No matter someone’s age, they basically need two things to enjoy a strong, healthy, and problem-free smile: daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional checkups and cleanings. At Gentle Dentistry Sparta, Dr. Zelia Cannon is more than able to do her part when it comes to preventive dentistry for Sparta, NJ dental patients thanks to her 30 years of experience. She makes sure that minor issues are treated as quickly as possible so that our patient’s smiles are always ready to be shown off. To schedule you or your child’s next checkup and cleaning, contact us today.
Preventive Dentistry – Sparta, NJ
We Can Protect Your Smile
Why Choose Gentle Dentistry Sparta for Preventive Dentistry?
- Happy to Treat Adults & Children Alike
- Relaxing, Spa-Like Atmosphere with Oraspa Theraputic Dental Treatments
- Flexible Payment Options Make High-Quality Care Affordable
Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings
Dr. Cannon recommends that absolutely everyone should come in for a checkup and cleaning at least once every six months. Most oral health issues show little to no signs during their initial stages, and routine exams allow Dr. Cannon to spot a problem before it causes someone a major headache. Getting a cleaning from a hygienist on a regular basis is important as well, as this treatment can remove harmful plaque and tartar deposits from your teeth that your tools at home can’t, stopping cavities before they even start.
Oral Cancer Screenings
At our office, each routine dental checkup involves an oral cancer screening. Tens of thousands of people are diagnosed with oral cancer each year, and those who have the condition detected early on tend to have the best chances of surviving over the next five years. By checking your mouth for warning signs during routine dental visits, we can improve your chances of having oral cancer diagnosed and treated before it can reach its advanced stages.
Signs & Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can occur anywhere in your oral cavity; this includes the lips, the gums, the tongue, the inside of your cheeks, and the roof and floor of the mouth. Some of the symptoms that can potentially indicate that you have oral cancer include:
- An oral sore that doesn’t go away on its own after a couple of weeks.
- White or red patches inside your mouth.
- Unusual lumps or growths.
- Notable pain or tenderness in the mouth or on the face.
- Having a hard time when chewing or swallowing.
What Does a Dentist Look for During an Oral Cancer Screening?
During the screening process, your dentist will keep an eye out for any unusual symptoms that might point toward oral cancer. In particular, they’ll check for unusual sores, lumps, discolored patches, and other abnormalities.
It should be noted that many of the warning signs of oral cancer can have more than one explanation. As such, an oral cancer screening will not be enough to properly diagnose the problem. Your dentist can refer you to a local expert who can perform the necessary tests to determine whether oral cancer is truly present.
What Can I Expect During My Screening?
An oral cancer screening involves a thorough examination of your entire mouth. Your dentist will look for discolored patches and other symptoms that may warrant further attention. On top of that, they may feel around inside your mouth for any hard-to-see lumps and bumps. They might also check your throat and neck for cancer signs.
Additionally, we will ask about your oral and overall health history. This will help us identify factors that might put you at a higher risk of developing oral cancer. We may also inquire about symptoms that cannot be identified with a visual examination alone, such as numbness and discomfort.
If we find any symptoms that might point toward oral cancer, we will let you know right away. We will then help you make the necessary arrangements to have a biopsy performed. A biopsy involves taking a sample of cells to see if any of them are cancerous. Once the problem has been diagnosed, you can start pursuing an appropriate form of treatment based on your situation.
Nightguards for Bruxism
When you wake up in the morning, are you usually greeted with a sore jaw or headache? Do your teeth look flat and worn down like you’ve been chewing on nothing but ice? All of these signs point to bruxism, or unconscious teeth grinding and clenching during sleep. Along with the daily pain and effect it can have on your smile’s appearance, bruxism can even lead to broken teeth if left untreated! To help patients with this problem, Dr. Cannon can provide them with a nightguard to wear to bed. This simple device fits over the teeth and prevents them from touching during the night, ensuring they stay safe and whole.
Children’s Dentistry
Do you have any growing smiles at home? If so, then they are more than welcome here at Gentle Dentistry Sparta! As a mother herself, Dr. Cannon has plenty of experience working with children of all ages and showing them that dentistry is nothing to be afraid of. Here, we’ll keep your child completely comfortable while we protect them from cavities and quickly address any problems that might pop up along the way. Typically, we like to start seeing child patients around six to seven years old.