Starting on June 9th, our office is open for regular appointments. During this month, we’ll be seeing fewer patients to ensure your safety during your appointment. We will be conducting screenings prior to appointments and our staff are wearing proper PPE for the protection of everyone. Please remember to wear a face covering when arriving for your appointment. Appointments are available for Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. You can reach us by calling 610-358-5690, texting us, or emailing to schedule, change, or cancel your appointment.
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You’ve probably heard that regular dental checkups every six months help to keep your mouth healthy and identify potential dental issues before they happen. But what happens if you experience any dental issues between those regular checkups?

If you have tooth sensitivity, new areas of swelling, or issues with a denture, you may be wondering “When should I go to the dentist?” Just like going to the doctor, sometimes it can be hard to know whether to schedule an appointment or wait it out. That’s why we’ve put together a list of things that you should be mindful of to help you know when to see the dentist.

How to Know if You Need to See a Dentist

  • You notice a new pain or sensitive area in your mouth
  • If your denture, bridge, or appliance isn’t fitting as well as it used to
  • You notice bleeding when you’re brushing or flossing
  • If you haven’t been in over 6 months
  • You aren’t sleeping like you use to or you have excessive daytime tiredness

When to Visit Dr. McCoy

You notice a new pain or sensitive area in your mouth

If at any point you experience pain or changes in your mouth such as hot and cold sensitivity, aching, or throbbing, this is an indication that you should see a dentist—especially if pain is affecting your everyday activities. Sometimes the changes in your mouth can affect your ability to eat, sleep, and talk, a sure sign that something is off and you need to see your dentist.

If your denture, bridge, or appliance isn’t fitting as well as it used to

If you have dentures, a dental bridge, or an oral appliance, you should see your dentist if it feels loose or is not fitting as well as it used to. It may be time for an adjustment to help it fit like new again. Your mouth can change over time, and your dentures or other appliances should be regularly checked to ensure they’re still fitting comfortably in your mouth.

Dr. McCoy with a female patient

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female patient getting her teeth cleaned

You notice bleeding when you’re brushing or flossing

It’s normal for your gums to bleed a little bit when you begin to establish a flossing routine. However, if the bleeding doesn’t stop after a few weeks or you notice bleeding when brushing your teeth, it may be an indication of a periodontal issue that, without treatment, can lead to bigger issues down the road such as gum disease and tooth loss.

If you haven’t been in over 6 months

In many cases, patients will think “It’s okay, I think I can wait until my next appointment to have this checked out.” Before they know it, the problem escalates and the pain is even more prevalent than before. That’s why we always recommend scheduling an appointment at the earliest sign of a potential issue.

You aren’t sleeping like you used to or you have excessive daytime tiredness

In the past, you wouldn’t think of visiting your dentist if you were experiencing any sleeping issues. However, recent research has been an eye opener for patients with many types of sleep disordered breathing such as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea has become an undiagnosed health risk for many. Thankfully, Dr. McCoy can help you get a better night’s sleep with oral appliance therapy.

Visit Dr. McCoy for Comfortable Dental Care

Don’t hesitate to call Progressive Dentistry, Sleep & Wellness if you feel anything wrong at all. Unfortunately, some patients will come to their dentist and say “Oh, I didn’t want to bother you because it’s probably nothing.” We always reassure patients that they’re not bothering us at all. We’re here to help you and our main goal is always to keep you in the best oral health possible.

Please reach out to us if you’re having dental pain of any sort. It’s much easier to treat pain early before it escalates and becomes even more painful and costly down the road.

Dr. Robert McCoy

Meet Glen Mills Sleep Apnea Specialist

Practicing in Glen Mills for over 40 years, Dr. McCoy’s unique approach to dentistry goes beyond the mouth to consider the effects of our overall wellbeing on our dental health. This includes the effects of sleep apnea on our ability to breathe and our oral health. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. McCoy will find an ideal solution to relieve your sleep apnea symptoms and protect your long-term health.

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