See your Syracuse, NY dentists to preserve oral health

The dentists at Creative Dental Concepts of CNY see their patients semi-annually to keep teeth and gums healthy. Learn why prevention is important.

Syracuse, NY dentists, Drs. Gregory Craybas, Donald Crumb and Richard Giarrusso stress preventive dental care to preserve teeth, gums and overall health. Their message is: “Keep your routine appointments.”

What’s involved in preventive dental care?

The old adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” is so true, particularly when it comes to your oral and systemic health. The American Dental Association recommends people of all ages brush their teeth twice daily and floss in between teeth at least once a day. This routine, practiced conscientiously, removes toxic plaque and tartar, keeps breath fresh and wards off decay and gum disease.

Those big health benefits are extended by regular exams and cleanings at Creative Dental Concepts of CNY. Drs. Craybas, Crumb and Giarrusso recommend their patients come to the office every 6 months. This practice reduces the build-up of plaque and tartar and also catches any developing problems while they are still small and easier (and less costly) to treat.

Here’s what a routine, semi-annual appointment looks like. The hygienist updates the individual’s medical history and discusses any concerns he or she may have. She then does gentle, but thorough, cleaning of all tooth surfaces to remove plaque in between teeth and below the gum line.

Plaque removal reduces the incidence of dental decay and also gum disease or periodontitis–a leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the United States. Researchers also link periodontitis to systemic health problems such as:

• diabetes
• heart disease
• stroke
• hypertension
• Alzheimer’s disease
• dementia
• rheumatoid arthritis
• pregnancy complications
• respiratory infections

The American Dental Association calls the mouth the “gateway” to the rest of the body. What is happening to teeth and gums gives dentists a good look into overall health.

What happens during an exam?

The Syracuse, NY dentist looks around the mouth carefully, checking the condition of gums, teeth and existing restorations. He also looks at bite, tooth alignment and jaw joint function.

The doctor uses digital x-rays and intraoral cameras to check roots and bone structure and to inspect for hidden signs of decay. They may recommend fluoride treatments and dental sealants to protect enamel from decay, especially in young molars.

Additionally, the dentist inspects performs gentle periodontal probing. This painless procedure measures the depth of gum pockets, or spaces between tooth surfaces and gum tissue. Pockets greater than 0.3mm indicate gum disease and require periodontal therapy to prevent gum and bone recession, tooth mobility and tooth loss.

Finally, a quick oral cancer screening checks soft tissues for signs of this dangerous disease. Smokers and men over the age of 50 are at increased risk of oral cancer, says the American Cancer Society. Again, preventive dental services are key.

Don’t procrastinate

Contact Creative Dental Concepts of CNY to schedule your routine dental exam and cleaning. The professional staff creates a friendly, comfortable atmosphere and wants your dental and systemic health to be at its best.