Going to the dentist should not be a dreaded event reserved exclusively for dental emergencies. While we are the experts on treating acute dental concerns such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral pain, we are so much more than that, too! We here Cane Bay Family Dentistry are pleased to provide you with many important diagnostic and treatment options, allowing us to address not only acute dental problems but also a wide variety of other oral and dental concerns, too. When you come to see us, you can trust that you and your family are going to get all the necessary care to ensure your healthiest and happiest smile for life.

We advise that all of our patients come in every six months for a dental cleaning and exam. During your exam, we will thoroughly check your mouth for any signs of infection, tooth decay, or other complications that may occur. We will also clean your teeth for you, removing all hardened buildup (calculus) from them, and helping them remain healthy.

The prognosis for many individuals who have oral cancer is tragically grim. Oral cancer will claim the life of one person per hour, every hour, this year. This is not because oral cancer is especially lethal in and of itself, but rather because it is often caught late. Oral cancer can be hidden or hard to detect on your own, which is why regular exams with oral cancer screenings are so vital to helping lead to a better prognosis.

Gum disease is quite common, affecting over half of all American adults. When caught early, it can be completely reversed. However, once it progresses to a more advanced stage, gum disease will require more intensive periodontal care, such as scaling and root planing (to treat the symptoms of the disease). Other treatment methods may also be advised depending on how advanced the gum disease is.

A mouth guard is recommended for any sports that may expose the athlete to contact from teammates, opponents, or even sporting equipment. A mouth guard can prevent serious damage to the mouth and jaw. A custom-fitted mouth guard from us can help prevent tooth loss, broken or chipped teeth, and even concussion.

Night guards can help address many nighttime mouth problems. Common reasons that we may recommend a night guard for a patient may include relief from snoring, help those who suffer from sleep apnea, address problems associated with TMJ disorder, and provide relief for bruxism (a condition characterized by clenching or grinding your teeth when you sleep).

When your temporomandibular joint – the joint that connects your jaw to the rest of your head – serious pain and discomfort can occur. Signs of TMJ disorder include pain and swelling in your jaw, popping and clicking when you open or close your mouth, discomfort when biting or chewing, and a locked jaw. Treatment options that we provide to our patients with TMJ disorder may include physical therapy, lifestyle changes, occlusive devices (such as a mouth guard), or medications.

We love our valued patients and truly enjoy helping to keep you happy and healthy. If it has been longer than six months since your last checkup and cleaning, please give us here at Cane Bay Family Dentistry a call at (843) 352-4454 to schedule your next appointment with us today.