At Black Hills Area Dental, we believe prevention is the best treatment, making oral cancer screenings an essential part of the preventive visits. Oral cancer is a health issue that can be found earlier and treated.
Patient education is our core focus, and our team can discuss the warning signs, risk factors, and how to prevent oral cancer.
Risk Factors of Oral Cancer
Having a particular lifestyle or habits may put you at a higher risk of developing oral cancer. Genetics can also contribute to whether you get the disease. Although anyone can get oral cancer, you may be more susceptible if the following risk factors apply to you:
- Using traditional and smokeless tobacco products
- Being male
- Severe alcohol use
- Being over 55 years old
- Having other family members with a history of oral cancer
- History of HPV
Oral Cancer Prevention
Preventing this disease begins with an oral cancer screening. We perform twice-yearly screenings to check for abnormal tissue, shifting teeth, discolored bumps, and other inconsistencies.
We’ll discuss any finding and arm you with the knowledge to help further prevent you from developing oral cancer.
Contact Us for Oral Cancer Screening Services in Rapid City, SD
If you notice signs like lumps, bumps, and other abnormalities in your mouth, consider getting an oral cancer screening at Black Hills Area Dental. As your Rapid City, SD, dental experts, we understand the importance of detecting cancer early for a more successful treatment.
Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy
What do laser assisted scaling and root planing treatments involve?- Laser assisted scaling and root planing treatments are only performed after a thorough examination of the mouth. The dentist will take X-rays, conduct visual examinations and make a diagnosis before recommending or beginning these procedures.
Depending on the current condition of the gums, the amount of calculus (tartar) present, the depth of the pockets and the progression of the periodontitis, local anesthetic may be used.
Scaling- This procedure is usually performed with special dental instruments and may include an ultrasonic scaling tool. The scaling tool removes calculus and plaque from the surface of the crown and root surfaces. In many cases, the scaling tool includes an irrigation process that can also be used to deliver an antimicrobial agent below the gums that can help reduce oral bacteria
Root Planing- This procedure is a specific treatment which serves to remove cementum and surface dentin that is embedded with unwanted microorganisms, toxins and tartar. The root of the tooth is literally smoothed in order to promote good healing. Having clean, smooth root surfaces helps bacteria from easily colonizing in future.
Laser Treatment- Following these deep cleaning procedures, the gum pockets and root surfaces will be treated with a water laser to promote reattachment of the gum tissues. This will soothe irritation and help the gum tissues to heal quickly and promote reattachment of the gum tissue to the tooth.
During the next appointment, the dentist or hygienist will thoroughly examine the gums again to see how well the pockets have healed. If the gum pockets still measure more than 3mm in depth, additional and more intensive treatments may be recommended.
