and gum disease. At Premier Dental, we can help to ensure you maintain a lifetime of healthy smiles. We proudly offer our services to the Lee’s Summit, MO and surrounding areas. Contact us today at one of our three convenient locations to schedule your dental appointment or to learn more about our other services.

Dr. Stephan Caye and his friendly, experienced team at Premier Dental offer affordable family dentistry and gentle dental care in the Lee’s Summit, MO area. Our office is conveniently located off of Highway 50 and SE Blue Parkway. We offer appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At Premier Dental, we provide most dental health services, from family and general dentistry to specialty procedures, including dental implants, dentures, endodontic or root canal treatment, teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry, emergency dental care and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Please call us at (816) 600-6330 to schedule an appointment.

natural-oral-health-products

Trending: Natural Oral Hygiene Products

In one of your recent trips to the grocery store, you’ve probably seen the increase in natural products. Natural deodorants, skincare, organic snacks, and even all natural oral hygiene products. While the idea of all-natural toothpastes, mouthwashes, etc. sound appealing, are they as effective as what we’re used to?

According to Dentistry Today,

“The global market for oral hygiene products such as toothbrushes, toothpastes, and mouth rinses will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.29% from 2018 to 2022, according to Research and Markets.”

So, the demand for more natural ingredients and products is definitely true, but do the products work as well as traditional products?

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Postmenopausal Women with Gum Disease Seem to Have Higher Breast Cancer Risk

fight-Gum-Disease-reduce-Breast-Cancer

Research suggests that postmenopausal women with gum disease are more likely to develop breast cancer than postmenopausal women who don’t have gum disease. Why? Let’s discuss how we can fight gum disease reduce breast cancer risk.

If a woman has a history of smoking, the risk of breast cancer may be even higher

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, can range from simple inflammation of the gums, called gingivitis, to periodontitis, when the gums pull away from the teeth leaving open spaces that become infected. The bacteria causing the infection and the body’s response to the infection can break down the bone and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place. If periodontitis isn’t treated, the teeth may become loose and must be removed.

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maximize-dental-insurance

USE It OR LOSE It!

We can help you maximize dental benefits! Did you know that your dental insurance plan will automatically reset on December 31 every year? That date is approaching quickly, so it’s time to start thinking about making the most of your dental benefits before time runs out. Call us today to get your end-of-the-year appointments scheduled and on the books for peace of mind, and to get the most out of the dental insurance you pay for.

Learn More about dental insurance from the American Dental Association: “Use it or Lose it”

Why Should I Make an Appointment?

This will vary from person to person, depending on what unique services you need to make your oral health 100 percent. Talk with your dentist to determine what services you need to stay healthy. More than likely, a routine dental exam and cleaning is an appointment almost everyone can make before the end of the year – this is a preventive care appointment.

Check over your insurance plan to learn if your insurance covers multiple cleanings every year. If so, make the most of your dental benefits by getting your cleaning in before the holiday-craziness begins and schedules tighten. Also, if you have questions for your dentist or you are curious about the status of your oral health, a routine check-up is the perfect way to learn about your teeth’s health and ask questions.

Appointment Types – Preventative and Elective Services

Appointments can often be categorized into two groupings – preventative and elective services.

Preventative Dentistry Services

Preventative dentistry is all about maintaining oral care and preventing oral health problems down the line. This often includes regular cleanings, regular oral exams, routine x-rays, and a oral cancer screening. Dental insurance plans often fully cover preventative care services and appointments. You can also help maintain your oral health at home by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.

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halloween-candy

October can be a spooky season, but we want to help you not scare people away with bad oral hygiene! During this month, we’re sure that lots of Halloween candy is going to be haunting to you and your children. We’re all about indulging, but our team at Premier Dental in Lee’s Summit want to make sure your also having a HEALTHY Halloween.

Here are some tips to keep your oral hygiene healthy this Halloween.

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dental-travel-tips

Dental Travel Tips 

Keeping up with your oral health while vacationing or traveling seems simple but with changes in time zone and a busy schedule full of fun activities, it may become difficult to remember to keep your mouth healthy. Here are some of our favorite dental travel tips during your next adventure!  

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Stephen-Caye-DDS-Premier-DentalAt Premier Dental, our personalized touch is revolutionizing the dental experience and will have you forgetting why you were ever “fearful” of the dentist. Our laid-back atmosphere, gentle touch of Dr. Stephan D. Caye, and relaxing amenities will have you looking forward to your next visit.

Unique Approach to Every Single Patient

Dr. Caye doesn’t use a one-size-fits-all approach with his patients, instead he takes the time to work with each and every patient, one-on-one. Each patient needs a different and unique approach to their oral health. Almost all dental procedures can be done in-house at our location, which makes your appointments run smooth, with your best treatment options (made specially for you and your oral health) in mind.

Comprehensive Dentistry

We like offering comprehensive dentistry to our patients. What does that mean? At Premier Dental, you can receive preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments all in one location.

  • Preventive Dentistry Treatments often include dental cleanings twice a year and the main goal is to prevent any oral health issues from happening. It’s so important to see your dentist twice a year so they can assess your oral health and provide you with a professional cleaning.
  • Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments are all about enhancing the look and feel of your smile. These treatments are great confidence boosters, and often include our ClearCorrect braces, veneers, etc.
  • Restorative Dentistry Treatments often happen with your oral health needs restored or corrected. Maybe you chipped your tooth, lost a tooth, etc. and may require surgery. Dental crowns, root canals, and dentures are restorative treatments.

We use our advanced technology to provide our patients with state-of-the-art, high-quality care and our friendly staff is committed to providing premium dental care in a comfortable and convenient setting. We offer comprehensive dentistry at Premier Dental. No matter what you’re looking for, we can provide you with various options, ranging from cosmetic, restorative, and preventive. Let’s dive a little deeper…

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premier-dental

One-Stop Dental Shop

Why do you choose an all-inclusive resort when booking a vacation? It’s because they have it all and more. Everything you could possibly need is in one convenient location. But what do all-inclusive resorts and our dental office have in common? They’re both one-stop shops with everything you need!

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