Preventive Dentistry FAQ's
What is preventive dentistry?
How can I prevent periodontal disease?
Do I need a filling for my cavity?
How do I protect my teeth from excessive wear?
How can I protect myself from oral cancer?
A: Preventive dentistry provides the services that are the most important to maintaining your oral and overall health, and it keeps patients educated about the condition of their health so that they can be prepared to make good decisions about dental care. Since knowledge is power, Syosset Dental is prepared with modern technology and experienced staff to keep you informed about your dental health. Intraoral cameras, digital X-rays, and ViziLite early oral cancer screening are just some of the preventive technology Dr. Kobak has invested in to keep our patients healthy.
With six-month checkups and dental cleanings, a general dentist or hygienist can help you keep periodontal disease, cavities, and tooth wear at bay. Oral cancer screenings seek out suspicious cells and help patients catch early signs before it becomes too late to treat easily.
Q: How can I prevent periodontal disease?A: Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is common in the United States (it affects about 80 percent of adults). When left untreated, periodontal disease can be significantly harmful to your health. Heart attacks, diabetes complications, respiratory conditions, stroke, low-weight births, and other serious health problems have all been linked to gum disease by research. Additionally, periodontal disease is the main cause of tooth loss which causes other oral and overall health problems.
Fortunately, periodontal disease is preventable and treatable. Of course, good dental hygiene that is practiced daily reduces your risk of gum disease. Regular dental cleanings and checkups are imperative to avoiding periodontal disease, and a general dentist can also recommend necessary restorative measures. Using intraoral cameras, Dr. Kobak is able to show his patients images that help him explain diagnoses and issues so that patients are educated about their oral health. Dr. Kobak and our extensive team will give you individualized care and valuable advice for maintaining your oral health and preventing periodontal disease.
Q: How do I protect my teeth from excessive wear?A: Eating, talking, aging, and other unavoidable factors all contribute to the normal wearing down of your teeth. Unhealthy and excessive wear occurs from problems like bruxism, also called teeth grinding; issues with jaw pain, called TMD; and an uneven bite. Excessive tooth wear makes your mouth vulnerable to decay and can cause migraines, neck pain, and other issues that keep you from feeling like yourself. In a commitment to improving the overall health of our patients through dental health, Syosset Dental offers services like NTI for bruxism and TMD. This advanced technology allows us to create a custom mouth piece that patients wear comfortably during sleep to prevent unconscious teeth grinding and provide better sleep. Dr. Kobak is also prepared to give our patients the advice and options they need to make informed decisions about preventing excessive tooth wear.
Q: How can I protect myself from oral cancer?A: Oral cancer is devastating to not only your oral health, but also your overall health. It is imperative to a patient's life that oral cancer is detected and treated early. Dr. Kobak takes this concern very seriously, which is why he has invested in technology that is considered to be more accurate and thorough than visual oral cancer screenings. ViziLite early oral cancer screening uses a low intensity, short wavelength light to expose suspicious cells before they even emerge in the mouth. Dedicated to compassionate care, Dr. Kobak will also help you to understand the factors that contribute to risk of oral cancer so that you can take measures to avoid oral cancer. Some factors of oral cancer cannot be helped such as family history; however, some factors like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and excessive sun exposure are preventable.
Make sure to tell your general dentist if you are experiencing any sudden abnormalities in your oral health such as chronic throat pain, a change in your voice, or sores on your mouth. Other symptoms are ear ache, sudden dramatic weight loss, or jaw pain. The more our team of professionals knows about your health, the more they can do to help you prevent and treat oral cancer.
Schedule Your Visit Today!
We invite you to call 516-433-2211 and make your appointment with Dr. Kobak. Whether you need a checkup, you’d like to discuss smile makeover procedures, or you’re interested in improving your oral health with restorative dentistry, Syosset Dental is here to help. Our office is conveniently located in Syosset, NY near all the major highways, easily accessible from almost any location in Nassau, Suffolk or New York City. Be sure to visit our blog and subscribe for updates, and join our conversation on Facebook, too!
