Be honest: When was the last time you attended a six-month checkup when your dentist recommended it? It’s easy to forget these visits, after all, we all have a very busy schedule. But as your Astoria, NY, dentist will explain, a checkup is crucial for keeping your smile bright, whole, and healthy. Find out why you should always attend these appointments!
Why Everyone Needs an Exam
Serious oral health issues often take months to develop which means that routine visits at regular intervals offers a chance to diagnose them in the earliest stages. The earlier the diagnosis, the simpler the treatment may be. This means a cavity can be treated with a simple filling, instead of waiting for an infection to develop that requires a root canal and crown. We could also identify issues like gum disease and begin to manage them before serious problems begin like tooth loss. Our exams also look for common issues like TMJ disorder, bruxism (teeth grinding), and we can screen for oral cancer.
Dental Checkups
During the checkup process, we will sit down with you and use advanced technology to take a close look at your smile. We employ digital x-trays, which use a fraction of the radiation and offer more detailed images instantly; no need to wait for development. We examine the teeth with digital intraoral cameras as well, so we can see the earliest stages of inflammation and demineralization. Once we identify these issues, we can assess the severity and create a treatment plan to correct them. We can also offer tips on better safeguarding your smile and avoiding issues that threaten smiles.
What About the Cleaning?
We also offer a thorough dental cleaning in the same visit! This means we use an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool to gently and thoroughly break up and remove all plaque and tartar buildup. This helps lower the risk of cavities and gum disease, safeguarding your smile. You’re also less likely to have bad breath and stained teeth too. For those with gingivitis and gum disease, we could offer a scaling and root planing, or deep cleaning, to remove buildup from the roots as well.
If you have any questions about how we examine and protect your smile with preventive visits, or if you would like to schedule one for you or a member of your family, then please give us a call today. We’re here to help people in Astoria enjoy optimal oral health!
Ready for Your Next Preventive Visit?
A checkup may seem minor, but this is critical for a healthy and strong smile. To learn more about how we examine and treat your smiles with preventive dentistry, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
