The Surprising Facts about Oral Cancers

April is National Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and dentists are the first line of defense against this pervasive disease. So we’re going to post a series of short discussions about the facts, risks, diagnosis, and treatment of oral cancer throughout the month. Please ask questions in the comments, and don’t hesitate to contact the office with your concerns or to schedule a screening.

Out of about 37,000 American patients diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year, over 8,000 will die. That’s a rate of about one person per hour, 24 hours a day, every single day. The five-year survival rate is only about 50% of those patients, a number that hasn’t changed in decades. More people die from oral cancer than many other, higher-profile cancers. How many of you know all about cervical, testicular, or skin cancer, and take precautions against them? How many cancers do you get screened for by your medical professionals each year? Now, how many of you have knowingly had a screening for oral cancer?

You might think the fatality rate is so high because oral cancer is particularly dangerous. But that’s not the case. The death rate is high because it’s often not discovered until late stage. By then, it has usually metastasized to somewhere else in the body, starting with the lymph nodes in the neck. The first tumor has also been given time to invade deeply, making treatment more difficult. Often, there’s no pain or other symptom you can easily recognize, and it also easily produces additional tumors, so recurrence happens frequently.

Don’t take chances with your life. Make an appointment with us today. We routinely screen for oral cancer, a quick and painless diagnostic that can give you peace of mind…or save your life.

Preston Dental Online

The internet places the world at your fingertips. Preston Dental wants to make sure that you are informed about the services we offer, and what kind of dental office we are. We stand by what we believe. We promise all our patients the same things: a caring and attentive staff, an enthusiastic manner, and state-of-the-art dental care delivered with exceptional comfort in a friendly atmosphere. For your convenience, we have a website with a list of practices and information about each. You can find out about financial options, locate patient forms, and learn more about the Mays and the staff.

Did you know that you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter as well? Feel free to friend us, or follow us for dental facts, specials, and information on the dental industry. Take advantage of what the internet can offer, and visit our website to get a good sense of who we are and what we offer.

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Looking for a New Dentist?

Choosing a dentist or doctor can be a difficult process. It doesn't have to be, if you choose Preston Dental. We want everyone to feel comfortable and have a beautiful and healthy smile. To accomplish this we offer a variety of treatments, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and the most up-to-date dental technology in the market. Looking to have a smile makeover? We offer ZOOM!2 teeth whitening, veneers, Invisalign, and 6 Month Smiles to give you confidence in your smile.

For general dental care, we make you apart of the team with a special intra-oral camera that lets you see what the dentist sees. It makes you a part of the team, and gives you more control over your dental decisions. Our Laser Scanner helps find cavities earlier, and helps you avoid big fillings and painful cavities. There is much more we can offer you to help you maintain a healthy smile. If you have further questions, please give us a call. We would be happy to talk with you.

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All About Dental Crowns

Need a crown for your tooth, but worried or anxious about the process and numerous visits to the dentist? Preston Dental has a solution for you. The purpose of a dental crown is to replace a damaged tooth. Traditional treatment usually includes taking an impression of the tooth, fabricating the crown in a lab, and installing the crown. This process can take up to 4 weeks, and include multiple visits to the dentist office.

Preston Dental's solution for crowns is called "same day dentistry." This consists of a new technology the works with a computer. The computer will actually scan and create a virtual model of your tooth. The crown is then fabricated and installed right there in the dentist office. There is no gook, no bad taste, and no waiting for weeks on end. This is the perfect solution for anyone needing a crown, and anyone who is sensitive to fresh material in their mouth. The whole process takes only one visit, which means less time at the dentist, and more time enjoying your new smile.

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Are you at Risk for Oral Cancer?

One American dies from oral cancer every hour. This mortality rate has remained virtually steady for the past 40 years. But, there is a 90% cure rate only if it is detected early. According to the NCBI it is most commonly found in tissues in the lips and tongue. Smoking and tobacco use are also linked to 70-80% of oral cancer cases. Heavy alcohol use is also linked to increased risk for oral cancer. Feel like getting detected for oral cancer now?

Preston Dental knows and understands the risks of oral cancer. That is why we provide one of the most effective oral cancer screenings available in today's market. VELscope is an FDA-approved screening system, and we perform the exam using a specially designed light. Suspicious tissue is easily visible, and can then be treated. Know the disease, and know the risks. Get treated today.

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Is it Possible to be Cavity Free?

Quite simply, the answer is YES! Dr. Mayes would much rather help patients prevent cavities than treat them. We invite you to try out the CariFree program that has proven and effective results in preventing cavities.

A bacterial infection known as "caries" is what causes cavities. This infection is treatable and can be prevented. The CariFree program was designed to help patients become cavity free. It assesses risks for dental disease, and diagnoses the presence of bacterial caries. Dr. Mayes and the team want you to have a healthy and beautiful smile. The CariFree program is just one way they can help you achieve better dental health.

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Beautiful and Natural-looking Smiles

Preston Dental knows that when you have a confident smile, you feel and look good! That is why Preston Dental emphasizes the aesthetic in all of their work. The combination of preventative care, tooth-colored fillings, and restorative techniques will help you reach better dental health.

One treatment for a natural-looking smile is to replace the standard silver-mercury filling with white bonded fillings. The white bonded fillings look better, contain no metals, and can help strengthen your teeth. The metal in standard fillings is not tooth-colored, and does not bond as well to teeth. It eventually decays and can leak into the tooth. White bonded fillings bond tightly to the healthy part of the tooth to better eliminate the chance of future decay. These fillings are just one way that Preston Dental wants to help you achieve a beautiful and natural-looking smile.

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