Dr. Joseph Cavallo is a general dentist in Woodbridge, VA, offering a full range of dentistry services for the treatment and prevention of both common and complex dental problems.
Dr. Cavallo emphasizes the importance of both good at-home oral hygiene and routine preventive care in maintaining lifelong dental health. Preventive care visits provide the opportunity to spot developing dental problems in the early stages when conservative treatment options are more effective.
Dr. Cavallo believes that the best dentistry is a collaborative process between the dentist and the patient. He will take time to listen to your needs and goals and then develop a personalized treatment plan to help you get the smile you desire.
- Teeth Cleaning & Preventative Dental Care
- Custom Mouthguards
- Sedation Dentistry
Have You Been Screened for Oral Cancer?
April is oral cancer awareness month. Oral cancer can develop anywhere in the mouth, throat, cheeks, tongue, and gums. Although men are diagnosed at a higher rate, women can also develop oral cancer. It’s important to schedule regular preventive care visits to a trusted dentist.
Dr. Cavallo provides routine oral cancer screenings during your preventive dental care exam. Preventive dental care allows your dentist to perform detailed screenings for complex dental problems, including oral cancer. Oral cancer is often underdiagnosed or diagnosed in the later stages because patients don’t visit the dentist regularly. We encourage our patients to visit our Woodbridge dental office at least twice a year for a comprehensive exam and routine screenings. An oral cancer screening only takes a few minutes out of your visit. If oral cancer is suspected, Dr. Cavallo may recommend a biopsy to determine if you have developed oral cancer. We will work with you to coordinate the next steps in your treatment.
Oral Cancer Symptoms and Risks
Oral Cancer Symptoms:
- a sore throat
- white or red patches in the mouth
- difficulty chewing or swallowing
- pain in the ears
- a lump in the mouth or throat
- swelling or pain in the jaw
- sores or lesions in the oral cavity
Risk Factors Associated With Oral Cancer:
- age
- gender
- HPV exposure
- tobacco use
- alcohol consumption
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment today. Dr. Cavallo can work with you on ways to improve your oral health and possibly lower your risks.
What to Expect
Our examinations are completely thorough and help us to identify underlying problems that can cause functional and cosmetic dentistry concerns. A dental exam with Dr. Cavallo typically includes:
- Digital dental x-rays
- Other diagnostic dental imaging
- Screening for gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer
- Occlusal analysis and examination of temporomandibular joints (TMJ)
Advanced Dental Cleaning Technology
Dr. Cavallo uses a variety of comfortable and highly effective tools to assist in your professional dental cleaning, including the Cavitron® ultrasonic scaler. This advanced technology uses high-frequency sound waves (instead of metal scrapers and hand scalers) to clean teeth.
The Cavitron method is not only gentle and pain-free but has been proven effective in removing tartar from both above and below the gum line. We use these ultrasonic scalers for regular cleanings as well as for more advanced periodontal treatments.
Schedule a Consultation
Dr. Cavallo is currently accepting new patients! Give us a call at (703) 490-5888 or request an appointment online today. Our practice serves Woodbridge, VA, and the surrounding areas.