Dental Exams & Cleanings in New York, NY

Dental Hygiene

A beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime is our ultimate goal when treating patients. Our New York office proudly offers thorough dental exams and professional cleanings to help maintain healthy teeth and gums. Scheduling routine check-ups every six months can help prevent decay, periodontal (gum) disease, infection, and even tooth loss.

hygienist performing a dental cleaning on patient

Dental Cleanings & Gum Care

At Healthy Chelsea Dentistry, professional dental cleanings include a dental exam and the following:

  • Removal of calculus (tartar) ⎼ Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
  • Removal of plaque ⎼ Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It’s a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease.
  • Teeth polishing ⎼ We’ll polish your teeth to remove stains and plaque that aren’t otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

Dental Exams

Your dentist will perform a comprehensive exam during your initial visit. At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will include the following services:

  • Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs) ⎼ These are essential for the detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
  • Oral cancer screening ⎼ Your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums will be examined for any signs of oral cancer.
  • Gum disease evaluation ⎼ We’ll review the gums and bones around your teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
  • Examination of tooth decay ⎼ All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
  • Examination of existing restorations ⎼ If you have any, we’ll check your current fillings, crowns, etc.
  • Evaluation of your bite ⎼ We’ll look for signs of small obstructions that keep your teeth from coming together correctly and the jaw from closing in its anatomically correct position
  • Evaluation of your smile ⎼ The overall appearance of your smile will be evaluated to check for any signs of abnormalities in your smile or orthopedic issues

Digital X-Rays

Digital radiography, also known as a digital x-ray, is the latest technology offered at our New York office to evaluate your teeth. They’re an essential preventative and diagnostic tool that helps us detect issues that aren’t visible during a regular dental exam.

This technique uses an electronic sensor, instead of an x-ray film, to capture and store digital images of the entire mouth. These can be instantly viewed and enlarged, allowing our dentists to detect problems easier, faster, and with less radiation exposure than traditional x-rays.

close up of an infected tooth X-ray

Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money, and unnecessary discomfort, as well as your teeth!

Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected. Dental x-rays may reveal:

  • Abscesses or cysts
  • Bone loss
  • Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
  • Decay between teeth
  • Developmental abnormalities
  • Poor tooth and root positions
  • Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line

Helpful Tips for Home Care

Your personal home care plays an important role in achieving the goal of a healthy smile. To help make it easier, Drs. Boyd and Lenhoff have put together helpful tips for effective at-home oral hygiene care.

blue outline of tooth paste and brush icon

Brushing the Right Way

It’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially before going to bed at night. We recommend using a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush, and non-abrasive toothpaste to prevent damaging your teeth.

  1. Place the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and gently brush using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums
  2. Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth
  3. Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of the front teeth
  4. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath
blue outline of floss icon

How to Floss Correctly

Flossing regularly is the best, most effective way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, but also stops plaque from building up and prevents damage to your gums, teeth, and bone.

  1. Take 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) of floss between the hands
  2. Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between your teeth using a sawing motion
  3. Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline — gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit Healthy Chelsea Dentistry Today

Maintaining a healthy smile begins at home and continues right here at Healthy Chelsea Dentistry. Schedule your appointment by calling us at (212) 206-0513 or simply filling out a contact form and we’ll get back to you soon. Our team is excited to help protect your pearly whites!

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