While most individuals are already familiar with the simplicity of a standard dental checkup, they still postpone a cleaning or examination believing that it isn’t very important. Well, they would be wrong. In order to maintain overall oral health and hygiene, your dentist needs to look for any changes/concerns within an individual’s mouth, signs of decay, sensitive gums, developmental problems, oral cancers, and/or other diseases. Good oral hygiene is important not only for your smile, but for your overall health as well. Gum infections and periodontal disease is related to heart disease, stroke and preterm and/or low birth weight. Regular professional dental teeth cleaning and dental exams can keep you healthier and looking better.
Medical History
Many people do not think to mention everything about their current health status. However, there are many ailments that have a negative impact on your mouth and teeth. Providing accurate information regarding medications, dosages and other interactions will help to assess certain conditions, avoid further or potential damage and help to control your best possible health and smile!
Dental Cleanings
Dental plaque and dental tartar are tough to beat — even if you brush and floss regularly. That’s why your twice yearly dental cleaning is one of the most important parts of your dental care regimen.
Dental Exams & Dental Checkups
The recipe for a healthy smile: brush, floss and regular dental exams. Even if it seems like you can’t afford it, there are many ways to make exams and checkups affordable.
Low-Charge Evaluation
An informed dental patient is a happy one. With a low-charge evaluation, you can explore your options and get the information you need to make educated decisions.
Prevention
A precise dental examination and/or cleaning are also important for prevention purposes. Instructions are often provided by your expert specialist on correct home-based oral care as a result of the assessment. Basic methods on how to properly brush and effectively floss will be demonstrated.
Why Having Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned Regularly Is Important:
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Gum disease prevention.
Gum disease is infection of tissues surrounding your teeth, and one of the major causes of bone loss if left untreated. Regular dental cleanings and good home care are main factors in preventing gum disease as well as clean fresh breath.
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Early Oral Cancer Detection
Early diagnosis of oral cancer is very important in improving of the prognosis of cancer. When you have dental cleanings, you are also screened for oral cancer.
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Create a beautiful, healthy smile
Beauty. Satisfaction. Confidence. When you take the initiative to perfect your smile, your social life improves, as well as potential career opportunities.
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Maintaining positive oral health
Consistency, routine, and comparisons of previous results, all will keep you guided on the right track to ultimate oral health. The early stages of problems which may be detected will lead to less expensive options for treatment and a better prognosis.
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Establishing good overall health
There is a direct correlation between poor oral health and chronic inflammatory diseases such as: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other problems such as: stroke, premature and low birth weight. Research and expert experience both backs up this claim. Regular dental cleanings will help to keep you teeth and gums healthy, which will also help with management of these other problems.
The Different Types of Dental Exams
At your initial visit, your dentist will perform a comprehensive dental exam. Your regular checkup exams, will include the following:
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Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs):
These are essential for the detection of tumors, decay, bone loss, and cysts. X-rays may also help to determine both tooth and root positions.
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Oral cancer screening:
This checks the neck, throat, face, lips, gums, and tongue for any signs of oral cancer.
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Gum disease evaluation:
This checks the bone around the teeth as well as the gums for any signs of periodontal disease.
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Examination of tooth decay:
With the use of special dental instruments, this checks all tooth surfaces for decay.
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Examination of existing restorations:
This is the evaluation of current fillings, crowns, etc.
What is a Professional Dental Cleaning?
A professional dental cleaning, or dental prophylaxis, is usually performed by a registered dental hygienist. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:
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Removal of calculus (tartar):
Calculus is plaque on the tooth that hardens after a period of time and attaches to the tooth surface. With the use of special dental instruments, calculus may be removed from above and below the gum line. Brushing and flossing at home removes plaque. Only authoritative dental instruments can remove calculus.
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Removal of plaque:
Plaque is a sticky, nearly invisible, film that forms on the teeth. It is a combination of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce a toxin, or poison, which when released inflame the gums. The inflammation that results from plaque is the start of periodontal disease.
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Teeth polishing:
Removal of all stains and plaque is not always complete during the brushing and scaling process. After the calculus is removed, the visible crowns of your teeth may be polished to remove any other stubborn plaque and surface stains. Traditionally, but not affirmatively, an abrasive substance may be applied to the teeth with a small rotating rubber cup or brush. This helps to scrub away excess stains. The polishing substance will feel gritty in your mouth. You will be given chances to rinse and leave feeling refreshed!
Treatment recommendations:
If your dentist finds any problems, he or she will suggest a customized treatment plan and your best available options to solve the issue. Oftentimes, this may include a referral to a specialist (such as a periodontist or orthodontist). You also may need further tests for diagnosis. You may have to return to the dentist for a filling or more intensive periodontal treatment.
To setup your dental exam and dental cleaning in NYC, please contact us at 212-486-6211 or online through our ZocDoc and one of our patient advisors will get back to you with more details.