Preventive Dentistry in Central Park South

Our routine dental exams prevent dental issues before they arise and help your teeth and gums stay healthy.

What You Can Expect During a Routine Dental Exam at Mitchell Rubinstein D.M.D.

When you become a patient at Mitchell Rubinstein D.M.D., Drs. Rubinstein offers a sincere commitment to your health that will probably remind you of an “old fashioned” doctor. Our technology, on the other hand, clearly points toward the future.

During your visit, our team will:

• Check for cavities, gum disease, and other dental concerns.
• Perform a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
• Screen for oral cancer and other potential health risks.
• Offer preventive treatments like fluoride applications for added protection.

Why Routine Dental Exams Are Important

Dental problems often start small, usually progressing without obvious symptoms. We encourage all of our patients to schedule a routine dental exam and checkup at least once every 3 to 6 months. During these exams we can detect dental issues like these and offer early treatment or intervention:

• Tooth Decay: Early treatment can save your teeth and potentially avoid more invasive procedures like root canals.
• Gum Disease: Regular care helps combat gingivitis before it progresses to periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss.
• Systemic Health Concerns: The mouth is a window to your overall health. We can detect conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and even sleep apnea during a routine exam.

Your Comfort Matters to Us

We understand that dental visits can feel overwhelming for some patients. At Mitchell Rubinstein D.M.D., you will receive amazing dental care and feel welcomed and comfortable.

• Anxiety-Friendly Options: Let us know if you’re nervous or anxious during your visit. We’ll take extra steps to make you more comfortable, from explaining every step of the process to offering calming techniques.
• Flexible Scheduling: Life gets busy, so we work with you to find convenient appointment times that fit your schedule.

State of the Art Dental Technology

Advanced technology makes dentistry more precise, more comfortable, and more predictable than ever before, and Dr. Rubinstein is a leader in this ongoing revolution. He consults regularly for several technology companies and leads the Technology Task Force for the New York State Dental Association. For more than 10 years he has also served on the Informatics Standards Committee for the American Dental Association.

These are a few of the technologies we use in our dental office to make your treatment more predictable and more comfortable.

• Digital X-Rays: In our dental office, any X-rays you need will be digital. The newest digital X-ray systems offer tremendous advantages over old-fashioned film systems. Although film is still used in some dental offices, digital offers much greater clarity and detail, allowing us to diagnose much more precisely and offer more conservative treatment. Digital images are also available for viewing almost immediately, with no waiting. Better still, digital X-ray images expose you to far less radiation than an equivalent film image, sometimes less than half the amount.
• Cone Beam CT Imaging: While digital X-rays show us the hidden structures inside your teeth and jaws, Cone Beam CT Scanning (CBCT) takes this vision to a whole new level. The CBCT weaves hundreds of X-ray images into a complete 3D model of the subject area. This model can be rotated and viewed from any angle and at any level of detail. While not always needed for routine dentistry, CBCT can make specialized procedures such as dental implants and root canals far more precise and predictable.
• Intra-Oral Scanner: Dr. Rubinstein uses the Medit i500 Scanner to capture cutting-edge 3D digital impressions. Digital scanning represents a technology that allows us to create a virtual, computer-generated replica of the hard and soft tissues in the mouth. It is highly accurate and far more comfortable than traditional, messy impression materials.
• Laser Dentistry: Laser dentistry offers many benefits, particularly for procedures on the soft tissues such as the gums and lip. Soft tissue lasers allow for effective treatment without the incisions and sutures common with conventional techniques. The laser seals blood vessels and nerve endings, minimizing pain, bleeding, and post-operative swelling. This can significantly reduce post-operative complications and speed recovery.

Whether you’re due for your routine check-up or haven’t been to the dentist in a while, we’re here to support you. Taking care of your dental health today can lead to a healthier smile and a healthier you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Preventive Dentistry

What is included in preventive dentistry?

At Studio 57 Dental, preventive care is about more than a routine checkup. Each visit with Dr. Rubinstein includes a thorough examination for cavities and gum disease, a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup, an oral cancer screening, and digital X-rays when clinically appropriate. We take the time to review your overall oral health, discuss any changes we notice, and make sure you leave with a clear picture of where things stand.

How often should I schedule a preventive dental visit?

Most patients do well with a visit every six months, though some benefit from coming in more frequently depending on their gum health and individual risk factors. Consistent preventive care gives us the opportunity to catch changes early, when treatment tends to be more straightforward. We'll talk through what makes sense for you based on what we see at your visit.

Does dental insurance cover preventive visits?

Dental coverage varies widely from plan to plan, and the actual patient benefit rarely matches what the plan summary suggests. We do submit claims on your behalf, and when an insurance company falls short of its obligations, we provide additional documentation and claim support to help make sure you receive what you're entitled to.

For patients without dental insurance or those who feel underinsured, we offer a membership plan designed to make preventive care accessible and predictable. Ask us about it at your next visit.

What is the difference between a dental exam and a cleaning?

They work together but serve different purposes. The exam is where Dr. Rubinstein assesses your teeth, gums, and overall oral health, reviewing X-rays, checking for cavities or early signs of gum disease, and performing an oral cancer screening. The cleaning, typically performed by our hygienist, removes the plaque and tartar that daily brushing and flossing can't fully address. Most preventive visits include both in a single appointment.

Schedule Your Routine Exam Today at Mitchell Rubinstein D.M.D., located in Central Park South

Call us at 212-421-4887 or request an appointment for your next dental exam.