Using saliva testing as a diagnostic tool for detecting oral health concerns
At Patel and Dornhecker Dentistry, patients in the greater Cincinnati, Ohio area, including Fairfield, Ohio, can undergo myriad services for oral health and wellness. This includes diagnostic procedures such as saliva testing. Drs. Jesal A. Patel and Shawn Dornhecker use saliva testing as a non-invasive way of diagnosing certain oral concerns. Let’s look at what saliva testing is and how our team uses it.
What is saliva testing?
Drs. Jesal A. Patel and Shawn Dornhecker describe saliva testing as a diagnostic tool that involves analyzing a patient’s saliva for abnormalities or signs of oral disease. Saliva is the fluid naturally produced by the salivary glands in the mouth, and it contains important enzymes and proteins that aid digestion and many good and bad bacteria that can affect your health..
How commonly is saliva testing used?
Our team often utilizes saliva testing and its results to detect various oral health concerns, including periodontal disease, oral cancer, and even systemic diseases such as diabetes and Heart Disease. It can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for these conditions.
What can I expect during my saliva testing appointment?
The process typically involves collecting a sample of saliva from the patient and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. The results are then used by our team at Patel and Dornhecker Dentistry to determine the best course of action for maintaining or improving a patient’s oral health.
During your appointment, our dental professionals explain the process and answer any questions you may have. The collection of saliva is painless and non-invasive, making it a comfortable experience for most patients. We recommend avoiding eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth for 15 minutes before the appointment to ensure accurate results.
Additionally, we may ask about your medical history and any medications you are currently taking to better interpret the saliva test results. This information can also help us identify potential underlying causes of any oral health concerns.
Will my insurance cover saliva testing?
Every dental insurance plan is different, so it is best to talk to our front office team and have your dental insurance card ready so we can look into the benefits available to you. For those who do not have full coverage or dental insurance, we offer several payment plans and financing options to ensure you get the dental care you need at a price you can afford!
Who can I talk to about the potential for saliva testing during my next visit?
At Patel and Dornhecker Dentistry of Fairfield Township, Ohio, and the greater Cincinnati area, new and established patients can seek treatment for a myriad of dental issues. If you think saliva testing might be right for you, call (513) 815-3166 to request an upcoming visit to our Fairfield Township office. Alternatively, you may contact our Bridgetown office at (513) 815-3188.