Dental Services Dunwoody & Atlanta, GA

At Codelli Periodontics & Implants conveniently located near Dunwoody in Atlanta GA, our additional dental services are one part of what it means to receive comprehensive, personalized care in our office. While remaining attentive to your oral health needs and goals, we provide patient-centered additional dental services designed to improve the function, health, and beauty of your smile.

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral pathology involves diagnosing and treating diseases of the mouth such as cysts, tumors, and precancerous and cancerous lesions. Many patients experience unusual changes in the mouth, bone, gums, tongue, or throat that may or may not be caused by disease. Diagnosing diseases in the mouth as early as possible is very important. The earlier a disease is diagnosed, the faster treatment and healing can begin.

What can I expect during the exam?

Benign conditions of the oral cavity can often mimic precancerous or cancerous lesions. Oral cancer screenings should be performed at least once per year, and more often if you are at an elevated risk of developing oral cancer. Your doctor may perform a number of tests or exams to determine the cause of any symptoms that you are experiencing and to diagnose the disease. Typically, a visual screening is first conducted to identify any abnormal areas. Intraoral pictures are often taken to help document the appearance of the lesion on that specific date. A biopsy or tissue removal is usually the best way to determine a diagnosis, as the sample is sent to a pathology laboratory for analysis.

How will I be treated?

Treatments vary depending on the type of disease that is present. The specific needs of each patient will be addressed on a case by case basis in order to achieve the best results. Some treatments involve the excision of a lesion, while others may require involvement of other specialists, such as an oral surgeon or ear, nose and throat practitioner. Codelli Periodontics & Implants is dedicated to making any procedure performed as comfortable as possible.

Self-oral cancer exams

It is a good idea to become familiar with the structures in your mouth so that you may be able to identify any areas that do not seem normal. Conducting periodic self-oral cancer screenings between dental exams can potentially help to diagnose areas of concern in the early stages of growth. Many forms of oral cancer are successfully treated when detected and diagnosed early.

Occlusal Adjustment

Occlusal, or bite, adjustment is a procedure performed to remove tiny interferences that keep teeth from coming together properly. These interferences can prevent the jaw from closing in its anatomically correct position. Interferences can occur as teeth develop, following an injury, or they can accumulate over time with wear. Dental treatment such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and extractions can also cause interferences. Interferences can prevent the jaw from fully sliding into its anatomically correct position. This means that the muscles of the jaw and neck are never able to fully relax. This may result in severe headaches, neck aches, and tooth pain. Many patients may develop bruxism, or teeth grinding, as their jaw seeks its natural position. Bruxism can cause loss of tooth structure and receding gums. It may also necessitate the need for dental treatment if the teeth are affected severely enough. Over time, patients may develop temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues if interferences go untreated.

How can I know if my bite is “off?”

During your examination with Codelli Periodontics & Implants, your doctor will examine your jaw closely and evaluate for signs that your bite may be off. Some signs include uneven closing of the jaw on both sides, popping or clicking noises upon opening or closing, wear facets in areas where the enamel has been ground away, or fractured teeth. Chronic symptoms of bruxism, such as headaches, neck aches, or jaw pain, are also clues that the bite may be off.

How is my bite fixed?

Before the procedure begins, the doctor will have you bite on a very thin piece of mylar paper. The mylar paper transfers color to the areas where contact occurs. The doctor will then smooth the area where the marks have been left by removing just enough of the tooth or restoration to eliminate the interference. This process will be done on all areas where the mylar paper left color on the tooth until the teeth meet together in a proper position.

Dental Services Dunwoody & Atlanta, GA

Additional Dental Services Under One Roof

Comprehensive care from an experienced and compassionate team

Oral Cancer Screening

Occlusal Adjustment

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