Dental Hygiene
Traditional 6 Month Prophylaxis
It is important to see a dental hygienist twice a year for a routine cleaning and exam. By brushing and flossing each day, some plaque removal is possible. Plaque that is left behind on teeth can harden to form tartar. Tartar is the leading cause of tooth decay and gum disease. By removing the tartar as well as any staining on the teeth, a hygienist can help you maintain a healthy mouth and beautiful smile.
Root Planning and Scaling
Root planning and scaling (RPS) is performed when the gums have begun to pull away from the teeth or the roots, or the teeth have excessive amounts of tartar on them. RPS is a gentle and efficient method to treat gum disease. The hygienist will use an ultrasonic instrument that will clean between the gums and the teeth, all the way down to the roots. The patient's comfort is very important, and local anesthetic can be used to numb the gum tissue. After the procedure is complete and the patient maintains proper dental homecare, the development of gum disease should subside and the gum tissue should return to a dark pink color once again.
ViziLite® Plus: Leading The Fight Against Oral Cancer
Most people are surprised to learn that one American dies every hour from oral cancer, a death rate that has remained virtually unchanged for more than 40 years. In fact, recent statistics published by the American Cancer Society indicate that while the incidence and death rates for cancers overall have decreased, the incidence of oral cancer has increased by 5.5%, and the death rate has increased by 1.5%
Oral cancer is far too often discovered in late-stage development, the primary reason for the consistently high death rate. Oral cancer treatment often results in disfiguring effects on patients and can seriously compromise their quality of life. Early detection and diagnosis can make a tremendous difference in life expectancy; oral cancer is 90% curable when found in its early stages. Unfortunately, 70% of oral cancers are diagnosed in the late stages, III and IV, leading to a five-year survival rate of 57%.
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Early Detection is Critical
Dentists and hygienists are the best overall defense against oral cancer – you are, in fact, a lifesaver. No other medical professionals are as well positioned to address this potentially deadly disease at its earliest stage. The key is to identify oral abnormalities at their most easily treated stage of development.
Fortunately, there's a simple technology to help in your fight against oral cancer. ViziLite® Plus aids in the early identification of oral abnormalities that can lead to cancer. Cleared by the FDA, ViziLite® Plus allows dentists to offer superior care to patients. Annual ViziLite® Plus exams can be integrated with existing patient services, improving patient care and creating a positive financial impact in dental practices.
ViziLite® Plus Oral Screening Protocol: ViziLite® Plus is offered annually to all patients following the standard head and neck exam. Patients with a history of oral cancer should receive at least one annual ViziLite® Plus exams.
As is the case with most cancers, age is the primary risk factor for oral cancer. Approximately 90% of oral cancer victims are age 40 and older. Recent studies indicate that, increasingly, patients younger than age 40 are being diagnosed with oral cancer. Though tobacco and alcohol use are the primary lifestyle risk factors that contribute to the development of oral cancer, 25% of oral cancer victims do not use tobacco or alcohol, and have no lifestyle risk factors. Oral cancer affects men more than women, 2:1, but oral cancer in women is on the rise nationwide.
For more information about ViziLite® Plus, please visit vizilite.com