April 2019: Oral Cancer Awareness Month

April 2019 is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Dentists are often the first medical professionals to diagnose oral cancers. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS encourages patients to not only come in for their bi-annual checkups but to also schedule an appointment when any strange symptoms occur. Prevention and early intervention are the keys to a cancer-free life.

 

We provide both oral cancer screenings and regular appointments for patients. If a new or strange symptom appears in your mouth, schedule an appointment. This is especially true if the symptoms have persisted for over two weeks or haven’t healed. This can be a major indicator of something more serious. Be on the lookout for these symptoms:

 

Mouth sores that take over fourteen days to heal, a new or strange coloring of your gums and tissue, lumps or hard spots in your mouth, bumps that bleed easily, and/or a lump on the outside of your neck that has been there for a minimum of two weeks.

 

The symptoms for HPV-caused oropharyngeal cancer differ from the above symptoms. These patients might experience a sore or hoarse throat, a constant cough, a lump on the neck, problems swallowing, and a pain in one or both ears.

 

The major risk factors for oral cancers are heavy smoking. Engaging in any tobacco products is problematic, including chewing tobacco. The other major contributing factor is contracting the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus 16.

 

Do not wait to make an appointment if you or a loved one are experiencing anything mentioned above. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS is located in Holmdel, NJ. To schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 732-264-8180.

 

Air Abrasion Technique

Air Abrasion is a drill-free, shot free alternative to dental drilling. It is successful with pediatric patients or patients with dental anxiety. An instrument that is similar to a small sandblaster utilizes a stream of particles that removes decay from the teeth. Dr. Dipika Shah, D.D.S. offers air abrasion technique at her office in Holmdel, NJ.

 

Before the procedure, you will be given protective eyewear, along with either a rubber dam or protective resin. These will protect your face and other areas of the mouth from the technique. During the procedure, the stream of particles will be sprayed on the tooth. The decayed particles of the teeth are removed and suctioned away through a thin tube. This prevents these particles from being swallowed or going into your lungs.

 

There are many benefits to the air abrasion technique. There is no pressure, heat, or vibration from the device. Because air abrasion technique is often only used on very shallow cavities, it reduces the need for anesthesia. Much more of the healthy tissue is left untouched. It also reduces the chances of your tooth becoming chipped or fractured.

 

Air abrasion technique should not be attempted when cavities are deeper. Crowns, onlays, and inlays can’t be prepared through air abrasion. Air abrasion can also be used to prepare a tooth for bonding or sealants, along with removing stains and discolorations.

 

To learn more about our Air Abrasion technique, or our other services, contact Dr. Dipika Shah, D.D.S. Our office is located in Holmdel, NJ. To schedule your appointment, visit our website or call 732-264-8180.