Caring for Your Gums
In addition to the meticulous cleaning, polishing, and examination of your teeth, we also take the time to help our patients develop proper oral hygiene habits at home. We will evaluate your hygiene techniques and make adjustments to your routine where needed. Our doctors and hygienists will also make suggestions for preventative measures such as dental sealants or nightguards to protect against bruxism & TMJ. If we feel that you are suffering from gingivitis or more severe gum disease, we may recommend a root scaling or planing procedure. These measures can be instrumental in preventing bone loss and helping you to keep your natural teeth as part of our commitment to periodontal health in Boca Raton.
Oral Cancer Screenings
What Causes Oral Cancer?
Smoking, especially combined with heavy alcohol consumption (30 drinks a week or more), is the primary risk factor for oral cancer. In fact, this combination is estimated to be the most likely trigger in about 75 percent of oral cancers diagnosed in this country. Other lifestyle and environmental factors also may increase your risk of developing oral cancer.
How Do Oral Cancer Exams Work?
We will check your oral tissues for lumps, red or white patches, or recurring sore areas during a dental exam. These are some of the most common signs of cancer in the oral cavity.
If you choose to have an even more thorough evaluation, you can be screened for oral cancer with VELscope®. Screening for early oral tissue changes can help detect cancer when it can be more successfully treated.
Scaling & Root Planing
What is Scaling and Root planning?
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure in which the dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line. Root surfaces are cleaned and smoothed with specially designed instruments.
Why Do I Need Scaling and Root Planing?
It is important to remove the plaque and tartar from the pockets because aside from the bacterial toxins that irritate the gums, plaque and the rough surfaces of tartar make it easier for bacteria to gain a foothold. If left untreated, this can lead to more serious oral health conditions and even threaten the integrity of your tooth.
Do You Need Emergency Dentistry?
At Lifeway Dental of Boca, we are dedicated to improving our patients' oral health and giving them the tool to maintain a healthy smile even after they leave our office. Contact us today to get started!