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What You Should Know About Oral Cancer

October 17, 2014

78188806Oral cancer can develop in any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth, sinuses, and throat. Risk factors for developing oral cancer include excessive use of tobacco products or alcohol and the contraction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Treatment is available, but oral cancer can be deadly if not detected and treated early.  Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer with 42,000 new cases reported each year. The earlier oral cancer is detected and treated, the better the survival rate. During a routine checkup, about 10% of patients may have an abnormality discovered that should be tested for oral cancer. The dentist may take tissue for testing or send you to a specialist. Dr. Ruff performs oral cancer screenings as part the regular checkup for Fayetteville, NC patients. Oral cancer screenings are just one of the many reasons you should visit Dr. Ruff at Ascot Aesthetics regularly.

What Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?

During an oral cancer screening, the dentist examines the inside of your mouth as well as your head and neck for any unusual lumps, bumps, swelling, growths or discoloration. Common symptoms include white or red patches in your mouth or on your lips, repeated bleeding from the mouth or throat, and difficulty swallowing or persistent hoarseness. Growths or sores in the mouth that last longer than two weeks and won’t go away should be examined immediately. The leading cause of oral cancer is the HPV virus. HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers typically develop in the throat at the base of the tongue and near or on the tonsils, making them difficult to detect without regular examinations. Although HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers are often diagnosed at a later stage, people with HPV-positive cancers have a lower risk of dying or having recurrence than those with HPV-negative cancers.

Oral Cancer Detection in Fayetteville, NC

If oral cancer is detected, treatment options include a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy depending on the stage of development of the cancer. Patients treated in early stages may have little in the way of post-treatment disfigurement. However, for those whose cancer is caught at a later stage, the results of surgical removal of the disease may require reconstruction of portions of the oral cavity or facial features, adjunctive therapy required to assist in speech and chewing foods, problems associated with the lack of salivary function, as well as the fabrication of dental or facial prostheses. For all these reasons and more it’s vitally important to schedule regular dentist visits. Contact Dr. Ruff at Ascot Aesthetics today for your next appointment. Dr. Ruff proudly serves patients in Fayetteville, NC Spring Lake, and all of Cumberland County.

Cosmetic Dentistry for Fayetteville and Cumberland County

November 7, 2013

cosmetic dentistryIf you have a smile you’re ashamed to show others, Dr. Ruff and her Fayetteville dental team can help you transform what you have with cosmetic dentistry. At Ascot Aesthetic Implants & Dentistry, we offer many of today’s most popular cosmetic dentistry services. Those services include:

  • Teeth Whitening
  • Porcelain Veneers
  • Porcelain Crowns
  • Tooth-Colored Fillings
  • Aesthetic Crown Lengthening

With each one of these services, we can help patients improve the appearance of their teeth, to enjoy better confidence and even better oral health.

But which of our cosmetic dentistry services is right for you? That’s a question Dr. Ruff would be happy to answer during a consultation at Ascot Aesthetic Implants & Dentistry. With an oral exam and a conversation with you on the changes you’d like to make, we can help you understand which services will help you accomplish your goal of a more beautiful smile.

Your ideal plan may involve just one service—teeth whitening, for instance, or porcelain veneers. Other plans may involve a combination of services in what’s known as a cosmetic makeover. But regardless of how many cosmetic dentistry services you ultimately need, our Fayetteville dental team will make sure you understand all your options before you begin any procedure. We want all our patients to feel comfortable with the plan we put forward.

Call Ascot Aesthetic Implants & Dentistry if you’re ready to begin work on your smile. We’re proud to serve patients from Fayetteville, Spring Lake, and all of Cumberland County.

General and Preventive Dentistry for Fayetteville and Beyond

October 17, 2013

general dentistryDo you know how important general and preventive dental care is? So important that Dr. Angela Ruff and the rest of our Fayetteville dental team encourage you to come in twice a year for a visit. During your visits, we’ll look for tooth decay and gum disease, the two most common threats to good oral health.

Gum disease in particular is dangerous for what it can do to your overall health and wellbeing. It’s been estimated that gum disease affects close to 75% of adults over 35. What’s more, 70% of adult tooth loss can be blamed on untreated periodontal problems. But with regular care from our Fayetteville dental office, we can help you prevent and treat gum disease with a range of general dentistry services.

A more complete list of general and preventive dentistry services include:

  • Checkups
  • Cleanings
  • Dental Sealants
  • Nightguards
  • Periodontal Therapy
  • Bad Breath Therapy

During your appointment, Dr. Ruff will look for common oral health issues and recommend a specific treatment plan tailored to your needs if anything is found.

How can you keep your smile clean in between visits? By following a good oral care routine! We tell our Cumberland County patients to brush at least twice a day, floss at least once, and use a good antibacterial or fluoride mouthwash. Following these easy steps will help you enjoy better oral health year-round.

Call Ascot Aesthetic Implants and Dentistry to schedule an appointment Dr. Ruff. We’re happy to offer general dental care to patients from Fayetteville, Spring Lake, and Cumberland County.