Comprehensive dental care is essential for maintaining a healthy smile. It involves more than just regular cleanings and basic oral hygiene—it also includes exams, screenings, and preventive treatments to keep your teeth and gums in good shape. Knowing the signs that you need a comprehensive dental checkup can help you identify when to make an appointment with your dentist.
What Is Comprehensive Dental Care?
Comprehensive dental care is an umbrella term that covers all aspects of dental health. This includes oral exams, screenings, preventive treatments, and restorative work such as crowns or bridges. Comprehensive dentistry is a holistic approach that focuses on keeping teeth and gums healthy and preventing problems before they become serious.
What Is the Difference Between Preventive and Comprehensive Dental Care?
Preventive dental care involves regular cleanings and oral exams to detect issues early on and help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Preventive care is essential for preventing cavities, gum disease, and other issues that can lead to more serious health concerns. Comprehensive dental care takes this one step further, including more in-depth screenings for oral cancer, periodontal disease, and other problems.
When a dental office offers comprehensive dental care, it offers a full suite of services. From preventive to restorative to cosmetic dentistry, dentists can provide comprehensive treatment so you can get all the care you need in one place.
Signs You Need Comprehensive Dental Care
There are many signs that you should get a comprehensive dental checkup, including:
- Toothache or soreness in your mouth that doesn’t go away.
- Bad breath.
- Red or swollen gums.
- Loose teeth.
- Receding gums.
- Discoloration on teeth or gums.
- Changes in the fit of dentures or bridgework.
- Jaw pain or stiffness.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your dentist for a comprehensive assessment.
What To Expect at a Comprehensive Dental Appointment
At a comprehensive dental checkup, your dentist will go over your medical history, examine your teeth and gums carefully, and take X-rays if necessary. They may also ask you questions about any changes in your oral health or lifestyle that could affect your dental health.
Your dentist may recommend preventive treatments such as tooth sealants, fluoride treatments, or mouthguards if they think these can help protect your teeth and gums from future problems. If you need a dental implant or any restorative work, such as a crown or bridge, they will discuss the options with you and schedule an appointment for further treatment. Another positive aspect of comprehensive dental care is its convenience: the services you need can be provided and coordinated within the same practice.
The Importance of Comprehensive Dental Care
Comprehensive dental care is important for maintaining your oral health. Regular checkups can help identify any problems early, and preventive treatments can save you money in the long run by avoiding costly restorative work. Comprehensive dentistry also helps protect your overall health because it can uncover clues about other health issues. Research shows that poor oral health can lead to serious medical conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
When it comes to keeping your teeth and gums healthy, comprehensive dental care is essential. If you’re experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, or if it’s been more than six months since your last checkup, it’s time to make an appointment with your dentist.
Find Comprehensive Dental Care at Penn Dental Medicine at PHMC Public Health Campus on Cedar
Our new state-of-the-art facility is located at the former Mercy Philadelphia Hospital building at 501 S. 54th Street and Cedar Avenue in Cobbs Creek as part of our collaboration with PHMC Public Health Campus on Cedar.
Our comprehensive dental services include:
- General Dentistry: fillings, crowns, bridges, making dentures, cleanings, and more.
- Oral Medicine: diagnostic biopsies, therapeutic injections, topical and oral medications, minor surgical procedures, and excisions.
- Pediatric Dentistry.
- Periodontics: gum disease treatment.
- Prosthodontics: restoring and replacing teeth.
- Oral Surgery: extractions of teeth.
- Custom care for patients with disabilities and special needs.
Comprehensive dental care is something that should be taken seriously. It can help prevent small problems from becoming more serious ones, and in the long run, it can save you time and money. Comprehensive dentistry also offers you peace of mind knowing that your overall health is being looked after.
Are you ready to make an appointment for yourself or a loved one at our new PDM at PHMC on Cedar location? Please don’t hesitate to call us at 855-887-9229 or complete an online form. We look forward to helping you keep your teeth and gums healthy and preventing problems before they become serious.
