We offer a wide array of dental treatments designed to help our patients maintain healthy smiles, such as restorative dentistry and cosmetic treatments. However, with preventive dentistry we take steps to help patients avoid the onset of common oral health problems, addressing issues like decay or gingivitis before they even develop.
Checkups and Cleanings
A major part of prevention is seeing the dentist every few months for a checkup and cleaning. The checkup involves using advanced technology, such as digital x-rays, to carefully examine the teeth, gums, and jaw for signs of potential problems, such as tooth decay, gingivitis, gum disease, TMJ disorder, and bruxism. If caught early, we can address these problems before they damage your smile. A cleaning involves removing the plaque and tartar from the teeth with an ultrasonic scaler. Doing so prevents the plaque from weakening tooth enamel and inflaming gum tissue, thereby protecting your smile from decay and periodontal disease.
Oral Cancer Screenings
As part of our routine preventive visits, we will also perform an oral cancer screening. Oral cancer has a shockingly high mortality rate, with over half of those diagnosed succumbing to the disease within just five years, However, this is mainly due to the fact that the disease is rarely uncovered in the early stages. But a routine checkup will allow us to regularly examine your smile and screen for oral cancer.
Checking for TMD and Bruxism
We briefly mentioned these above. But without treatment, TMJ disorder can lead to headaches, jaw pain, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth. Bruxism, in which patients grind their teeth nightly, can damage the teeth and lead to a greater risk of decay and infection. However, with a checkup can we watch for the early indicators of these issues and treat them before you experience the more serious complications they pose.
Do You Have Questions About Preventive Dentistry?
At Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, we can take steps to help you maintain optimal oral health and a beautiful smile. We’ve proudly served our patients in Astoria, NY (including Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities) since 1991. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leibowitz, call our office in Astoria today at 718-728-8320.
