Dr. Oz Show on Dental X-rays, Oral Cancer
Oral cancer examinations, which are a routine part of dental examinations and regular check-ups that include an examination of the entire mouth, are an important tool in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions in the mouth, according to the ADA.
Here are some points regarding both the use of X-rays and oral cancer examinations.
DENTAL X-RAYS
Many oral diseases can't be detected on the basis of a visual and tactile examination alone. Dental X-ray exams are valuable in providing information about your oral health such as early stage cavities, gum diseases, abscesses or some types of tumors. X-rays can help dentists catch and treat oral health problems at an early stage.
How often dental X-rays should be taken depends on your oral health condition, your age, your risk for disease and any signs and symptoms of oral disease you may be experiencing. Let's talk about what is right for you.
At my office you will always wear a lead apron with a thyroid collar during the x-ray process.
The American Dental Association has information about dental X-rays on its Web site at ADA.org if you would like more information.
ORAL CANCER
People can get lesions, sores or spots in their mouths for a variety of reasons and many times these sores go away on their own and pose no problem. However, if you have a sore or spot in your mouth that has been there for more than two weeks, it's important that it be evaluated.
At your examination visits you are routinely screened for oral cancer by carefully examining your mouth, tongue and neck. If anything suspicious is noted, I may refer you directly to an oral surgeon or physician for further evaluation or I may have your return in two weeks for a follow up exam; most lesions will resolve during that time. If the lesion is persistent I will refer you to an appropriate practitioner where a surgical biopsy can confirm if a lesion, spot or sore is oral cancer.
The best way to prevent oral cancer is to avoid risky behaviors including tobacco and alcohol use.
For more information on oral cancer, visit the American Dental Association's Web site at ADA.org and the Journal of the American Dental Association patient page on detecting oral cancer early.
Piper Education and Research Center
Click here to view Val's latest continuing education accomplishment.
Valerie Woodruff Joins the American Equilibration Society
ABOUT THE SOCIETY:
Founded in 1955, the American Equilibration Society is the largest organization in the world that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of dental occlusion (bite problems) and disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and associated muscles.
We are international in scope, with members from all over the world. We are multispecialty, encompassing general dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, prosthodontists, orthodontists and allied health care professionals. Our membership is composed of academicians and clinicians.
By visiting our web site, you can learn more about our organization, dental occlusion and about problems involving the TMJ and associated muscles. This information is for the patient and for the professional. Our web site is updated regularly.
Valerie Woodruff DDS Trained at The Dawson Academy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
St. Petersburg, FL — The Dawson Academy, one of the leading international organizations for post-graduate dental education, is proud to announce that Dr Valerie Woodruff has taken the Academy’s extensive continuing education courses. By taking these courses, Dr Woodruff is making a commitment to help her patients achieve long-term optimal oral health.
The Dawson Academy is where dentists come to gain a better understanding of not only teeth, but also the muscles and systems that control them. The Dawson Academy is committed to creating “Complete Dentists.” Ultimately, patients of these Complete Dentists will notice considerable benefits, and a dental experience unlike any other they’ve ever had.
What is a “Complete Dentist?”
At The Dawson Academy, dental professionals like Dr Woodruff learn to examine and treat teeth as part of the overall oral system, not just as stand alone elements. This unique approach helps dentists identify causes of problems, rather than simply treating the symptoms.
For example, you may have a chipped tooth you would like repaired. The Dawson Academy’s philosophy teaches dentists to not only repair the tooth but determine the underlying cause(s) that led to the chipped tooth in the first place. This comprehensive approach to treatment of dental problems results in long-term stability, optimal oral health and beauty – that lasts.
In addition to hands-on clinical treatments, The Dawson Academy teaches dentists to treat each patient individually. Every patient receives a thorough examination so the dentist can better understand the patient’s specific wants and needs. This examination will provide you and your dentist with a complete picture of what is going on in and around your teeth, so that a comprehensive treatment plan can be developed. The benefits pay dividends to patients for the rest of their lives. This may sound like a no-brainer, but this approach, for whatever reason, is not practiced by many dentists.
We at The Dawson Academy congratulate Dr Woodruff on completing our courses and we wish her continued success.
For more information about Dr Woodruff please contact 217 586 5667.
For more information about The Dawson Academy, please call 800-952-2178.