Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Buckhead Dentistry Appointment

As Dr. Bahar Nia likes to say, your smile is your logo and it leaves a lasting impression on people. You have an important position and you want your smile to look attractive and represent you well. The best way to achieve this goal is to keep up with your appointments at Buckhead Dentistry for preventive care. While you might think that preventive dentistry is only about looking good, a consistent oral healthcare routine at home and regular check-ups are both essential to your overall health.

Preventive Dentistry with Chronic Health Conditions and Avoid Emergency Dental Care

In a study conducted by Capital BlueCross and reviewed in a December 2018 article of Dentistry Today, patients with chronic health conditions had fewer visits to the emergency room when they received regular preventive care from the dentist. The commonly reported conditions of patients in the study include:

• Asthma
• Cerebrovascular disease
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Congestive heart failure
• Coronary artery disease
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Renal failure
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Over the two-year study, researchers reviewed the difference between medical costs and utilization between members of the health plan who also had dental coverage and received at least two check-ups each year. They discovered that those with chronic conditions who had no dental coverage or care had a seven percent greater likelihood of hospitalization. This same patient control group had 19 percent more emergency room visits than those who received regular check-ups from the dentist.

According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion(ODPHP), bacteria in the mouth that travels to other areas of the body is partly responsible for the development of some chronic diseases. Lack of regular preventive care from Buckhead Dentistry can also lead to conditions such as oral cancer if you meet certain risk factors.

Preventive Dentistry Allows Dr. Bahar Nia to Catch Oral Health Issues Early

Perhaps you wonder why you need bi-annual preventive care appointments when you take excellent care of your teeth and gums at home. The answer to this is that cleaning is only a small part of what takes place at each exam. After a dental assistant cleans and polishes your teeth using professional-grade equipment, Dr. Bahar Nia will inspect your mouth, gums, and jaws. The following are just some of the issues she looks for during your exam:

• Early indications of tooth decay
• Damaged or decayed teeth that require further treatment to retain functionality
• The condition of previous restorative dental work such as crowns, bridges, and dental implants
• Inflammation and periodontal pockets in your gums as these are some of the earliest signs of gum disease
• The spacing of your teeth and whether your alignment is even when you bite
• Blocked salivary glands, white lesions, and other indications of oral cancer
• Further investigation of suspicious cysts or growths
• Indications that you could have a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) due to indications such as clenching your teeth and your jaw making popping sounds when you open and close it
• The condition of the bones in your jaw and face

The problem with skipping your Buckhead Dentistry preventive care appointments is that issues such as those listed above can develop for months or years without any type of intervention. Scheduling an appointment for a professional cleaning and thorough exam once every six months is the best way for you to ensure a healthy mouth and an attractive smile.

Contact Us with Questions or to Schedule an Appointment

Dr. Bahar Nia and the entire staff of Buckhead Dentistry care about your health. If we haven’t seen you in more than six months, please call 404-400-0400 to request an appointment. We are also open to answering additional questions about preventive dental care.