121 Jericho Turnpike Mineola, NY 11501
Preventative Care That Protects Your Whole Smile
There are many ways you can play an active role in maintaining your oral health, and having your teeth professionally cleaned every six months is one of the most effective places to start. During your visit, our hygienists and dentists identify plaque, tartar and problem areas before thoroughly cleaning your teeth, giving you clear, practical information to keep your smile healthy between visits.
Routine cleanings and exams do more than keep your teeth looking good. They allow our team to catch small issues, from early decay to signs of gum disease, before they turn into larger and more costly problems. A consistent cleaning schedule is one of the most reliable ways to protect your long-term oral health. We welcome patients from Mineola, NY and nearby communities including Garden City, New Hyde Park, East Williston and Roslyn Heights for routine cleanings and exams.
Schedule Your Cleaning and Exam
Why Consistent Cleanings and Checkups Matter
Routine checkups are an essential part of proper oral hygiene. Regular teeth cleanings offer benefits that go well beyond a brighter smile:
- Healthier bones and gums, since regular cleanings remove the buildup that leads to gum disease and bone loss over time
- Longer lasting teeth, as consistent care reduces the risk of decay and the need for more invasive treatment down the road
- Early detection of oral health conditions, including signs of oral cancer and other systemic illnesses that often show up first in the mouth
- A beautiful, healthy smile that reflects the daily habits you maintain between visits
Who Should Schedule a Cleaning and Exam?
Routine cleanings and exams are recommended for nearly every patient, regardless of age or dental history. You are a good candidate for a cleaning and exam if:
- It has been six months or longer since your last professional cleaning
- You are due for a routine checkup as part of your regular preventative care schedule
- You are establishing care with a new dental practice and need a comprehensive first exam
- You want to catch potential issues, such as early decay or gum disease, before they require more extensive treatment
- You are looking for personalized guidance on brushing, flossing and other daily habits to protect your smile
Patients with a history of gum disease may require a different type of periodontal cleaning rather than a standard cleaning. Our team will always recommend the appropriate treatment based on your current oral health.
What to Expect at Your Cleaning and Exam Appointment
Cleaning appointments typically last about an hour, and new patient visits usually run a bit longer, since we take the time to get to know each patient individually and tailor treatment to your specific health needs and goals. Here is what to expect during your appointment:
1
Dental and Medical History Review
A hygienist will gather your dental and medical history so our team has a clear picture of your current health, including any conditions that could affect your dental treatment.
2
Digital X—Rays
We take digital x-rays as diagnostic material to support your comprehensive oral exam. If you have had x-rays taken within the past 12 months, you are welcome to have them sent to our office ahead of your visit.
3
Oral Screening and Teeth Exam
Our team performs an oral cancer and lesion screening to check for symptoms of cancer and other illnesses, such as heart disease and diabetes, followed by a thorough exam of your teeth for signs of decay.
4
Gum Evaluation and Teeth Cleaning
Your hygienist will evaluate your gum health, measuring periodontal pockets with a probe, then clean your teeth by identifying and removing tartar, plaque and calculus buildup.
5
Polishing
Most cleanings are completed with a prophy paste polish. Its slightly coarse texture removes any remaining plaque and dissolves into a finer texture, leaving your teeth smooth and shiny.
6
Oral Hygiene Review
We close out your visit by reviewing your brushing and flossing habits and pointing out any specific areas that need extra attention at home.
Simple Habits That Help Prevent Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic health conditions, but there are several simple steps you can take to protect your smile between visits:
- Brush twice daily and floss once a day
- Schedule cleanings and checkups twice a year
- Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks
- Ask about fluoride treatments, which help make teeth more resistant to decay
- Talk to our team about additional preventative treatments that may benefit your smile
Is a Cleaning the Same as a Deep Cleaning?
Prophylaxis, the clinical term for a routine teeth cleaning, is a single, standard procedure completed every six months for patients with healthy gums. However, some treatments that patients often refer to as a "cleaning" are actually periodontal treatments designed for different stages of gum disease:
- Full Mouth Debridement: A pre-cleaning procedure for patients with significant calculus buildup that must be addressed before a standard exam can be completed
- Scaling and Root Planing: A deeper cleaning recommended for patients in the early stages of gum disease
- Periodontal Maintenance: An ongoing cleaning schedule for patients with a history of gum disease, designed to help manage the condition long term
Our team will let you know if your gum health calls for one of these treatments instead of a standard cleaning.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Cleanings
Most dental insurance plans include coverage for routine cleanings, since preventative care is far less costly than the treatment often required when oral health issues go unaddressed. Every patient's coverage and budget is different, so we are happy to walk you through your specific situation. Before your visit, our team will help clarify any expected costs so you can make informed decisions about your care with confidence.
Keep Your Smile Healthy with Routine Care
A healthy smile starts with consistent care. Schedule your dental cleaning and exam at PM Dental Care in Mineola, NY today and take an active role in protecting your oral health for years to come.
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