Our office will be closed from December 24th until Wednesday, January 6th. Happy Holidays!
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Our office will be closed from December 24th until Wednesday, January 6th. Happy Holidays!
At Lakeside Dental, we often get asked, "Is it really necessary to go to the dentist twice a year?" It's a common question, and one that, as a dentist, I’m happy to answer. My name is Dr. Joseph Blalock, and I'm the founder of Lakeside Dental in Lenoir City. In this blog, we’ll discuss why routine dental checkups are essential for your health, how often you should visit, and how our team works to make sure you get the best care possible.
You may wonder, "Why do I need to visit the dentist twice a year? I brush my teeth regularly, and I feel fine." While it's great that you're maintaining your oral hygiene, there are plenty of dental issues that develop silently, without any noticeable symptoms, until it’s too late. That’s why regular checkups are important—they allow us to catch these potential problems early and prevent bigger issues down the road.
During a comprehensive checkup, we do more than just clean your teeth. We look for early signs of diseases or conditions that may not yet have symptoms. Some of the most common issues we check for include:
While it’s easy to spot cavities on the surface of teeth, sometimes they form in places that aren’t visible to the eye. During your checkup, we’ll take X-rays to identify any developing cavities, especially those that may be lurking between your teeth.
Gum disease is a sneaky problem that often has no symptoms until it’s too late. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and even increase your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other health complications. During your checkup, we assess your gums for any signs of gum disease, such as redness, swelling, or bleeding, and we’ll take steps to address it before it becomes severe.
Oral cancer is one of the most dangerous types of cancer because it often goes undiagnosed until it reaches an advanced stage. As part of your routine checkup, we examine your mouth, throat, and lymph nodes for any unusual growths or lesions that could be signs of oral cancer.
Even if your teeth look straight, they might not be functioning in the best way. We assess your bite alignment to ensure that your teeth come together properly. Misaligned bites can cause long-term wear on teeth, jaw discomfort, and even headaches. If needed, we’ll recommend treatments such as orthodontics or other procedures to address the issue.
One of the biggest reasons we recommend routine dental visits is because many dental issues don’t present symptoms until they’re serious. For example, cavities can take years to form before they become noticeable. Often, by the time you feel discomfort from a cavity, the damage may be significant, and a simple filling may not be enough to restore the tooth.
Similarly, periodontal disease can develop slowly over time, sometimes without any noticeable symptoms at all. By the time you realize there’s an issue, it may be too late to save the affected teeth. Regular checkups allow us to detect these diseases in their earliest stages, giving you the best chance for treatment before things worsen.
At Lakeside Dental, we believe in treating the whole person, not just their smile. That’s why, in addition to your dental care, we take steps to screen for other health concerns that are connected to your oral health.
Hypertension is often called the "silent killer" because it usually has no symptoms but can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. As part of your dental visit, we check your blood pressure to ensure it’s in a healthy range. If we detect any issues, we’ll refer you to your doctor for further treatment.
There’s a strong link between diabetes and oral health. People with diabetes are at higher risk for gum disease, tooth loss, and dry mouth. Regular checkups allow us to monitor your oral health and refer you to your physician if we detect signs of diabetes.
By screening for these issues during your routine dental checkups, we’re helping you stay healthy, not just with your teeth, but with your whole body.
At Lakeside Dental, we believe that your experience during a routine checkup should be different from the norm. Here’s what sets us apart:
From the moment you walk into our office, you’ll feel the difference. We care deeply about your comfort and well-being. We want to know about you, your goals, and any concerns you may have, so that we can provide the most personalized care possible.
We don’t rush through your appointment. Every checkup is comprehensive, ensuring we address all aspects of your oral health. From checking your gums for signs of disease to reviewing your X-rays for cavities, we take the time to make sure we don’t miss anything.
We pride ourselves on providing excellent care, and that goes beyond just the treatment itself. From the moment you enter our office, you can expect a welcoming, professional environment with staff who are ready to make your visit as smooth and comfortable as possible.
It’s completely normal to feel nervous if you’ve been putting off a visit to the dentist. Many people feel the same way, but you’re not alone. At Lakeside Dental, we’re here to make the process as easy as possible for you.
Whether it’s been a few months or a few years, we’d love to welcome you back to our office and help you get back on track with your oral health.
If you’re overdue for a cleaning or a checkup, don’t wait any longer. It’s easy to take the first step toward a healthier smile and body. Simply text us at 865-635-4999, and a real person will respond right away to help you schedule your visit.
Let us help you take care of your smile and your health. We look forward to seeing you at Lakeside Dental!
📍 Lakeside Dental📞 865-635-4999Serving Lenoir City, TN
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