Learn Issues An Oral Examination Can Discover Even If You Have No Teeth
Posted on: 28 December 2014
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Do not make the mistake of thinking that you never have to go to the dentist again, if you have dentures. Getting dentures does not mean that your visits to the dentist are over because there are many different issues that the dentist can detect when you go in for a dental visit. The dentist checks your entire mouth for issues, not just your teeth. Below is a guide for a few things the dentist may be able to detect when you go in for an oral examination after getting dentures.
Oral Cancer
The dentist will inspect your mouth for sores or lesions. If he or she sees any lesions, they can test the areas to determine if there are cancerous or not. Oral or mouth cancer can be present without giving any evidence to the person who is infected with the issue. The dentist will be trained to identify cancerous lesions and be able to tell you if you have oral cancer within a few days.
If you do, you can start treatment right away to ensure that you are able to overcome the disease.
Viral Infections
Dentures are often worn by elderly individuals. There are many elderly individuals who make the mistake of thinking that the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease does not apply to them. That is not the case at all. The dentist will inspect your mouth to see if you have any signs of a Herpes simplex infection.
Once you have Herpes, you will have it forever. It will not always be obvious to the naked eye, but it is not something that can be cured. Getting the virus identified right away allows you to get the medication you need to stop the outbreaks and decrease your chances of passing the virus on to others.
Systematic Disorders
There are some systematic disorders that can be discovered through oral examinations. Leukemia, Celiac disease, and even many deficiencies can be identified when you get your oral examination. The dentists will run tests so that you can get the treatment you need immediately to better your chances of overcoming the disorder.
Even though you have dentures, you still need to go to the dentist every six months. Many of the oral issues that are described above can easily be treated, if they are detected early enough. Going to the dentist every six months ensures that anything that develops can be discovered as soon as possible and treated quickly.
To learn more, contact a professional like Scott A. Wright, DDS with your questions.