Oral Cancer Screening
Nobody wants to hear that they may have oral cancer. Although it can be fatal, it is easier to treat the earlier it is caught. For this reason, we are proud to assist our patients with an oral cancer screening. We want to help our patients survive this often fatal disease.
Oral cancer will typically show up as white or red patches or lesions inside of your mouth. You may even notice the lesions on your tongue or on the floor of your mouth. Many people experience a hard time swallowing, bleeding in the mouth, or even swelling in your face or neck.
We understand that this can be a scary and stressful time. However, we promise to be there for you every step of the way. If you ever need anyone to talk to, we are here for you. If you simply have questions, we will be happy to answer them.
If your results come back positive, the best option will be surgery, if we are able to localize and remove the lesion. If not, we may recommend a combination of radiation and chemotherapy.
If you have any questions about oral cancer screening or would like to schedule an appointment, contact us today at (918) 647-4636.
Teeth Cleaning
Dental emergencies can happen to anyone at any time, but patients who stay on top of regular preventive care visits typically experience fewer issues in the long run. Routine professional cleanings with a registered dental hygienist give us the opportunity to catch and treat problems early—before they become serious.
Even with excellent home care, hardened plaque (called tartar) can build up in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. Tartar provides a perfect environment for harmful bacteria to thrive. If not removed, these bacteria release toxins that can inflame your gums, leading to chronic gum disease and even tooth loss.
During your hygiene appointment, we remove tartar before it has the chance to cause lasting damage. Using specialized tools and prescription-strength polishing paste, we gently clean your teeth to remove plaque and surface stains. This not only leaves your teeth smooth and shiny but also helps slow down discoloration, making it easier to maintain a bright, healthy smile.
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Home Care
Here at Hammond Family Dental, we are dedicated to your recovery both in and out of the office. After endodontic treatment your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be tender for several days as a result of the previous condition of your tooth and the manipulation of the tooth and gums during the procedure. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm.
Continue your regular dental hygiene regimen.
Do not chew food on the affected side of your mouth until your endodontic therapy is complete and your dentist has covered your tooth with a protective restoration.
Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or aspirin as directed. Drinking alcohol is not advised while taking any of these medications.
If swelling should develop or your discomfort cannot be controlled with medication, please contact the office immediately.
If you have any questions about your home care following treatment, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (918) 647-4636.
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Periodontal Therapy
Periodontal disease—commonly known as gum disease—affects nearly 30% of adults and is the leading cause of tooth loss. Many people who wear dentures today began with this chronic condition. Although gum disease isn’t curable, it can be effectively managed with regular professional care and good home hygiene.
The Silent Threat
Gum disease often progresses quietly, with little to no pain, catching many patients off guard. Think of your gums and the bone surrounding your teeth as the foundation of a house. Even if the structure above looks fine, damage to the foundation puts everything at risk. When the supporting bone deteriorates, tooth loss often follows.
That’s why early detection and intervention are key. Regular dental checkups, professional cleanings, and diligent at-home care are essential in controlling gum disease.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Your mouth hosts millions of bacteria—some helpful, others harmful. Bacterial waste forms plaque, a sticky film that clings to teeth. When not removed through brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar, which becomes a breeding ground for more bacteria.
Your body responds with inflammation. Gums swell and begin to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets where more bacteria can thrive. This leads to gingivitis (early gum inflammation), which can progress to periodontitis—a chronic infection that damages the bone supporting your teeth.
Unfortunately, this damage often occurs without noticeable pain. By the time discomfort appears, over 50% of the bone may already be gone—and it won’t grow back.
Diagnosing Gum Disease
To determine whether gum disease is present, we examine several factors:
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Pocket Depth: Healthy gums have pockets 2–3mm deep. If we find pockets deeper than 3mm that bleed when probed, periodontal disease is likely.
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Gum Health: We assess the texture, color, and firmness of your gums.
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Tooth Movement: Loose teeth may indicate advanced bone loss.
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X-Rays: Digital imaging helps us evaluate the bone levels around your teeth.
This comprehensive approach allows us to form an accurate diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Treatment Options
Once we assess the severity of your condition, treatment is tailored to your needs.
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Mild Cases: May be managed with one or two hygiene visits and improved at-home care.
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Moderate to Severe Cases: We may recommend a deep cleaning process known as scaling and root planing. This involves gently numbing your gums and cleaning infected pockets using specialized hand tools and ultrasonic instruments. We then polish the teeth to smooth the surfaces and reduce future plaque buildup.
We may also recommend:
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Antibacterial rinses
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Electric or ultrasonic toothbrushes
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Customized home care routines
Gum disease is a lifelong condition. With proper care, it can be controlled—but not cured.
Maintenance Matters
Even after treatment, gum disease requires ongoing management. Bacteria begin repopulating within hours of cleaning, and tartar can form in as little as 24 hours. Deeper pockets are harder to clean at home, so consistent professional maintenance is vital.
Depending on your condition, we’ll recommend hygiene visits every 3–4 months to stay ahead of the disease. If the condition doesn’t respond well to treatment, we may refer you to a periodontist for specialized care.
The Mouth-Body Connection
Gum disease affects more than just your smile. Research continues to show links between oral bacteria and serious health conditions like:
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Heart disease
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Stroke
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Arthritis
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Alzheimer’s disease
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Certain cancers
Bleeding gums provide a direct pathway for bacteria to enter your bloodstream. Just as you wouldn’t ignore an open wound on your skin, bleeding gums should never be dismissed.
Conditions like diabetes and autoimmune disorders make it harder for the body to fight infection—allowing gum disease to progress more rapidly. In turn, inflammation from gum disease can make diabetes harder to control. This two-way relationship highlights just how interconnected oral and overall health truly are.
Take Control of Your Gum Health
Gum disease may be common, but it’s also highly manageable with the right care. Through routine professional cleanings, at-home diligence, and a personalized maintenance plan, you can protect both your oral health and your overall well-being.