As people age, prioritizing oral hygiene and regular dental checkups become even more important to overall health due to its impact on the body outside of just the gums, teeth and mouth. Research continues to discover and confirm there are correlations between periodontal or gum disease and hypertension, the ability to control diabetes, as well as an increased risk of stroke which can be linked to oral bacteria.
“If we’re concerned about a patient’s diabetic control, we’ll take their blood sugar that day. We also take blood pressure at every appointment and can always refer them to a primary care physician if there are any concerns,” says Stephanie Dennison, DDS, a clinical instructor at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD).
She adds that regular dental care can also ease financial concerns and ensure early intervention for more complex conditions. “If we catch a cavity early on, it can prevent major issues in the future trying to restore your dental health as well as avoid and/or ensure timely treatment for other systemic issues within the body before they become serious.”
In addition to maintaining your overall health, Sami Abu-Alhuda, DDS, MS, clinical instructor at UMSOD, notes that procedures such as replacing or repairing a damaged tooth can also boost mental health. “I’ve seen so many people in their early to late 60s and beyond that tell me after we replaced a missing front tooth, their lives feel so much better. They are happy, going out more with their friends, and traveling to see their grandkids,” he says.
When it comes to choosing a health care provider, you want someone who is knowledgeable, well trained, and has access to top-of-the-line technology, and this includes for your dental care. At the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, patients can benefit from these important care features typically at a lower cost than seeing a dentist at a private practice.
“As the first dental college in the world, and the only academic dental school and academic dental practice in the state, we are uniquely equipped with the latest and greatest in terms of technology, the newest treatment options, and innovative clinical research to help us determine the best care plan for each person,” says Abu-Alhuda. He adds that the school has recently focused on digital dentistry, which is more accurate and a time-saver for patients.
“Additionally, we have interoral scanners, which is a camera that goes inside the patient’s mouth, takes a video and converts it into a 3D model instead of using the old-school impression technique, which could be extremely difficult for people who have Parkinson’s and those with a strong gag reflex,” he says. “And, if a crown is needed, we can simply have the patient come in, prep the tooth, scan and deliver the crown the same day.”
In addition to the faculty dental practice at UMSOD, patients can be seen in the student clinic under the supervision of faculty dentists for care at a significantly reduced cost both in Downtown Baltimore and in Rockville at the school’s Shady Grove location.
“Every decision made, every step of a procedure, is all approved and checked by a minimum of one faculty member,” says Dennison. “Our primary motivation is providing optimal education for the student and care for the patient. I have heard feedback from many patients that say, ‘You guys are so incredibly thorough, and I really have a lot of trust in the care you’re providing because there’s so much oversight’.”
It is commonly recommended that patients be seen by a dental provider twice a year for teeth cleaning and an oral cancer screening. However, that may vary based on individual oral health needs, habits, and general wellness.
In search of a new dental home? Schedule a new patient appointment at UMSOD in Downtown Baltimore by calling 410-706-7101 or 240-665-6700 for the Rockville location.
—Provided by University of Maryland School of Dentistry
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