“If the crack is small, let’s just leave it alone. It doesn’t hurt and is barely noticeable.” Many patients have uttered those words, only to be back with a big problem at the most inconvenient time. Even though the crack may be small or hardly noticeable it could be a ticking time bomb. Just like a small crack in your windshield that may radiate across at any time. A crack in a tooth may radiate through the nerve or the root, the tooth may need to be removed and replaced, like a car’s windshield. A crown will hold it together and freeze the cracks where they are, permanently. Investing in a crown when the crack is small will help prevent a broken tooth and just may be one of your wisest investments. After a crack has radiated through the nerve or roots, the tooth would require much more time and a lot more money.

Did you know your dental visit could save your life? According to the American Cancer Society, 2 to 4% of cancer diagnosed in the United States occurs in the oral cavity. Each year 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed, and approximately 8,000 deaths occur. Early diagnosis is believed to be critical to increase survival rate from this deadly disease.

It is our policy at Drs. Kowal and MacIlwaine, to provide a thorough screening for each and every one of our patient’s. Regularly scheduled professional examinations and cleanings, along with an oral cancer screening, just might save your life. Have you had an oral cancer screening lately? Please call to schedule today!