The Role of the Oral Biopsy

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When the doctor finds an unexplained patch of abnormal cells such as a white patch or a bump, the doctor will recommend a waiting period of two weeks to monitor the area or lesion.  Lesions that are caused by local trauma, infection, or inflammation may improve on their own.  For lesions that persist for two weeks or longer, he will order an oral biopsy.  An oral biopsy is a procedure in which the doctor will remove a small tissue sample to be examined under the microscope.  Oral biopsies will indicate if the lesion or bump has pre-cancerous or cancerous cells in it, guiding the doctor’s diagnosis and treatment. (more…)

filed under: Oral Biopsies, Oral Cancer, Oral Pathology

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How Does One Treat Oral Cancer?

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Each year, over 43, 250 people are diagnosed with oral cancer. Of these, around half will pass away within five years. Why are oral cancer mortality rates so high? The fact is most people are not diagnosed until the late stages of the disease. However, with screenings during regular checkups, the disease can be diagnosed and oral cancer treatment started right away.

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filed under: Oral Biopsies, Oral Cancer, Oral Cancer Symptoms, Oral Cancer Treatment

FAQs: What is Oral Pathology?

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How often do you have a checkup? Many adults assume a checkup is a very minor procedure and one they can afford to miss. In fact, a checkup allows your dentist to watch for signs of dental disease, including gum disease and oral cancer. At Cerritos Dental Surgery, we offer our patients the latest in oral pathology to identify and address dental disease.

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filed under: Dental Technology, Gum Disease, Oral Biopsies, Oral Cancer, Oral Cancer Symptoms, Oral Cancer Treatment, Oral Health, Oral Pathology, Oral Surgery

Are Dental Implants the Most Cost Effective Option for Missing Teeth?

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The effects of tooth loss can be devastating for adults of all ages.   Dental implants can restore your missing teeth and your confidence.   If you are considering restorative treatment, dental implant cost may be your biggest concern.   At our Cerritos, CA practice, we offer high quality implants that are a great investment in your continuing dental health.   A recent study, published in the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants in 2013 indicates that compared to other restorative options, the durability of dental implants may make them a more economical treatment in the long run.  Regardless of the reason for tooth loss (gum disease, tooth decay, etc.), replacing your missing teeth with dental implants offers a number of benefits over traditional prosthetics such as bridges and dentures. Dental implants provide a permanent replacement to natural missing teeth. (more…)

filed under: Dental Implants, Dental Prosthetics, Missing Teeth

Cone Beam Imaging Is Transforming Dentistry

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Dr. Shawn Hofkes is dedicated to using the latest technology to make your dental treatment more precise, efficient, and comfortable. We now offer cone beam dental imaging at our Cerritos, CA practice. This advanced type of x-ray is a recent development in dental technology, but it is already transforming the way dentists approach oral surgery, as well as cosmetic and restorative work. It also enables dentists to make earlier, more precise diagnoses and create highly personalized treatment plans for each patient. (more…)

filed under: Advanced Dentistry, Cone Beam, Dental Technology

Four Goals of Every Dental Visit

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No two patients are alike and no two visits to the dental office are the same. Yet, for the endless variety of the dental care experience, your dentist has four goals that he and his staff try to fulfill at every appointment:

1. Make Your Mouth Healthier

The human mouth is an intricate system of muscles, soft tissues, teeth, and bones that must work in tandem to perform tasks essential to life, namely eating and communicating. The number of problems that can go wrong in the human mouth is long. The number of treatment options for those problems is even longer. Regardless of the specifics, your dentist will only recommend a treatment if it will improve or maintain an optimal level of oral health. (more…)

filed under: Advanced Dentistry, Healthy Living, Patient Education

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