General and Preventive Care

General and Preventive Care in Woodhaven, NY

Most dental health concerns are preventable. At Premier Dental of Woodhaven, Dr. Jose Ladino is a prevention-focused dentist who helps our patients stay ahead of oral health issues before they get out of hand. With regular exams and cleanings, you can combat common issues like tooth decay and gum disease, making a lifelong impact on the future of your smile.

a dentist and a patient lying on a dental chair

Comprehensive Oral Exams

Every new patient will receive a thorough examination of their teeth and gums as well as their hard and soft tissues. Dr. Ladino doesn’t just screen for cavities and gum disease, he will also assess for warning signs of medical conditions like obstructive sleep apnea. Should you need any type of treatment, we will curate a care plan that’s itemized and planned around your specific goals and budget.

Digital X-rays and 3D Scanning

Digital imaging allows us to better evaluate your mouth for early signs of disease, bone loss, impacted teeth, and other conditions. We’ve invested in state-of-the-art technology like digital X-rays and 3D CBCT scanning, as well as iTero intraoral scanning tools (no gooey impressions here!) Not only are these imaging resources safer for our patients, but they also help save valuable time.

X-rays are essential for evaluating spaces between and inside of teeth that aren’t visible during your exam. Without them, serious dental concerns like cavities, abscesses, and even oral cancer could go undiagnosed.

Oral Cancer Screenings

This dangerous and deadly disease can occur in anyone, including healthy individuals. But lifestyle factors such as extensive sun exposure, smoking, and alcohol consumption can also raise your risk of precancerous tissues. Because it’s nearly impossible to self-diagnose oral cancer in the earliest stages, these regular screenings can be potentially lifesaving for our Woodhaven patients.

Professional Dental Cleanings

Most of our patients benefit from a professional dental cleaning every six months. During this procedure, we will gently remove plaque and tartar buildup (calculus) and then polish away surface stains, leaving you with clean, smooth teeth. We’ll also make you aware of any areas that need a little extra attention between appointments and show you how to clean them more effectively.

By scheduling regular checkups and cleanings, most issues like gum disease and tooth loss can be avoided. These prevention-based visits give you the advantage of reducing oral care risks and, in turn, help you preserve your natural smile for the rest of your life.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Although gingivitis is reversible with good home care and regular cleanings, periodontitis (gum disease) is not. Be on the lookout for symptoms like:

Bleeding gums
Severe tissue inflammation
Gum recession
Tooth mobility
Halitosis
Tartar buildup
Spaces between teeth

During your dental exam, Dr. Ladino will perform a periodontal screening where we measure the tissue attachment levels around each tooth. When compared to your most recent digital X-rays, we can determine if gum disease is present and whether periodontal therapy is required.

Periodontal Therapy

If you have active gum disease, Dr. Ladino will recommend a series of deep cleanings and possible soft tissue laser pocket decontamination. Deep cleanings involve the removal of soft and hard bacterial deposits below the gums, inside of “pockets” around your teeth.

Periodontal therapy helps stop the progression of the disease, bone loss, tooth loss, and the spread of infectious bacteria into your bloodstream. Tooth loss isn’t the only risk; gum disease statistically raises your risk for heart disease, diabetes, pneumonia, and infertility (in both men and women.)

What to Expect During Your Checkup

Most checkup appointments are about 45-60 minutes long. Dr. Ladino will visit with you one-on-one to discuss any concerns you have. We offer warm blankets, coffee, tea, and even have a television in the operatory if you prefer something to distract you during your exam.

For most of our patients with healthy teeth and gums, we recommend a preventative care appointment every six months.

Protective Oral Appliances

Do you clench or grind your teeth? Are you at risk for dental emergencies because of athletic hobbies? Our custom mouthguards and bite splints can help protect your smile from unnecessary wear and tear.

No Insurance? No Problem!

Most dental insurance plans cover your regular checkup and exam at 100% twice a year. But these days, not everyone has access to dental insurance coverage. We can help!

Thanks to our private membership plan, you can enjoy accessible and affordable access to the preventative care you need to keep your smile healthy.