Friday, June 5, 2009— SARASOTA, FLORIDA — When tough economic times hit, people tend to put off preventive care, such as routine dental check-ups and cleanings.

What people fail to realize is that check-ups and cleanings can detect problems before they become painful and often expensive to fix, said Dr. Charles Crane, a Sarasota dentist.

The sluggish economy has resulted in a recent spike in patients canceling their dental appointments or simply not showing up at all for preventive care at Crane’s office, he said.

“Last week a lady called and said her husband told her she could go to the dentist and have her teeth cleaned or she could get her hair done,” Crane said. “She opted to cancel her dental appointment and get her hair done.”

People often erroneously believe that if their teeth aren’t hurting or they aren’t experiencing some sort of problem, they can put off check-ups and cleanings when money is tight. That thought process actually could end up costing them more in the long run, Crane said.

For example, let’s say a dental hygienist discovers a small fracture in a tooth while she is cleaning a patient’s teeth. If caught early enough, a small filling could correct this problem. On the other hand, if the patient had waited until the fracture became a larger crack or until a piece of the tooth broke off, fixing that would cost considerably more, he said.

“There is a great deal of truth to the saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” Crane said.

Dental Check-ups and Cleanings
Most people need to have their teeth cleaned every six months. Patients who suffer from periodontal disease may require more frequent cleanings of three to four times per year. In addition to teeth cleanings, patients should be seen by their dentist at least twice per year.

A dental check-up involves the following:
• New patients are asked to complete paperwork that includes information on their medical history and any medications they are taking.
• New patients meet the dentist and hygienist for the first time.
• Dental X-rays are taken of the patient’s mouth.
• The dentist conducts a visual exam of the teeth and gums using a small mirror.
• A probe is used to press against the surfaces of the teeth and search for “tacky” spots, which can indicate tooth decay.
• The dentist may also use a tiny camera to take close-up photos of the teeth to be displayed on a screen in the operatory.

A dental cleaning involves the following:
• A dental hygienist uses an instrument to scrape away plaque and tartar from the teeth.
• The teeth are cleaned with a professional polishing tool and toothpaste.
• The hygienist then flosses the teeth.

Oral Health and Overall Health
A recent study completed at Columbia University’s College of Dental Medicine found that preventive and corrective dental care, including check-ups and cleanings, resulted in a reduction of total health care costs by as much as 21 percent among patients with a variety of systemic diseases, Crane said.

Preventive dental care is about more than just having a bright, white smile. When it comes to overall health, oral health serves as a sort of window into the body, Crane said, because what goes on in the mouth can be indicative of other health problems.

One of the main reasons for routine cleanings is to remove tartar and plaque from the teeth and gums. If left untreated, plaque build-up can lead to periodontal disease and unhealthy gums that harbor bacteria. Bacteria then can enter the bloodstream and lead to even more serious diseases, such as heart disease.

Osteoporosis often is first detected through a dental check-up, because the first stages of bone loss sometimes are evident in the teeth. It is important for patients with diabetes to maintain regular dental check-ups because poor dental health can make diabetes harder to treat and maintain.

Because research continues to prove time and again that there is a correlation between dental health and overall health, it is important to maintain routine dental check-ups, even when patients aren’t having any problems, Crane said.

“In these tough economic times, it’s important to remember that catching dental problems early can save money in the long run,” he said. “If you think you can’t afford a routine exam and teeth cleaning now, wait until you need a crown or root canal.”

Learn More
If you would like to learn more about preventive dental care, you are interested in porcelain veneers in Sarasota, FL or you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Charles Crane, please visit his Web site: www.drcharlescrane.com or call his office: (941) 923-3802.

About Dr. Charles Crane
Charles E. Crane, D.D.S. graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1981. He went on to complete a residency at UAB Medical School in Birmingham, Ala. in IV Sedation. In 2003, Dr. Crane acquired the practice of Steven J. Krouse, D.D.S. and focused on cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry.

Dr. Crane has completed numerous post-graduate courses in cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry. He has studied intensely at the acclaimed Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies including courses in: Comprehensive Aesthetic Reconstruction, Advanced Functional Aesthetics and Mastering Neuromuscular Occlusion.

Dr. Crane is one of only a few Sarasota dentists to offer IV Sedation to his patients. He attends the prestigious American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Annual Scientific Session and the Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry education symposiums.

© 2009 Sinai Dental Marketing and Dr. Charles Crane. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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