If you’ve been scheduling your six-month dental checkups with us consistently over the year, then you deserve a pat on the back. Your in-office preventive care is just as important as your daily dental hygiene when it comes to promoting a healthy, beautiful smile that stays that way. However, while you may be a wonderful, committed patient, that doesn’t mean you know much about what it is we’re doing during your exam. If you’re curious about the details, we are more than happy to shed some light on what we look for as we monitor your oral health.
Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
As plaque accumulates on your teeth, the acids that its bacteria release slowly break down your tooth enamel (outermost tissue layer) and can irritate your gum tissue. With consistent preventive care, including brushing, flossing, and cleanings, you can typically avoid these concerns. During your dental checkup, we can provide early detection of cavities and gingivitis, so we may provide effective treatment to prevent serious damage.
Signs of Bruxism or TMJ Disorder
Beyond our initial visual exam, we will speak with you about your daily comfort. We will also take digital X-rays for a closer look at what’s happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums and to check up on your supportive structures. We are looking for signs of bruxism (teeth grinding) and TMJ disorder (problems with your jaw joint health). Fortunately, if we detect concerns, we may offer preventive treatment to protect you from long-term side effects, while offering immediate alleviation of discomfort.
Oral Cancer
We will screen you for oral cancer during every dental checkup. This destructive disease, when caught early, is something we may immediately and more successfully treat. Discovering and treating oral cancer the moment it begins to develop greatly increases your chance of a full recovery.
ABOUT YOUR ASTORIA, NY, DENTIST:
Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, a native New Yorker, has welcomed patients and families from in and around Astoria, NY (including Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities) since opening his dental practice in 1991. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leibowitz, call our office in Astoria today at 718-728-8320.
