Preventive Dentistry – Staten Island, NY
Helping You Maintain
a Healthy and Radiant Smile
At NU Dental Staten Island, Dr. G does everything he can to help you experience a healthy, attractive smile. Once you see the difference between a healthy smile and one filled with dental problems, you’ll love coming to us for care! If you have not yet completed a checkup in the past six months, please give our dental office a call. With regular prevention, you can protect your teeth and gums and most if not all common oral health concerns. Once you schedule regular visits with us for preventive dentistry in Staten Island, NY, you’ll realize just how easy it is to maintain a bright, healthy smile for life.
Why Choose NU Dental Staten Island for Preventive Dentistry?
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Highly Trained Team Dedicated
to Exceptional Care -
Multiple Sedation Options
to Help You Stay at Ease -
Dental Office Hours Available in the
Evening and On Saturdays
Dental Checkups & Cleanings
The standard recommendation is that everyone attends two cleanings and checkups each year. These appointments are vital for many reasons. For example, they allow your dentist to identify oral health problems while they are still in their early stages and relatively simple to treat. They also help you maintain a fresh and clean mouth. If it has been more than six months since your last routine preventive appointment, we encourage you to schedule one right away!
Why Are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?
Dental cleanings and checkups are important for several reasons:
- Early detection of oral health problems. Teeth do not heal on their own, so oral health problems only get worse over time. Catching them early on can spare you from pain and help you save money on restorative care.
- Remove plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky biofilm that forms on teeth when you eat. It is fairly easy to remove with a toothbrush. However, if you miss a spot, the plaque will harden into tartar, which is impossible to remove with at-home oral hygiene tools. A professional must do that.
- Learn about your oral health. As your dentist in Staten Island, we strive to educate our patients with the goal of empowering them to take the best possible care of their smiles.
- Protect your overall health. Oral health is closely linked to overall health. Protecting your teeth and gums may reduce your risk of heart disease and other serious conditions.
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup
During a dental checkup, we may start by capturing some X-Rays in order to understand what is happening beneath your gumline. We will also use special instruments, such as a dental probe, to look for signs of cavities. Additionally, we will examine your gums to check for indications of recession and gum disease. To help us ensure that your checkup is as thorough as possible, we use advanced technology, including a bioluminescence cavity detection system and an intraoral camera.
If your checkup reveals any oral health issues that require treatment, we will recommend your next steps and schedule you for future treatment.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
During the cleaning portion of your appointment, a hygienist will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. They will also floss your teeth and give them a good polish to remove surface stains. In some cases, we recommend a topical fluoride treatment to fortify tooth enamel and reduce the risk of cavities. If you have braces or dental implants, your appointment may involve additional steps to ensure that no areas of your mouth get missed during your cleaning.
Feel free to ask your hygienist any questions you have about at-home oral care. Our team is highly knowledgeable and always ready to share their expertise!
Children’s Dentistry
Regardless of how young your children may be, they likely have teeth already erupting. The moment teeth appear, they become susceptible to cavities. Thankfully, regular cleanings and checkups are available at our dental office, no matter how young your child is. We understand if they feel a bit anxious about completing appointments, which is why we always take the necessary steps to meet their specific needs within reason, ensuring they feel right at home. If you are concerned about your child’s dental development, we’re ready to offer guidance and answer your questions.
Fluoride Treatment
If you’re wondering why most toothpaste brands and public drinking water sources contain fluoride, it’s because this naturally-occurring mineral works to strengthen your teeth and protect them from cavities. Not getting enough fluoride on a regular basis? Your regular checkup is more likely to include professional fluoride therapy. This involves applying a highly concentrated fluoride directly to your teeth, either in the form of a gel, varnish, foam, or rinse, and allowing your enamel to absorb it slowly over time. While this treatment is quick and painless, you need to avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes in order for the enamel to effectively absorb the fluoride.
Oral Cancer Screening
When caught in the earliest stages, oral cancer can be easily removed and cured. This is actually true for many forms of cancer, which is why we always perform an oral cancer screening during your routine exam. We visually scan the inside of your mouth and confirm the presence of any discolored patches, unusual lumps, and sores that have not healed in a long time. Additionally, we will likely examine your throat and neck for troublesome symptoms. If we believe it to be necessary, we’ll partner you with a local physician so a biopsy can be performed.
Nightguards for Grinding/TMJ
Do you share a bed with someone that complains about your constant teeth grinding and clenching while you sleep? The bad news is the sound it makes is far from your biggest concern. When you grind your teeth, your enamel begins to break down. This can also lead to TMJ disorder, which can cause a high amount of discomfort. By wearing a nightguard, you can avoid further damage to your teeth and jaw joints. While stores often sell nightguards, the ones our dental office designs with our digital impression technology ensures the best-fitting appliance possible.