Every six months we want to see our patients for a routine cleaning and checkup. If we brush and floss, and also eat healthy, why do we still need these visits? Even if you take excellent care of your smile from home, you still need to see us regularly for checkups and cleanings. We discussed checkups a little in our previous blog, but today we’re going to take a closer look at exams, cleanings, and scaling and root planings.
The Benefits of an Exam
When you sit down for an exam, we look at your smile using advanced technology, such as digital x-rays and intraoral cameras. The digital x-rays allow us to take detailed images of your smile using 80% less radiation. We can also show you the images instantly, no need for a lengthy development in harsh chemicals. We can then discuss our findings and walk you through the diagnostic process. The intraoral camera allows us to also take clear, digital images of your teeth and gums in minutes. These images enable the team to identify the presence of decay, gum issues (such as gingivitis and gum disease), and even the friction and wear that could indicate bruxism and TMJ disorder. We can also screen your smile for the presence of oral cancer, identifying possible cancerous and precancerous lesions. Simply put, the checkup portion helps us know what needs to be treated before your smile is at serious risk.
Dental Cleanings and Deep Cleanings
We have two different cleaning options. During our routine preventive visits, we simply perform a dental cleaning. We use either a manual device or possibly an ultrasonic scaler to remove the plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) that has accumulated on and between the teeth. The procedure only takes a few minutes and helps protect the smile. We suggest one for your routine six moth visit.
However, should you already show signs of gingivitis or the early stages of periodontal disease, we may also recommend a deep cleaning. Also known as a scaling and root planing, we remove the plaque using an ultrasonic scaling device, from the teeth and the roots. The procedure can take one visit, or several depending on the severity of your buildup. We can then reverse gingivitis and help manage gum disease.
Ready for a Preventive Visit?
At Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, we use our routine checkups and cleanings to help you maintain optimal oral health. 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.
