1. Oral health plays a key role in our overall health. To what extent can a tooth decay or periodontitis lead to other serious health problems?
You are right, a poor state in our oral health can have a systemic effect on diseases as diverse as cardiovascular diseases (endocarditis, heart attacks, thrombosis, etc.), diabetes and pneumonia, among others; due to the proliferation in the mouth of pathogenic bacteria, which are usually maintained over time and untreated.
Also, the oral cavity may be the first window to an early diagnosis of diseases such as cancer, bulimia or immune system disorders, thanks to the lesions we can sometimes see in the mouth. That been said, a good oral health is essential to ensure a good health.
2. How often would you recommend going to the dentist annually? When should children begin to visit a dental practice?
As a general recommendation I would say at least once a year. However, there are patients at high risk of caries, with a special medical condition or with periodontal disease, who should be having a checkup every 6 months for optimal control and maintenance.
As for the children, today is very difficult to predict it, given the high incidence of decays and malformations that can be appreciated at very early ages. As a guideline, I recommend a first visit prior to school year (when they are 3 years old) and then a once a year visit to guide and correct hygiene and eating habits or to treat them if needed.
3. Recently, IMED LEVANTE Hospital has a new IMED DENTAL clinic. Could you highlight some of the services?
I could highlight many, on one hand, our dentist and staff speak several languages such as Dutch, English, French among others, what improves our communication with the patients and makes them feel safer and more comfortable. And on the other hand I would emphasize that our team is specialized in both adults and children.
We have general dentists, implantologists who use the latest technologies, techniques and the highest quality materials. We also have endodontists, orthodontists who work with such innovative techniques as Invisalign® and prestige maxillofacial physicians. All this along with the unique location of our clinic within the hospital, being able to cover all the patient's needs and to count with high-tech equipment.
4. What type of pathologies require maxillofacial surgery?
We are fortunate to have in our staff a great maxillofacial surgeon, who can perform treatments such as advanced implantology, zygomatic implants, facial traumatology, correction of dentofacial deformities, bone regenerations and/or grafts, tumors and cysts, oral surgery, salivary gland pathologies and major facial rehabilitations.
5. What are the main advantages of IMED Dental, since you are in a hospital environment?
Obviously finding ourselves in a hospital with this level is a privilege. Patients can count on great facilities, comfort (medical tests and consultations with the specialists are done in one place) and the security that other private clinics can not offer. At IMED DENTAL Benidorm, we have a multidisciplinary team that will assist the patient in his native language and on top of that we have a flexible schedule, rooms available in case of intervention and a high-tech equipment and highly-skilled staff. I really consider that IMED Hospital and IMED DENTAL clinic are leading centers in the province, so we will be happy to assist you.
6. And, finally, what advice can you give us to maintain good oral health habits?
The best advice I can give my patients is to keep having their periodic checkups (annually), in order to quickly diagnose oral pathologies and to avoid any other health damage.
It is also a scientifically proven fact that hygiene is the most important thing if we want to have a healthy mouth.
