It's Our Way of Welcoming You To Our Family
We welcome you to our family by giving you a special offer. The New Patient Special includes a Complete Exam, Cleaning from our specialist, Full Series Digital X-Rays, Oral Cancer Evaluation, and a Professional Consultation, all for $79.00 (regular price $212, and if there is no gum disease).
Importance of Regular Exams
We recommend a check-up every six months so we can identify and prevent a variety of oral health problems.
Steps in a Complete Exam
Each visit will be diff erent based on your situation, but generally, check-ups include several steps. We start by reviewing your concerns, dental chart, and medical history so we can determine the most appropriate care for you.
The check-up also includes cleaning your teeth. This enables us to clearly see the condition of your teeth and gums and to remove the plaque, tartar and bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. If needed, we polish your teeth to smooth their surfaces and to remove light stains.
A regular check-up includes a careful visual exam of your mouth. We check for decay on the biting surfaces of teeth, signs of wear, cracks, or other problems with restorations such as fillings and crowns, as well as any abnormal loss of tooth structure.
In addition, we check the color and contours of your gums. Red, swollen gums are often signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease. We use a periodontal probe to check the depth of the spaces between your teeth and gums. Readings deeper than 3 millimeters often indicate periodontal disease.
We also diagnose any sores or lesions on the soft tissues of your mouth, screening them for signs of oral cancer.
Other conditions cannot be easily seen, so we often take x-rays. X-rays show us decay between and inside the teeth and tartar on the teeth and tooth roots. X-rays also show us signs of periodontal disease, such as the loss of bone around the teeth. In addition, x-rays allow us to see cysts, abscesses, and other problems.
We may also examine your jaw joint to help diagnose problems with your bite or TMJ. Sometimes check-ups include additional treatments based on your individual situation.
We review your homecare routine and give you advice on a good diet for maintaining good oral health and a beautiful smile. Regular check-ups are important because neglecting dental conditions can lead to much more serious problems, such as—
- Infected teeth.
- Tooth loss and shifting teeth.
- Receding gums.
- Loss of bone in the jaw.
- Painful jaw joints.
With regular exams, we can detect problems early and help you maintain your oral and overall health.
Digital Full Series X-Rays
A full series of x-rays is the first step in a thorough dental examination because it gives us a full view of your mouth.
A full series is important because the x-rays give us vital information that we cannot get from any other source.
Benefits of a full series of X-rays
We use a full series of x-rays to find a variety of oral conditions throughout your mouth, including: Digital x-ray sensor
- Cavities between the teeth.
- Tartar on the tooth roots.
- Worn-out or broken fillings or crowns.
- Receding bone levels resulting from periodontal disease.
- Abscesses.
Procedure for taking a full series of digital X-rays
First, we cover you with a lead apron to protect your body while we take x-rays of your mouth. Then we place the x-ray sensor inside your mouth so that it lines up properly to get x-ray images of your teeth.
We repeat this process by moving the sensor to 18 or 19 specific locations to thoroughly evaluate your entire mouth.
Safety of a full series of digital X-rays
Digital x-ray sensors are quite sensitive, so the amount of radiation exposure is very low. In fact, compared to conventional x-rays, digital x-ray systems can reduce the amount of radiation up to 80 percent.
Cleaning (Prophylaxis)
We recommend that you get a routine dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of food and bacteria that forms constantly on your teeth.
A routine dental cleaning is often called prophylaxis or “prophy.”
The Importance of Prophylaxis
Even when you brush and fl oss properly every day, some plaque remains on your teeth and hardens to become tartar. Tartar can be removed eff ectively only with a professional cleaning.
It is important to remove plaque and tartar because they are the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease.
The Procedure
To clean your teeth, we use a variety of instruments to carefully remove all the plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. These instruments may include hand scalers, an ultrasonic scaler, and dental floss, superfloss, or other flossing aids.
We may also use polishing instruments to remove stains from your teeth.
We will carefully review your homecare routine as well. With regular dental cleanings, we can help you maintain a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile.
Oral Cancer Evaluation
Life Saving Measures
We perform a thorough oral cancer exam during your checkups because early detection can save your life.
The Signs of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the mouth and throat. Some of the warning signs are:
- A red, white, or discolored patch or lump in or around your mouth.
- A sore that bleeds easily or that does not heal within 2 weeks.
- An area that has thickened, raised, or become hardened.
- A rough patch of tissue.
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing.
- A chronic sore throat or hoarseness.
Oral Cancer Exam
During the exam, we feel for lumps or abnormal tissue changes on your neck and inside your mouth.
We thoroughly examine the soft tissues in your mouth, especially the most frequent oral cancer sites:
- Your tongue.
- The floor of your mouth.
- Your soft palate.
- Your lips.
- Your gums.
We may also do additional testing or use specialized equipment to identify any suspicious areas, particularly if you’re at higher risk, such as adults over 40, anyone who uses tobacco, especially those who also drink alcohol excessively, or people who have had oral contact with the human papilloma virus.
Lifestyle Changes
Some lifestyle changes can minimize your chances of developing oral cancer changes including—
- Do not smoke or use smokeless tobacco.
- Avoid excessive us of alcohol.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables each day.
With regular exams and healthy lifestyle, you can better maintain your oral and overall health.
Call Now To Schedule an Appointment!
Get checked today to make sure you have a very healthy tomorrow. Call us at 718.565.6740 or use our Contact Form.