For new and existing patients, we begin with a comprehensive examination and create a treatment plan that is customized for your unique oral needs.
We focus on the 5 areas of oral health:
With this systematic approach, we gain a comprehensive view of your needs. Your examination will include digital x-rays as well as a visual and physical exam to look for new cavities, weaknesses in teeth and existing restorative work, gum health, and identify any abnormalities in hard & soft tissues.
3D Intraoral Scan
The ITero imaging system simultaneously records 3D, intraoral color and NIRI image. With this technology, we can help our patients visualize diagnostic, restorative, or orthodontic comparisons like no other. The benefits 3D scanning with iTero include:
One imaging system does it all.
3D digital impressions and crisp intraoral scanning, treatment simulations, and all without harmful radiation.
Advanced Near-Infrared Technology
The first 3D intraoral scanner with Near-Infrared Imaging (NIRI) technology which aids in detection and monitoring of interproximal cavities.
Invisalign® Outcome Simulator
The Invisalign® Outcome Simulator can reveal potential orthodontic outcomes in seconds.
iTero TimeLapse Technology.
During Invisalign® treatment, patients can view treatment progress over time, keeping our patients engaged. This makes them more likely to take better care of their oral health and provide better outcomes overall.
Work more efficiently with our dental labs.
Working more efficiently with our labs means better outcomes for our patients.
Digital X-Rays
A comprehensive exam also includes the digital x-rays as part of the diagnostic process.
Dental x-rays are used as a diagnostic tool, providing invaluable information. X-rays provide the details that can not be detected with our eyes and hands alone. Our objective is to identify issues as early as possible, and without x-rays, problem areas can go undetected and worsen with time, inevitably this necessitates more invasive, complex, and costly procedures. They are used to detect decay, bone loss, tumors, cysts, and numerous other dental issues while helping us to map the position of your teeth and their roots. Dr. Kumar uses this information to safely and accurately formulate a complete and thorough treatment plan.
The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs. Dr. Kumar will recommend necessary x-rays based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age consideration, and caries risk. For our new patients, the initial x-rays provide us with a more accurate baseline for future assessments and evaluation of minor changes that could otherwise go unnoticed.
Digital dental x-rays are safe, producing a very low level of radiation. In New York standards, it is comparable to walking outside and many other everyday activities. We take necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation when taking dental x-rays which include using lead apron shields to protect the body, and the utilization of a digital x-ray system, which also reduces the amount of radiation exposure significantly compared to traditional films.
Dental Prophylaxis
Also referred to as the "cleaning", using both hand instruments and an ultrasonic scaler, Dr. Kumar or a member of her hygienist team will gently break up plaque and tartar that build up above & below the gum line. This is an important part of our preventive regimen, keeping your smile healthy, ultimately reducing the risk for more invasive procedures.
Our intent is to set our patients up for success! The team will equip our patients with at-home care tips to maintain your oral health between visits.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is the best cavity fighter to help keep the whole family's teeth strong — no matter the age!
We provide fluoride treatments to all our high risk patients, after every cleaning. The fluoride preparation used in the dental office is a much stronger concentration than that in toothpastes or fluoride mouth rinses that may be available in a store or at a pharmacy. The best offense is a good defense!
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in all water sources, including oceans. Research has shown that fluoride not only reduces cavities in children and adults, but it also helps repair/reverse the early stages of tooth decay, even before the decay is visible.
When it reaches your teeth, fluoride is absorbed into the enamel. It helps to repair the enamel by replenishing the lost calcium and phosphorous to keep your teeth hard & healthy.. This process is caused remineralization. Our teeth undergo a constant re- & de- mineralization process. When fluoride is present during remineralization, `the minerals deposited into the tooth enamel help strengthen your teeth and prevent damage during the demineralization phase. Thus, fluoride helps stop the decay process and prevent tooth decay.
Oral Cancer Screening
Early detection is everything, nobody ever regrets a quick screening. During your routine exam, our team will also check for oral cancer. Signs or indicators include feeling for irregular tissue or bumps in your mouth, neck, and head. Many patients have abnormal spots or sores in their mouths, with majority being identified as non-cancerous. However, we are not risk-takers when it comes to our patient’s wellbeing. Which is why if we notice anything unusual or concerning, a biopsy may be recommended for further examination.
