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Home/Comprehensive Dental Care/Preventative Dentistry

In order to maintain a beautiful smile, you have to have a healthy foundation. With preventative and general dental care services our NYC dentist, Michael Kosdon, DDS, can make sure any oral health problems are caught as early as possible. His goal is to stop dental health challenges from becoming larger, more costly issues down the road. Dr. Kosdon offers a number of advanced approaches for maintaining the health of your teeth and gums while also identifying conditions that can affect your oral and overall health. Dr. Kosdon is a highly experienced dentist and believes in giving each patient customized, comfortable, and effective care. The treatments described in the sections below are just some of the options available at our practice.

For more information on preventive dental care, or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office today.

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Hygiene Appointments (Dental Cleanings)

A teeth cleaning is often paired with your regular oral exam. A professional dental cleaning can thoroughly clean your teeth and reach areas that a conventional toothbrush can’t access. These procedures can remove bacteria and plaque buildup, reducing the potential for developing gum disease, cavities, and other problems. Plus, dental cleanings can give your teeth a refreshing polish and provide you with a brand new reason to smile! Dr. Kosdon recommends at least two dental cleanings each year to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Oral Exams

Comprehensive oral exams enable Dr. Kosdon to take a good look at your teeth, gums, and other areas of your mouth to see if there are any problems. These exams can help Dr. Kosdon identify cavities, the buildup of plaque, gum disease, and many other issues in order to provide you with an accurate diagnosis. Dr. Kosdon recommends at least two oral exams each year.

Periodontal Care (Gum Care)

Dr. Kosdon offers advanced periodontal (gum care) options to treat gum disease and successfully renew the health of your gums. Gum disease affects millions of Americans, many of whom may not even be aware they have it. Untreated gum infections can lead to gum recession, bleeding gums, tooth movement, tooth loss, and even risks to your overall health. Dr. Kosdon can treat gum disease with non-surgical techniques designed to remove pockets of bacteria and disinfect the gums. He can also utilize state-of-the-art laser dentistry to help minimize discomfort, enhance precision, and reduce recovery time.

In addition to gum disease treatment, Dr. Kosdon offers periodontal procedures such as non-surgical “gummy smile” reduction and gum recontouring, which uses laser techniques to remove excess gum tissue and create better symmetry and balance between the gums and teeth.

"This is the first time that I've actually liked a dentist and going to the dentist. Dr. Kosdon is gifted and gentle and warm, as is every member of his staff. The office and people have a lovely energy and aura, and it is a pleasure to no longer dread the process."Cherise W.

Scaling & Root Planing

Scaling and root planing are advanced periodontal treatments that are performed to improve the health of gum tissue affected by harmful bacteria. During scaling, Dr. Kosdon removes plaque and tartar buildup found on the surfaces of teeth and below the gumline within gingival pockets surrounding the teeth. The bacteria that cause gingivitis (early stage gum disease) and periodontal disease can thrive within this buildup and create problematic infections that worsen without treatment. By thoroughly cleaning the teeth and gingival pockets with ultrasonic tools, manual techniques, and/or laser technology, gingival health can have the opportunity to improve. Scaling is often combined with root planing, a technique which smooths the tooth root to prevent bacteria and plaque from easily reattaching to the tooth after treatment. When necessary, Dr. Kosdon may also use antibiotics to help control infection and support gum healing. Patients may be encouraged to return for more frequent cleanings and periodontal maintenance to ensure that gingival health continues to improve.

Holistic & Mercury-Free Dentistry

In keeping with our commitment to protecting patient health and the environment, Dr. Kosdon utilizes holistic and mercury-free dentistry methods to eliminate waste and toxins from several aspects of our practice. Our dedication to incorporating holistic techniques allows us to deliver exemplary patient care and quality dentistry with fewer health risks and less impact on the environment.

Mercury-Free Dentistry

Traditionally, metal amalgam materials containing mercury – a substance known to be toxic even in small quantities – have been used to fill cavities. Many have raised concerns about the safety of these fillings, claiming they may have the potential to seep mercury into the body and impact overall health. Fortunately, tooth-colored fillings composed of composite-resin can provide a safer, stronger, more attractive alternative to out-dated metal amalgam. Dr. Kosdon uses only mercury-free composite-resin materials to fill cavities, which reduces the possibility of detrimental toxins harming patients. Tooth-colored fillings do not expand and contract the way amalgam-based fillings do and can deliver durable, natural-looking results that reinforce tooth structure and keeping smiles bright.

Green Office

We do all we can to reduce waste and conserve energy throughout our practice. Our office is paperless, which means the majority of our forms, appointment schedules, x-rays, photos, and records are digital, dramatically reducing paper waste. Digital records are also more organized and efficient, making it easy to access, reference, and update your files.

Digital X-Rays

Dental X-rays are often a standard part of an oral exam, and our practice utilizes digital X-ray technology to make the process as quick and convenient as possible. Digital X-rays have eliminated hazardous waste and reduced radiation exposure associated with conventional X-ray systems. At our practice, all of our X-ray and imaging systems are digital and do not require the use of any film or chemical developers. In addition to helping the environment, digital X-rays emit approximately 90 percent less radiation, which is safer for our staff and patients. Most importantly, digital X-rays produce instantaneous, high-definition results, facilitating faster treatment times and more accurate diagnoses.

Sealants

Sealants are physical barriers that are essentially thin plastic shields applied to the surface of teeth to prevent decay and preserve healthy teeth. When Dr. Kosdon identifies teeth that are vulnerable to decay, a protective sealant can be added to block bacteria from penetrating the tooth’s surface and forming a cavity. Sealants are most often recommended to treat pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where bacteria is most likely to settle in and create tooth decay. When combined with regular cleanings, exams, excellent home care, and fluoride treatments, sealants can help keep teeth strong and healthy—often preventing the need for more costly and invasive dental procedures in the future, such as fillings and crowns.

Oral Cancer Screening

Regular oral cancer screenings are the keys to early detection and treatment for a condition that can have serious, even fatal consequences. With early diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer, studies have indicated the chances of survival to be approximately 80 to 90 percent. Dr. Kosdon can perform these quick and painless oral cancer screenings as part of your regular oral exam here at our practice. It’s very important to remember that early warning signs of oral cancer may not be noticeable to you in the early stages, which makes it even more critical to have these routine screenings. Dr. Kosdon recommends at least one check per year for patients who do not consume alcohol or tobacco products, and at least two each year for those who do consume these products.