Do you often receive reminders from your dentist about upcoming visits for exams or cleanings? Do you schedule a visit or do you simply forget? Many people assume such minor procedures can be easily skipped without hurting their oral health. In reality, you need these visits to maintain a healthy and attractive smile. Why do we need checkups and cleanings?
Frequently Asked Questions About Checkups and Cleanings in Astoria, NY
Question: What happens during a checkup?
Answer: The exam is the search for any indicators of developing dental problems. The doctor will use a manual tool to look for potential trouble spots. He can then perform a digital x-ray to create a detailed picture of your oral health. This allows our team to spot the early warning signs of tooth decay, gum disease, TMJ disorder, and to screen for oral cancer.
Question: Why is a cleaning so essential?
Answer: In conjunction with a checkup we also perform a dental cleaning. Doing so involves removing the layers of plaque and tartar from your teeth. We may use a manual device or an ultrasonic scaler to accomplish this. Without a cleaning, plaque can increase oral acidity and weaken tooth enamel, increasing your chances of developing decay. In addition, the gums will also become inflamed and leave you vulnerable to the onset of gum disease.
Question: How often should I undergo these preventive procedures?
Answer: We recommend having your teeth examined and cleaned once every six months. If you have a high risk of developing periodontal disease then we may suggest cleanings once every three to four months instead to monitor the disease.
Question: Do I still need to brush and floss?
Answer: Yes. Even if you take advantage of our preventive exams we still recommend caring for your smile from home. You should brush and floss daily.
ABOUT YOUR ASTORIA DENTIST
Our Astoria, NY dentist office accepts most major insurance plans. To find out if we accept yours, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz, contact us at (718) 728-8320. We welcome patients living in and around Queens, Astoria, NYC, upstate New York, and New Jersey.
