SDNY Blog

Regularly scheduled visits to Specialized Dentistry of New York’s skilled and dedicated New York State-licensed dental hygienists for a thorough checkup, teeth cleaning and cosmetic dentistry maintenance include “detect and protect” measures that can be critical for both your oral and overall health:

As part of a routine oral cancer screening, our hygienists use the VELscope to detect soft tissue abnormalities which could be symptoms of oral cancer. They also examine for oral signs of other serious illnesses, which patients may not be aware of, including heart disease, leukemia, and diabetes. Lives can be saved when warning signs are detected during routine periodic oral examinations.

Using state-of-the art laser cavity detection equipment, they search for signs of early tooth decay that the eye cannot spot and the old-fashioned “pick” cannot reliably diagnose.  They examine for oral health problems, including gum disease, that can be treated before they become more serious and more difficult to treat.

They remove hard and soft deposits (calculus and plaque) both below and above the gum line. These deposits contain bacteria that cause gum disease and can lead to tooth loss — and they have been implicated as possible contributors to heart disease and other systemic disorders. They also polish teeth and apply cavity-preventative agents, including fluorides.

While poor oral health can have a negative impact on both appearance and self-esteem, most problems can be effectively treated by cosmetic dentistry.

Our hygienists also play an important role in cosmetic dentistry by helping patients avoid the unhealthy and unsightly puffy, red gums that result from plaque and debris left at the gum line. They remove the extremely visible and unattractive stains and discoloration left by smoking, coffee, red wine and other foods and drinks. Our hygienists are fully trained and qualified to perform in-office whitening that can lighten the shade of the teeth, rejuvenating the smile in one simple, short and painless session.

By teaching and reinforcing the techniques of superior oral hygiene, including proper brushing and flossing, they help prevent problems — and they protect the perfect smile our New York City cosmetic dentist has given their patient.

Research shows that patients who visit their dental hygienist on a regularly scheduled basis are more likely to have healthier bone and gums – and to keep their teeth much longer.

The New York Times recently ran a front-page article on diagnostic imaging in the dental office. It focused on cone-beam CT scanners, which, the Times noted, provide “brilliant 3-D images of teeth, roots, jaw and even skull” and is, “its promoters say, a safe way for orthodontists and oral surgeons to work with more precision and to identify problems that might otherwise go unnoticed.”

The article also presented conflicting viewpoints on the amount of radiation the equipment emits (more than conventional methods), and the possible risks to patients. As the Times put it, “Cone-beam CT scans can help dentists deal with complex cases involving implants, impacted teeth and other serious problems. But many experts in dental radiation have raised alarms about what they see as their indiscriminate use.”

Cone-beam scanning is critical to the proper diagnosis, planning and treatment of patients requiring dental implants. Conventional radiographs are two-dimensional and cannot adequately show the anatomic “danger zones” that we must avoid during our New York City dental implant surgery. Due to the selective and appropriate use of this technology, dental implant surgery is now safer than ever. Additionally, this technology is often indispensable in detecting, diagnosing and treating oral and systemic diseases that may not be evident in a visual or conventional radiographic examination. These include, among others, sinus infections, vascular abnormalities and certain tumors.

Specialized Dentistry of New York fully agrees with the American Dental Association’s position that “dentists should apply the ALARA principle (As Low as Reasonably Achievable) to reduce radiation exposure to their patients by determining the need for  — and type of — radiographs to take; using ‘best practices’ during imaging, including the application of  quality control procedures; and interpreting the images completely and accurately.”

Additionally, we will always explain the reason for a scan and always ask for our patient’s approval prior to taking one.