Barkoff Dental provides general dentistry services in Syosset, New York. Call 516-921-1133 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
General dentistry is the blanket term for the basic dental services offered by dental practices. Teeth cleanings, oral exams, fillings, root canals, and extractions are all examples of general dentistry. The primary purpose of general dentistry is preventative, to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
General dentistry services provide a variety of benefits:
We provide the following general dentistry services:
An oral examination is a visual inspection of the mouth, head, and neck, performed to detect abnormalities. Low radiation digital imaging allows for a more complete examination, helping the doctor to detect cavities, problems in existing dental restorations, gum and bone recession or other abnormal conditions within the mouth, head and neck area.
A dental cleaning, also known as an oral prophylaxis, is the removal of dental plaque and tartar (calculus) from the teeth. Specialized instruments are used to gently remove these deposits without harming the teeth. First, an ultrasonic device that emits vibrations and is cooled by water is used to loosen larger pieces of tartar. Next, hand tools are used to manually remove smaller deposits and smooth the tooth surfaces. Once all the tooth surfaces have been cleaned of tartar and plaque, the teeth are polished.
Many sports require athletes to use a mouth guard to protect their teeth while practicing and playing. Frequently used in contact sports, the mouth guard covers the gums and teeth to provide protection for lips, gums, teeth, and arches. A properly fitted mouth guard can reduce the severity of dental injuries.
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure used to treat gum disease. During the scaling process, specialized dental instruments are used to remove dental plaque and calculus from beneath the gums. Planing is the procedure used to smooth the tooth roots after the scaling process. Root planing helps the gums heal and reattach themselves to a cleaner and smoother root surface.
Root canals are most often necessary when decay has reached the nerve of the tooth or the tooth has become infected. When root canal therapy is performed, infected or inflamed pulp is removed from the tooth chamber. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned and disinfected before being filled and sealed to limit the possibility of future infection. Soon after the root canal is performed, the tooth is restored with a dental crown or filling to protect the tooth and restore normal tooth function.
Our holistic approach to dental care includes a thorough oral cancer screening as part of your regular dental exam. Like many types of cancer, oral cancer can be easily treated in its early stages, but can become life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
A tooth that can not be saved with restorative procedures may need to be removed. Before removal of the tooth, the area will be numbed with anesthesia. The tooth is loosened from the jawbone and surrounding ligaments and tissues with a gentle rocking motion. Once it is loose, it is gently removed. Stitches may be necessary after the removal of a tooth.
Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue. It is caused by plaque and calculus (hardened plaque) that form on the teeth and below the gum line. The bacteria contained in plaque can infect the gums, causing inflammation and bleeding.
The American Dental Association recommends having your teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months along with an oral exam. This time frame is generally effective for removing plaque before it hardens and causes gum disease or tooth decay.
Having an oral exam every 6 months allows your dentist to thoroughly inspect the soft tissues of your mouth, throat, jaw, and neck. If any abnormalities are found, such as warning signs of oral cancer, the necessary steps can be taken to provide further treatment if needed. Early detection greatly improves the chance of a positive outcome.
Dental insurance typically covers most general dentistry procedures, at least partially. The best way to determine what is covered by your plan is to contact your insurance provider.
Contact our office today to request your appointment!
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