Dental problems are known for striking at the most inopportune moments—during a business dinner or over a holiday weekend. Some dental problems can even develop slowly, over an extended period of time, setting you up for more serious oral health problems several years into the future. Rather than frantically searching all over the Raleigh area for emergency dental care on the weekend or facing major dental treatments later in life, why not work to uncover these issues as soon as they develop?

Your routine dental appointments are essential to the early detection of a variety of dental diseases including periodontal disease (gum disease), tooth decay (cavities), and life-threatening oral cancers.

The dental hygienist is trained to evaluate your oral tissues for signs of periodontal diseases. The health of the gum tissue is assessed by looking for signs of inflammation and bleeding, which can lead to bone loss and gum recession. Gingivitis is the earliest indicator of periodontal disease, and the dental hygienist is skilled at detecting and also treating the condition before it becomes irreversibly destructive.

During the dentist’s exam, your current dental x-rays will be reviewed to identify hidden areas of tooth decay as well as any abnormalities of the jaw bone. Tooth decay can attack the enamel of a tooth and spread quickly towards the dental nerve well before you begin to experience sensitivity or even a mild toothache. Detecting the decay early and seeking the appropriate treatment can prevent the future possibility of an abscess, root canal treatment, or a dental crown.

The dentist will also inspect your tongue, lips, cheeks, and throat for signs of oral cancer. As a deadly disease with few noticeable symptoms, oral cancer can often only be overcome with early detection by a trained professional followed by immediate clinical care.

Don’t mistake your annual dental exams for ‘just a cleaning.’ Consult a dentist in the Raleigh area who can provide the valuable service of early detection.