You should see us every six months for a checkup visit! These preventive visits are essential for keeping your smile healthy and bright. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist talks about the importance of preventive visits, and what we look for during these procedures.
When To Schedule a Visit
You should see us twice a year, so if months have passed since your last appointment, consider scheduling your first one of 2022. We recommend these for people every six months because the oral health issues that threaten a smile’s stability often take months to form. Checking in twice a year means we can regularly examine your smile and identify any areas of concern in the early stages. Treatment is then less extensive, and you avoid major discomfort.
Using Advanced Technology
The exam involves looking closely at your smile for signs of common oral health problems, such as tooth decay, dental infection, gingivitis, and gum disease. We also look for signs of TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding), and will even screen for oral cancer. For people in their early 20s, we also want to keep an eye on your wisdom teeth, extracting them before they erupt and threaten your smile. To make a diagnosis with precision and accuracy, we employ digital x-rays and intraoral camera images. These use a fraction of the radiation, and are available instantly chairside, limiting your time in the office. We also identify problems in very early stages, creating a treatment plan to preserve your smile’s function, health, and beauty.
Cleaning Your Teeth
No checkup is complete without a dental cleaning. This means that we take time to gently and thoroughly remove all plaque and tartar from your teeth with an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool. Breaking up and removing buildup helps lower the risk of cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. This also fights bad breath and helps prevent discoloration. Most people only need them every six months, but if you have high risk factors for periodontal disease then we could recommend one every three to four months. To protect your smile in between these visits, be sure you brush and floss daily, cut back on sugar and starch consumption, and also avoid tobacco products.
If you haven’t scheduled a visit lately, then give us a call to set one up at your earliest convenience. We want to help you enjoy good oral health for years to come, and that involves regular visits for exams and cleanings.
Do You Have Questions About General Dentistry?
We want to help your family enjoy good oral health with regular six-month visits. To learn more about protecting your smile with preventive visits, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
