Preventive Dentistry - Wall Township, NJ
The Key to Staying Cavity-Free
Our team likes to take a more proactive approach to dental care. Rather than simply fixing cavities and broken teeth as they develop, we’d rather help our patients avoid these annoyances through preventive dentistry in Wall Township. Thanks to the services detailed below and our experienced team, we can give you a set of teeth that you never have to worry about, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with complete confidence for decades to come. Is it time for your next checkup? If so, give us a call today!
Why Choose Shore Points General and Implant Dentistry for Preventive Dentistry?
- Trusted by Wall Township Since 1989
- Convenient Hours—Open Until 7 PM!
- Friendly, Personalized Service
Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings
Whenever you come to see us for a standard checkup, not only will one of our excellent hygienists clean your teeth and make them feel lusciously smooth, but Dr. Aptaker will also thoroughly examine your mouth so any potential issues can be found quickly and treated right away. By attending at least two appointments like this every year, we can keep your dental health on track and ensure you don’t need more complicated restorative work.
Learn More About Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings
Oral Cancer Screenings
Our risk for oral cancer naturally increases as we age, so we always take a few minutes to perform a screening as part of our checkup procedure. Early detection and treatment is the best way to beat this disease, so these few minutes can literally save someone’s life! If we find anything concerning during your screening, we’ll arrange for you to get a biopsy and diagnosis. Here’s a quick look at the oral cancer screening process from the friendly team at Shore Points General and Implant Dentistry in Wall Township.
Signs & Symptoms of Oral Cancer
To the untrained eye, the symptoms of oral cancer can be indistinguishable from those of much less severe issues like the common cold and oral irritation, so it’s important to receive regular screenings from a trained oral health professional such as Dr. Aptaker. A few possible indicators of oral cancer include:
- Splotchy or discolored patches of skin within the mouth.
- Bumps, lumps, and cold sores that don’t go away after several weeks.
- Raised areas of firm or leathery oral tissue.
- Trouble swallowing.
- A lump in the throat.
- Unexplained oral numbness or bleeding.
- Loose permanent teeth.
- Difficulty chewing.
- Persistent sore throat.
- Sudden changes in voice.
Poor oral health habits like tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption can increase your risk of oral cancer.
What Does a Dentist Look for During an Oral Cancer Screening?
During your routine oral exam, Dr. Aptaker will take a little time to carefully examine your mouth, lips, tongue, and throat for symptoms of oral cancer. This check usually only takes a few minutes, and our dentist will be able to refer you to a specialist if he finds anything concerning.
What Can I Expect During My Screening?
If Dr. Aptaker finds anything in your mouth that may be a sign of oral cancer, he may touch the suspicious area to check for texture and sensitivity. He may also gently feel about your neck to check for lumps in your throat. If he finds anything concerning, he may schedule you for a follow-up exam several weeks later so he can monitor the development of your symptoms, but this doesn’t necessarily mean you have oral cancer. Since dentists are not qualified to diagnose oral cancer, Dr. Aptaker will be happy to refer you to a trusted specialist who can properly diagnose the issue and treat it accordingly.
Fluoride Treatment
You’ll likely find fluoride in the toothpaste you use every day as well as the water that comes out of your tap. This is great news for your smile because regular exposure to fluoride has been proven to strengthen the teeth and make someone much less likely to develop cavities. We also take advantage of fluoride during your dental cleaning. After removing all plaque and tartar, we’ll briefly coat your teeth with a highly-concentrated fluoride solution. This will make your teeth extra resistant to decay all the way until your next cleaning!
Dental Sealants
Out of all the teeth in your mouth, the ones in the back are the most likely to develop cavities. Why? Their rough and grooved surfaces easily trap plaque and bacteria, plus they can be quite tricky to adequately clean while brushing. Thankfully, a dental sealant is an easy way we can give our patients some extra protection. We simply apply a clear, very thin layer of dental plastic over the back teeth, and this literally seals them off from anything that could do them harm.