Q&A: Dental concerns

Dr. Silvia Stambler is one of the premier dentists in South Florida. In private practice for more than 20 years, Dr. Stambler continues to be an innovator in her field employing the very latest procedures and technology in her state-of-the-art Aventura practice, located at 2925 Aventura Blvd., Ste. 309.

She has been chosen by the Consumers’ Research Council of America in Washington, D.C., as one of “America’s Top Dentists” every year since 2003. Every day, she helps her many patients achieve the smile and look of their dreams.

For more information, contact Dr. Stambler at 305.935.4800

Q: Why do i need to get a dental check up every six months, i only go to the doctor once a year?
a: Even in these tough economic times, there is no better investment than your health. Practicing good oral hygiene and seeing the dentist or hygienist regularly for teeth cleanings and check ups is the best investment for your future. It is significantly more cost-effective to catch disease in the early stages rather than later.

Q: Can’t i just go to the dentist when my teeth hurt?
a: Many people determine their need for dental attention strictly on their level of pain. Unfortunately, many dental diseases do not manifest with pain. Similar to high blood pressure, heart disease or even cancer – many oral problems are “silent.” There is a popular misconception that if it doesn’t hurt then there isn’t anything wrong. Dentists take X-rays to help diagnose cavities and root problems that are not seen by the naked eye or even felt by the patient.

Q: What is the connection between my dental health and my general health?
a: Many links exist between your oral and general health. The mouth is one of the first places diseases can be seen. Mouth infections such as periodontal disease can cause problems throughout the entire body. Another
link exists between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. Research demonstrates that plaque found in the oral cavity is the same as the plaque that builds up in the arteries. Many diseases first manifest themselves in the oral cavity, including HIV/AIDS, osteoporosis and cancer.

Q: have you seen any technological advances applied to dentistry?
a: Currently stem cell research is underway to create treatments for Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, heart disease and a host of other degenerative illnesses. Even in dentistry, we hope to be able to use stem cells to regenerate and reconstruct dentin, dental pulp and orofacial bone to save teeth and to cure and restore defective salivary glands.

Q: i don’t smoke, do i still need to get screened for oral cancer?
a: Obviously smokers are at particular risk for oral cancer, but so are alcohol users. Even moderate drinkers who consume as little as four ounces of wine a day are at increased risk. Age is also a risk factor. Even if you aren’t in the high-risk zone, you still have some risk of getting oral cancer. People who never smoke or drink may still be genetically predisposed to getting oral cancer. Recent studies connect the Human Papilloma Virus (the same family of HPV that is associated with cervical cancer) with oral cancer. Early detection can minimize or eliminate the potentially disfiguring effects of oral cancer. Most importantly, early detection literally can save your life.