Keep your smile healthy and attractive with regular check-up and dental cleanings.

Fairport, Pittsford and Rochester, NY

Pittsford Smiles Dental offers comprehensive general dental care services. General dentistry is preventative in nature, meaning that we try to keep problems, such as cavities, from ever developing in the first place. Dr. Ricardo and the Pittsford Smiles Dental team use the latest dental technology and treatment options to help you maintain optimal oral and overall health.

Our practice is based on a proactive total health model. At Pittsford Smiles Dental, you will receive comprehensive, thorough and compassionate treatment. We take care of your oral health and overall well-being by identifying risk factors. These risk factors include bacterial infections, acid erosion factors, and other oral and overall health factors to help prevent decay, infection, breathing problems, sleep apnea, and oral airway concerns.

We not only restore smiles, we help to restore oral and overall health. Your teeth, mouth, gums and general health will be examined and evaluated to see what treatment will best benefit you and your individual needs. Learn more about the mouth-body connection.

Understanding Cavities before They Start

Because of dental decay’s connection to cardiovascular risk, it is especially important to take preventative measures. At Pittsford Smiles Dental, we offer CariFree technology—a new way to help prevent cavities before they start. CariFree employs a pH+ technology to neutralize decay-causing acids and treat bacterial infections that cause cavities. This promotes long-term dental health as an alternative to just simply treating signs and symptoms by filling cavities.

Dr. Ricardo will perform a painless one-minute screening to determine your risk for cavities. If harmful, decay-causing bacteria are present, a CariFree treatment solution may be recommended. Typically, this solution includes a rinse and toothpaste.

Preventing gum disease

Gum disease, also known as gingivitis or periodontal disease in more severe cases, can affect people from a variety of backgrounds and requires regular visits to the dentist to maintain a healthy mouth. Characterized by inflammation, swelling, and bleeding gums, gum disease is caused by the build-up of bacteria that forms plaque and eventually hardens into tartar. This build-up of plaque can be minimized by good oral hygiene habits like correct brushing technique and regular flossing at home, however, tartar requires specialized dentistry tools to remove.

Even with a good dental routine, plaque can develop quickly. Regular dental visits are therefore important to stop any small issues from growing into potentially more severe challenges. With regular check-ups and cleanings, it gives us a chance to give your mouth a deep cleaning, remove plaque and tartar, and have a continuous discussion about how best to maximize your oral health over the long-term.

How often should I visit the dentist?

In general, it’s recommended you visit the dentist at least twice a year. A visit every six months provides us with the opportunity to regularly give your mouth a thorough examination, treat any issues early, and keep your teeth in the best possible shape. However, the American Dental Association (ADA) notes that everyone is different, and some people may require more frequent trips depending on a number of factors. This includes clients who are pregnant, on specific types of medication, or if you have a history of dental problems.

The ADA also recommends that if you have children, their first dental visit should happen within six months of their first tooth appearing. This not only has the benefit of making sure your child’s teeth are progressing properly, but also acclimates them to visiting the dentist and becoming comfortable with dentistry tools. This has proven to be effective at mitigating dental anxiety later in life, ensuring your child has a lifetime of good oral care.

What happens during a check-up and clean?

It is perfectly natural for people to be apprehensive about visiting the dentist, but for most, regular check-ups and cleanings are simple and pain-free. During your check-up and dental cleaning, we will take a number of steps to ensure you receive a professional teeth cleaning of the highest standard. In general, these steps involve examining the mouth, undertaking preventative dentistry treatments and finally educating our patients on how to maintain their oral health.

When we examine the mouth, this may involve one or more of the following diagnostics assessments:

  • Reviewing the client’s medical history and determining any effects it could have on their oral health
  • Screening for oral cancer
  • Probing the gum tissue and evaluating for any inflammation
  • Checking the client’s bite, chewing and swallowing patterns
  • Radiographs to check for signs of tooth decay

Once we have examined your mouth and teeth, we will undergo treatments such as:

  • dental plaque and tartar removal (this may include scale and root planing)
  • Stain removal
  • Application of fluoride treatment to teeth and gums
  • Sealants
  • Cleaning and adjustment of dentures
  • Fillings
  • Deep clean

Finally, we will provide you with instructions on how best to take care of your teeth once you leave our office. This includes:

  • Tooth brushing and flossing techniques
  • Nutrition advice
  • Recommendations for any necessary follow up treatments

Our check-up and dental cleaning options

Standard check-up and cleaning (for existing clients)

Our standard check-up and cleaning usually takes about one hour, with our dental hygienist undertaking an assessment and cleaning, with x-rays taken if necessary. Following the examination and cleaning, one of our dentists will have a brief conversation to answer any questions and provide any necessary recommendations.

Comprehensive check-up and cleaning

This comprehensive check-up is usually for our new clients and typically takes about ninety minutes. This involves a more thorough examination process, with x-rays and total mouth assessment to determine risks of periodontal disease and the level of cleaning required. In this examination, we will also assess six key risk areas including biocorrosion, smile characteristics, jaw function, biomechanics, and periodontal risk. This is followed by a conversation to determine the best next steps.

Take the step to guarantee good oral health for you and your family. Our team of dental professionals are here for you. Contact us today at (585) 248-2575 to schedule a consultation.

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