Comprehensive Care in One Convenient Place
At Fort Washington Dental Associates, we believe in the importance of comprehensive dental care. Your oral health is dynamic, and ongoing preventive care is the best way to keep it at its best. Our holistic approach to dental care takes your overall wellness, comfort, and confidence into account so you can enjoy a better quality of life through excellent oral health.
We understand how difficult it can be to find a dentist near you who helps you feel comfortable getting the care you need. That’s why we’ve designed our practice to provide comprehensive treatment options including advanced periodontics, oral surgery, and cosmetic dentistry in the same welcoming place where you can get routine dental care.
If you’re looking for a new dental home, advanced smile solutions, or you want to get caught up with a routine dental cleaning in Washington Heights, NYC, we’re here for you every step of the way.
How Can We Improve Your Oral Health with a Check-Up and Dental Cleaning in Washington Heights?
Preventive dentistry is all about keeping your smile looking and feeling great. While we’re proud to provide advanced treatment options for dental problems, routine dental cleanings and check-ups allow us to prevent issues from developing. Seeing your dentist regularly is the best way to protect your smile long-term.
Preventing and Detecting Problems
Scheduling regular dental exams allows our experienced dentists to identify and address potential oral health issues early on. By detecting problems such as gum disease and tooth decay in their initial stages, we can provide conservative treatments and prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.
Keeping Your Smile Beautiful and Strong
Regular dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar that can damage your oral health while brightening your smile and removing stains. With our expert hygienists, a gentle and comfortable dental cleaning in Washington Heights is a smart investment in your oral health and your confidence.
Saving You Money
We understand that it can be hard to fit regular dental visits into your budget. However, it’s important to understand that preventive dentistry will save you money in the long run. By detecting and treating dental issues as early as possible, we can minimize your treatment needs.
For example, in their early stages most cavities can be treated with a small filling. As the cavity continues to grow, it may need more expensive options like a dental crown or root canal therapy. That means preventive dentistry is a smart investment that pays dividends in the long run.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning and Check-Up Appointment
Preventive dental appointments usually include specific services based on your particular needs. These services may vary from visit to visit, or from person to person. Here is a good overview of what you can expect.
X-Rays and Images: Detecting Hidden Problems
In some cases, your appointment may start with diagnostic imaging. Routine dental X-rays provide critical information that can’t be gathered visually. These images show us cavities in their earliest stages, before they cause further damage.
We also use them to check on the bone sockets and ligaments that hold your teeth in place, giving us an accurate picture of your gum health. X-rays are also the best way to make sure there are no hidden tartar deposits under the gums. We may also take other scans or photos to show you exactly what we see so you can fully understand our recommendations.
Periodontal Charting: Measuring Your Gums
We’ll periodically measure your gums to track how well they’re attached to the roots of your teeth. We do this by inserting a tiny, specialized ruler with a rounded tip, called a periodontal probe, into the space between the tooth and gums. In healthy gums, this space is called the sulcus, and it should be shallow (about 3mm or less). Inflammation from gum disease can compromise the attachment of your gums to your teeth, causing a pocket. Periodontal pockets that are 5mm or deeper may need special care to restore their health and prevent damage from gum disease.
Your Dental Cleaning: Removing Plaque and Tartar
Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gum disease and tooth decay if left untreated. During your cleaning, our skilled dental hygienists use specialized tools and instruments to gently remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, ensuring a clean and smooth tooth surface. This process helps prevent the progression of oral diseases and maintains the health of your gums and teeth. They’ll also remove stains and polish your teeth, giving your smile a bright refresh.
Dental Exam: A Comprehensive Assessment
During your check-up appointment, our dentist will conduct a thorough dental exam. This includes visually examining your teeth, gums, and diagnostic images for signs of cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues. We’ll discuss your concerns and review anything your hygienist noticed during your dental cleaning.
Routine dental check-ups are the best way to prevent serious oral health issues by giving us an opportunity to diagnose developing issues as early as possible, before they cause pain or serious damage.
Oral Cancer Screening: Early Detection Is Key
Oral cancer is a severe condition that can have devastating consequences if not detected early. As part of our commitment to comprehensive care, our dental professionals will perform an oral cancer screening during your exam. This involves carefully examining your neck, lips, tongue, gums, and the inside of your mouth for any signs of abnormality or potential cancerous lesions.
Fluoride Application: Enhanced Protection and Polished Smile
The final step of your dental cleaning is a mineral supplement called fluoride. This treatment acts as an additional layer of protection against cavities by strengthening your tooth enamel. Fluoride also gives your teeth a beautifully polished appearance, leaving you with a radiant and healthy smile.
Protect Your Smile with a Preventive Dental Cleaning in Washington Heights!
At Fort Washington Dental Associates, we prioritize comprehensive dental care to ensure your oral health is at its best. By scheduling regular dental exams and cleanings, you can benefit from early detection and prevention of oral health issues and maintain your dental health. Our dedicated team is committed to providing thorough dental exams, oral cancer screenings, and dental cleanings in Washington Heights, NYC, all aimed at keeping your smile healthy and beautiful. Take the first step towards improving your oral health by scheduling your appointment with us today!
