For many Americans, springtime is synonymous with decluttering, dusting, and deep cleaning. It’s a time to reset and freshen up as the weather warms — and your spring cleaning is a rite you should extend to your smile!

At Smile Design Dental, we want to set you up for dental success. Routine dental cleanings and exams help detect the earliest signs of dental health complications so they can be addressed in a timely manner. Our staff members combine their extensive knowledge and experience with the latest technology to detect signs of decay not yet visible to the naked eye!

Plus, our talented hygienists are adept at removing harmful bacterial buildup from your teeth and gums. Generally, it’s a good idea to undergo a routine cleaning once every six months. If you’re due for a visit, call our Newburgh, NY office at 845-670-5423.

In the meantime, read on to learn more about the importance of dental exams and cleanings!

A Deep Clean

Routine brushing and flossing are important because they help remove plaque, a sticky film of harmful bacteria that coats your teeth and gums. When left to linger on your teeth, the bacteria emit a weak acid that erodes tooth enamel (which causes tooth decay) and cause an infection of the gums (gum disease).

If plaque is not removed within about 48 hours or so, it hardens into rough deposits on the surfaces of your teeth that are ideal breeding grounds for bacteria. This tartar can’t be removed with regular brushing and flossing; it has to be removed by a dental professional. And left alone, it can contribute to bad breath, as well as cavities and gum inflammation!

At Smile Design Dental, we thoroughly remove tartar so that your at-home dental health habits can be more effective. Plus, removing layers of bacterial buildup will allow you to leave our office with a smile that’s smoother and shinier than when you walked in!

Early Detection, Early Intervention

Even if you take at-home dental hygiene very seriously, the early signs of complications like tooth decay and gum disease can sneak past you. And when these problems aren’t addressed in a timely fashion, they typically get worse over time — and before you know it, what started out as a relatively minor instance of tooth decay or mild gingivitis requires a costly curative procedure to address.

Well, that’s why it’s important to detect problems early and intervene quickly. At Smile Design Dental, we use the state-of-the-art DIAGNOdent™ system to detect signs of decay even below the tooth’s surface.

If we do see signs of decay, we can help repair the damage with a tooth-colored filling made of porcelain or composite.

Our team will also inspect your gums for signs of gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, and periodontitis, which is an advanced form of gum disease. This includes red, swollen, or bleeding gums, as well as gumline recession.

Nearly half of all Americans are living with gum disease! And if it looks like you’re in that group, we can perform non-surgical deep cleaning procedures that aim to eradicate the infection.

Forming A Relationship With Your Dentist

If you plan on sticking around the Newburgh, NY area for a long time, we hope to be your dentist of choice! Dr. Petrosino was raised in the Hudson Valley and thinks it’s a great place to live. And the more we get to know you, the better we’ll become at providing high-quality dental care that meets your needs.

When you come in for your first appointment, you’ll meet Dr. Petrosino and have some time to discuss any concerns you may have about your smile or ask any questions. If you have long-term dental goals — like filling in smile gaps with dental implants or straightening your smile with Invisalign® — just let her know! She can give you more information about possible treatment options and work with you to create a treatment plan your feel great about.

At Smile Design Dental, we want to be so much more than your typical “drill and fill” dental practice. We know that great things happen through authentic relationships! So why not stop by for a visit?

If you’re looking for high-quality general dentistry, give us a call at 845-670-5423. You can also use our convenient online form to request an appointment.