Welcome back; this is your Durango Co Dentist, Dr. Kent Haynes.
Clinical Wellness Assessment
A comprehensive dental exam is the most critical thing you can do for your oral health. Here at Radiance Smile Studio, Dr. Kent Haynes will spend an entire hour with you for this assessment. There will be seven different areas of your mouth that we will examine. These are listed below.
The first assessment is Gum disease (Periodontal disease). It starts with harmful bacteria living around and on the teeth. It can lead to eventual tooth loss preventing you from enjoying a healthy diet. In addition, the bacteria that cause gum disease can also contribute to heart disease and a long list of whole-body ailments. More than 75% of Americans have some form of gum disease. If you have active gum disease, a plan to stabilize it will be our priority. See some of our earlier blogs for more on Periodontal disease.
The second assessment will be Caries or cavities. Contrary to what we used to think, not everyone with teeth will get cavities. Cavities are caused by a bacterial infection that can be stopped. No one should have new cavities each time they have a dental visit. You get cavities because you have a specific type of bacteria. With medicine, we can stabilize these bacteria.
The third assessment will be Biocorrosion. It is a
term to describe damage to the teeth from chewing stress, prolonged exposure to acids from the stomach or the diet, and abrasion from additives in toothpaste. Early identification and management can limit damage to the teeth and help avoid unnecessary repairs. These factors can cause notches at or near the root surfaces or on the biting surfaces of the teeth.
The fourth assessment will be Bite Disease. Your teeth are supposed to last a lifetime and are designed to be problem-free. Bite disease can cause unsightly premature tooth loss or damage to the teeth for both children and adults. Night grinding can also result in damage to the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Bite disease can affect your ability to eat and chew essential foods for good health. It can also cause unsightly tooth damage that may affect one’s Appearance, facial esthetics, and confidence that comes from a great smile.
The fifth assessment will be Oral Cancer. In less than an hour, someone will die from oral cancer. Early detection and management can prevent this. Historically, the death rate associated with this cancer is exceptionally high not because it is hard to discover or diagnose but because it is routinely located late in its development. Today, 40% of oral cancers are found in patients who do not display social or lifestyle risk factors.
The sixth assessment will be Airway/ Sleep Apnea. It is estimated that 90million people in North America have breathing issues that lead to snoring and sleep apnea. The lack of oxygen caused by snoring and sleep apnea increases your risk of high blood pressure, leading to heart attack and stroke. The great news is that sleep apnea can be treated effectively if correctly identified and diagnosed. Proper sleep can add quality years of increased vitality and longevity.
The seventh and last assessment is your Appearance. Your teeth are the foundation of your smile.
Your smile is a significant focal point of your face and shapes your Appearance. Abnormalities in tooth shape, color, position, etc., can impact social acceptance, personality development and affect how others“see” you.
Tooth shape, color, and position are all alterable and can be enhanced for a beautiful smile. Beautiful smiles produce confidence, positive self-esteem and have other benefits that all contribute to good health.
Call today for your Personalized Wellness Assessment. 1-970-299-9861
Remember, Keeping your Smile for a Lifetime are You on the Path?
