Dr. Patel
Periodontist
The training that Dr. Patel has received has given him a wide range of experience in treating advanced periodontal disease, complicated extractions of teeth, placement of dental implants, bone regenerative procedures, as well as in periodontal plastic surgery/cosmetic procedures.
Dr. Pooria Fallah
Periodontist
Dr. Fallah received his DDS degree in 2009 and subsequently completed his residency program in Periodontics at New York University College of Dentistry in 2015. He became a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontics in 2016 and has been practicing periodontics in private practice in Dallas since 2015.
Dr. Husain
Periodontist
Dr. Husain is proficient in dental surgical procedures involving bone and soft tissue grafting, dental implant placement, minimally invasive LANAP and other laser procedures, and treating chronic periodontal diseases.
Dr. Li
Periodontist
Dr. Li is a Board-Certified periodontist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. A Diplomate is a periodontist who has made significant achievements beyond the mandatory educational requirements of the specialty, demonstrating a comprehensive mastery of all phases of periodontal disease and treatment and in the placement of dental implants.
Dr. Sheppard
Periodontist
Dr. Sheppard has been in private practice since 2004. She takes pride in providing her patients with the highest quality care using the latest technology and using a patient centered approach. In 2005, she co-founded The Northwest Society of Women Dentists, an organization for women who were often also business owners.
Common Signs of Oral Cancer
One of the most common signs that oral cancer is present is noticeable changes of the mucosa, which should appear pink and be smooth. If this change is present, your periodontist will take a biopsy of the area that is affected, which will then be sent to a laboratory to determine the cause of the change. Once a diagnosis has been reached, your periodontist will discuss treatment options. Fortunately, the majority of pathological changes that occur are not life threatening, however the rate of oral cancer diagnoses is increasing, especially among men. If a diagnosis is made early, survivability is approximately 80%.
Patients who are experiencing any of the following common symptoms of oral cancer should schedule an appointment for an oral cancer screening:
- Persistent mouth pain
- Masses/lumps around your neck
- Eroded areas, swelling, or patches in the mouth that are red or white
- Unexplained oral bleeding
- Neck, mouth, or facial sensitivity
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, moving the tongue, or speaking
- Mouth sores
- Ear pain
- Chronic sore throat, hoarseness, or cough
Treatment Options
There are several treatment options available to patients who have received a positive oral cancer diagnosis. One of the most common procedures is to have the tumor excised. If necessary, this may be done in conjunction with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, especially if a significant amount of tissue has been affected. Which treatment option is right for you will depend upon a range of factors, such as your current general health, how severe your case is, and what your recovery preferences are. Our team is committed to providing you with the information and support you need to determine an optimal treatment plan.
Reduce Risk Oral Cancer
Although there is no way to eliminate the possibility of developing oral cancer, there are steps you can take to significantly reduce the likelihood of developing it. To lower your risk of developing oral cancer, stick to the following guidelines:
- Avoid using all forms of tobacco products, especially chewing tobacco
- Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol
- Eat a healthy well-balanced diet
- Practice good oral hygiene habits
- Take active steps to avoid exposure to the human papillomavirus virus (HPV)
Perform Self Evaluations
While these are all important steps to take in reducing your risk of developing oral cancer, it is important to remember that there is no guarantee of preventing oral cancer from developing. As such, it is important to make a practice of performing monthly exams.
To conduct an oral exam, follow these instructions:
- Remove orthodontic appliances/dentures/etc. if applicable
- Tilt your head back so you can see your palate for any changes
- Massage and prod your gums to determine if there are any new growths or abnormalities
- Stretch your cheek out using your index finger and visually examine your gums and teeth for any new growths or abnormalities
- Massage your neck/jaw to look for signs of lumps and/or enlarged glands
If you notice any irregularities or changes when performing this self-evaluation, schedule an appointment with your periodontist as soon as possible.
Oral Cancer Screening Cost
There are a range of factors that can impact the final cost of your treatment, including any necessary surgeries or associated procedures that will need to be performed prior to or along with treatment, as well as your insurance plan.
Our team is committed to helping you complete necessary paperwork, schedule appointments, and answer any questions you have concerning billing. For patients who have insurance plans, we do request you submit medical/dental insurance information with your New Patient Paperwork to expedite this process.
Please note: to reduce costs to our patients while still ensuring that we can provide the highest level of care, we have the following financial polices:
- We accept Discover, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express
- Full payment is due after services rendered
- Payment plan options are available via www.CareCredit.com
PERIODONTAL SERVICES
To determine if you have gum disease, your periodontist will measure the space between your teeth and gums. Patients who have pockets that are deeper than the average depth of three millimeters or less will be considered candidates for treating gum disease. Depending upon how severe your case is, your periodontist will suggest a follow up appointment, during which several different treatment options may be recommended.
Schedule Your Visit Today
At ROOT™ Periodontal and Implant Center, we take your health, confidence, and teeth seriously. Scheduling regular visits to maintain your teeth and gums will actively improve your overall health, and maintaining a bright and strong healthy smile will do wonders for your self-confidence. In addition to recognizing the importance of your oral health, we also understand the importance of your time, which is why we are committed to making every visit to our clinic as efficient as possible.
If you would like to learn more about the oral cancer screening process, schedule an appointment or consultation today with our friendly, helpful staff, who can be reached at the following locations: Carrollton: (972) 242-7603; Flower Mound: (972) 434-8050; Denton: (940) 566-7021, or Frisco: (469) 489-ROOT.