Syracuse, NY dentists: Exams are vital to oral health

You only get one set of teeth. Your oral, and overall, health depend on how well you take care of your mouth. Syracuse, NY dentists, Drs. Gregory Craybas, Donald Crumb and Richard Giarrusso of Creative Dental Concepts of CNY, urge all their patients to receive semi-annual cleanings and check-ups. Preventive services keep smiles vibrant for a lifetime.

What happens at a dental check-up?

A dental check-up is a simple, painless service. It includes several steps aimed at uncovering oral health problems at their earliest stages so they can be treated more easily and comfortably. Plus, a thorough professional cleaning from your dental hygienist removes bacteria-filled plaque and hard tartar that simple brushing and flossing at home misses.

When your Syracuse dentist examines your mouth, he:

• Inspects teeth for signs of decay
• Performs periodontal probing, a measure of gum pockets that may indicate gum disease
• Looks at how teeth are spaced and how they bite together
• Looks at the condition of existing restorations such as fillings, crowns, and dental implants
• Checks for signs of tooth grinding (bruxism) and TMJ (jaw joint) dysfunction
• Assesses soft tissues of the mouth for signs of oral cancer, an illness that strikes about 48,000 Americans yearly, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation

Additionally, your team at Creative Dental Concepts of CNY takes digital x-rays as needed to visualize roots, jaw bone and hidden decay.

From there, the dentist writes a comprehensive treatment plan which addresses his findings with ways to restore teeth and gums to full health. Preventive measures such as fluoride treatments and plastic sealants for deeply grooved back teeth help young and old stay cavity-free.  The dentist  talks with the patient about concerns and aesthetic goals he or she may have so they can  be incorporated into the plan.

The mouth-body connection

What goes on in your mouth does not stay in your mouth. Tooth loss due to extensive decay or gum disease affects personal appearance, nutrition and speech. So, preventing extensive tooth damage helps your overall well-being.

Also, toxic oral bacteria contained in biofilm (plaque and tartar) leads to gum disease. Gum disease not causes tooth loss, but it appears linked to several serious health problems such as :

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Hypertension
• Dementia
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Pregnancy complications
• Low birth-weight infants
• Osteoporosis
• Respiratory diseases such as pneumonia

Just as it’s important to prevent tooth decay, caring for your gums plays a crucial role in the vibrancy of your smile and in your total well-being.

They’d rather see you more frequently

Drs. Craybas, Crumb and Giarrusso at Creative Dental Concepts of CNY want to see you more rather than less often. They know that keeping ahead of dental problems fosters beautiful smiles and great health for a lifetime. Contact the office today for your routine appointment.