Dental Check-Up on Long Island

• Fill Out Necessary Forms

When you arrive for your routine dental exam and cleaning, you will be asked to complete an updated health history form that documents any allergies (including latex allergies) and health problems you have experienced. Before the dental check up procedure begins, you will also be asked about any medications you are currently taking and any concerns you may have about your oral health.

• X-Rays and Teeth Cleaning

When it’s time for your checkup, the dental hygienist will examine your teeth and gums, and answer any questions you might have about your daily dental care. X-rays may be taken, depending on how long it has been since your last X-ray and whether the dental hygienist saw worrisome areas.

He or she will assess your general oral health by looking at your gums and teeth. Any missing teeth, gum pockets, or areas of decay will be documented for the dentist to review. The dental hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth to remove plaque and the tartar (hardened plaque) that can only be removed with professional cleaning. Typically, professional cleanings are done with a series of handheld dental scalers. For deeper cleanings, ultrasonic scalers may be used to clean underneath the gum line. A professional cleaning may also include flossing the teeth.

• Polish and Fluoride Treatment

A hygienist will polish the teeth to remove surface stains that may be present. Polishing is generally done by applying an abrasive substance to the teeth with a rotating, rubber-tipped dental brush. Sometimes, air polishing may also be available. If recommended by the dentist, the hygienist may also administer a professional fluoride treatment at the conclusion of the dental check up procedure. This involves applying a highly concentrated fluoride solution to the teeth, and it can provide additional protection against decay for high-risk patients.

• Dental Check-Up Exam

Dr. Brayman will perform a thorough exam of your entire mouth. You already know she’ll probe your teeth and gums, but you may not realize that she also looks at the health of your mouth, including the tongue, inside of the cheeks, and the roof of the mouth. She checks for evidence of tooth grinding or problems with the temporomandibular joint or also known as TMJ disorder. She’ll also look for signs of oral cancer, as well as signs of systemic disease that show up in the mouth.

If any issues are discovered, the dentist will make treatment recommendations. These might include returning for more frequent professional cleanings, returning for a filling or other restorative work, or referring you to another dental specialist for a more advanced dental check up.

• Questions for the Dentist

After the dental check up procedure has finished, both the dentist and dental hygienist can answer any questions you may have about how to properly care for your mouth at home. They may recommend specific toothbrushes, toothpastes, or mouthwashes. If needed, the dentist may give you prescriptions for higher-strength toothpastes or mouthwashes that are specially designed to reduce the risk of gum disease and decay.