Routine visits help your smile stay healthy, allowing you to often avoid the onset of common oral health issues. In order to help our patients enjoy healthy smiles in Astoria, NY, we suggest scheduling a routine visit twice a year. What makes a simple exam and cleaning so vital for maintaining bright and healthy smiles? What happens during these routine visits?
Checkups
The checkup portion involves the dentist carefully examining your smile. Using advanced technology, such as intraoral cameras and digital x-rays, the dentist obtains a clear and detailed picture of your overall oral health. We look at the teeth, gums, and oral tissues for tell-tale signs of developing problems, such as cavities, gum inflammation, wear and friction on the teeth, or even the warning signs of oral cancer. We also look for indicators of TMJ disorder and bruxism. A routine visit allows us to monitor your smile and address any problem areas before they require intensive treatment and cause discomfort.
Dental Cleanings
After we examine your smile, we will move on to the cleaning portion. Employing an ultrasonic scaler or possibly a manual tool, the dentist or the hygienist will remove all the plaque and tartar from your teeth. Caused by bacteria, plaque is a sticky buildup that weakens tooth enamel and inflames gum tissues. Removing the buildup helps reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. The procedure takes only a few minutes and we follow it with a thorough polishing, leaving your teeth bright and clean. You will also leave the office with fresher breath. Patients of all ages benefit from routine cleaning visits, even if they brush and floss from home!
Signs of Trouble
For your routine visits, we suggest seeing us every six months. If you have high risk factors for periodontal disease, then we may suggest one every three or four months. But what if you experience discomfort in between these visits? You should always let us know if you encounter persistent tooth sensitivity or a toothache that doesn’t subside with time. Remember, the earlier we identify and treat these problems, the better. Also, don’t forget that in between having your teeth cleaned, you also need to take proper care of your smile at home. Always remember to brush your teeth twice daily with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Each session should last no less than two minutes! We also urge patients to floss daily before going to bed, which removes the food particles a toothbrush alone cannot.
Ready for an Appointment?
We want to help you enjoy healthier smiles, so please give us a call to set up an exam and cleaning! For more information, schedule a consultation with us by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
