What is a dental exam?
During your Greenpoint, Brooklyn dental exam, we use a visual tooth and gum examination, photographs, and x-rays to look for any signs that indicate your gums or teeth aren’t healthy. Your dental exam will also include an oral cancer screening.
Types of dental cleanings
There are two types of dental cleanings: a basic dental cleaning and a deep dental cleaning. If you are new to our practice, you will receive a gum examination at your first visit to determine your overall gum health and help us tailor your cleaning to your specific gum health needs.
Basic dental cleanings (prophylaxis)
Most patients need a basic dental cleaning every six months. However, if you have risk factors for certain gum conditions, like diabetes or tobacco use, you may need more frequent cleanings. Your basic dental cleaning starts with an inspection of your teeth and gums. Then, we use a dental scaler to remove tartar located above the gums from your teeth. After we remove all the tartar, we use tooth polishers to polish your teeth’s enamel and give you a brighter, cleaner smile.
Deep dental cleanings (scaling and root planing, gum maintenance)
Deep dental cleanings are recommended for patients with gum disease or patients who haven’t had a Greenpoint, Brooklyn dental exam in more than a few years. A deep dental cleaning uses a device that vibrates plaque and tartar away with water and antibacterial mouthwash; we then use a curette (a dental scaler with a finer blade) to get rid of any additional build-up.
The difference between basic and deep dental cleanings
Basic dental cleanings focus on removing plaque on the teeth and above the gum line, while deep dental cleanings remove tartar and bacteria from below the gum line on the roots of your teeth. We complete a basic dental cleaning over a single appointment, while a deep dental cleaning is completed over two to four appointments. To make your deep dental cleanings comfortable, we often use a topical or local anesthetic.
How do dental exams improve your oral health?
It’s easier, less expensive, and less time-consuming to treat dental problems while they’re still minor issues. You also decrease the chances of a dental condition causing severe or long-term damage to your oral and overall health.
For example, a dental cleaning can remove plaque and bacteria before they cause a cavity. A small cavity is less complicated to treat than a large cavity that’s potentially spread to your tooth’s sensitive pulp. Unchecked tooth decay can permanently alter your tooth’s structure and functionality; it can even cause an infection that can affect your other teeth.
Dental cleanings are also essential for gum health, which is closely related to your overall health. Bacteria that cause gum disease can create inflammation throughout your body which can contribute to heart disease, diabetes, and dementia.
What are the benefits of a dental exam and dental cleaning?
Greenpoint, Brooklyn dental exams and dental cleanings have multiple benefits:
An exam can detect other health issues
During your dental exam in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, we’ll examine your mouth for dental conditions as well as other health concerns, like early symptoms of oral cancer or jaw abnormalities.
We can help you improve your oral hygiene
If you’re consistently brushing and flossing but still experience a lot of tooth decay, we can assist you with revamping your techniques so that you’re removing more plaque from your teeth.
A dental exam and cleaning keep your smile looking its best
A dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar from your teeth, which can contribute to unsightly tooth discoloration and decay that can lead to tooth loss.
Dental Exam
Dental exams are a preventative dental treatment that aim to detect dental problems while they’re still in their early stages so they can be treated promptly and conservatively before you have any pain.
Other related treatments.
Our preventive dental treatments are designed to maintain and improve your overall health.
Our philosophy for dentistry is simple and straightforward. We aim to provide care that is in your best interest. This means we are transparent and non judgemental, kind and empathetic. We have multiple specialists in house as we feel that this is the best way to provide comprehensive care to our patients.
Our office is relaxing and spa-like because let's face it, no one loves going to the dentist. We're trying to change that by providing a soothing environment for oral care.
Dr. Vicky Athanasiou
Founder, General Dentist
Dr. Vicky
