A man wearing medical gloves holds his mouth open with both hands, showcasing a bright smile.

Oral Exams

At the office of A Center for Dental Excellence, we take a prevention-first approach to oral health. Regular oral exams are the foundation of a long-lasting, attractive smile and help us spot early signs of trouble before they become complex problems. Our preventive services include comprehensive examinations, professional cleanings, and oral cancer screenings, combined with clear guidance on daily oral care, nutrition, and habits that support long-term dental wellness.

What to Expect at Your First Comprehensive Exam

Your initial oral exam is designed to create a clear picture of your current oral health and to form the basis of a customized care plan. We begin with a careful review of your medical and dental history so we understand any underlying conditions, medications, or past treatments that could affect your mouth. This conversation is followed by a step-by-step clinical assessment where we listen to your concerns and note any symptoms you’re experiencing.

The clinical portion of the exam covers every visible structure in and around the mouth. During the visit, we screen for oral cancer, evaluate your gums and periodontal status, check how your teeth come together (occlusion), and assess TMJ function. We also look for signs of tooth wear, clenching or grinding, and other habits that can damage teeth over time. When indicated, diagnostic images are taken to reveal the condition of roots, bone, and areas not visible to the naked eye.

Following the exam and any necessary imaging, we discuss our findings in plain language and outline practical next steps. That may include recommendations for preventive measures, targeted treatments, or monitoring schedules. Our goal is to help you understand the health of your mouth and feel confident about the treatment choices available to you.

A Center for Dental Excellence | Soft Tissue Management    STM , Preventative Program and Panorex X-Ray

How Oral Health Reflects Whole-Body Wellness

The mouth is not isolated from the rest of the body. During an oral exam we look for signs that could indicate broader health concerns, because many systemic conditions show early clues in the oral tissues. Careful screening helps us connect the dots between oral findings and general health so you can get appropriate care from the right providers when needed.

Research increasingly shows links between oral disease and systemic conditions. Chronic inflammation in the mouth, for example, can influence conditions elsewhere in the body. Because of those connections, our exams include attention to gum health, persistent oral lesions, unexplained bleeding, and other signs that may warrant further medical evaluation.

Some of the health issues that have been associated with oral findings include:

  • Digestive disorders

  • Respiratory problems

  • Cardiovascular disease

  • Stroke

  • Diabetes

  • Alzheimer's disease

Likewise, medications and chronic medical conditions can produce oral symptoms such as dry mouth, ulcers, or mucosal changes. Identifying these signs during an exam allows us to recommend preventive strategies and coordinate with your medical team to protect both your oral and overall health.

A Center for Dental Excellence | Dental Bridges, Soft Tissue Management    STM  and Teeth Whitening

Routine Checkups and Professional Cleanings: The Backbone of Prevention

Consistent, scheduled checkups are one of the most effective ways to preserve a healthy smile. Professional cleanings remove hardened deposits and bacteria that brushing and flossing can miss, and they help prevent cavities and gum disease from progressing. During these visits we also refresh homecare techniques so patients leave confident in their daily routine.

We typically recommend regular visits at intervals appropriate to each patient’s risk profile. For many people, that means twice-yearly checkups, but some patients require more frequent monitoring. These appointments give us the opportunity to track changes, make timely interventions, and avoid treatments that would be needed if an issue were left unchecked.

Dental hygienists play an important role in prevention. They perform thorough cleanings, polish tooth surfaces, and remove plaque and tartar build-up. They also provide targeted education on brushing, flossing, and the use of adjunctive tools so you can protect your smile at home between visits.

Establishing good habits early is especially valuable for children and adolescents. Routine pediatric exams allow us to monitor growth and development, recommend age-appropriate preventive care, and identify whether orthodontic evaluation might be beneficial as the jaw and teeth evolve.

How Digital Radiography Enhances Diagnosis and Safety

Many dental conditions develop in areas that are not visible during a visual exam. Dental x-rays are essential diagnostic tools that reveal decay between teeth, infections at the root tips, bone levels around teeth, and other hidden problems. Today’s digital radiography makes this process faster, safer, and more informative than traditional film-based methods.

Digital x-rays require much less radiation than older systems and produce high-resolution images instantly. The images can be enlarged, adjusted, and shared on-screen so we can clearly demonstrate findings and explain treatment options. Digital systems also integrate seamlessly with electronic records, making it easier to compare images over time and track changes accurately.

Using digital radiography, we reduce exposure, avoid chemical processing, and improve the overall experience for patients. The clarity and convenience of digital imaging support better-informed decisions and more precise treatment planning.

A Center for Dental Excellence | Rotary Endodontics, Intraoral Camera and Cosmetic Dentistry

Selecting the Right Radiographs for Your Needs

The specific types of images we recommend depend on the clinical question we’re trying to answer. Different radiographs provide unique views and are chosen to reveal particular structures and conditions. When we recommend imaging, it’s always with a clear diagnostic purpose in mind.

Common types of dental radiographs and their uses include:

  • Periapical x-ray – Focuses on a single tooth from crown to root and is valuable for evaluating root health, abscesses, and bone near the tooth.

  • Bitewing x-ray – Captures the crowns of upper and lower teeth together and is a primary tool for spotting interproximal decay and monitoring restorations.

  • Full mouth series – A comprehensive set of periapical and bitewing images that gives a complete view of all teeth and supporting bone.

  • Panoramic film (panorex) – Provides a broad two-dimensional view of the teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures; useful for assessing developmental issues, impacted teeth, and overall jaw health.

  • Cephalometric film – Offers a side-view of the skull and is particularly helpful for orthodontic assessment and treatment planning.

For more complex diagnoses or surgical planning, three-dimensional imaging with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) can provide detailed views of teeth, bone, and anatomical landmarks. CBCT is especially useful for implant planning, evaluating bone quality, and assessing complicated anatomy where traditional 2D images are insufficient.

Regular oral exams and appropriate imaging are powerful tools for preserving oral health, preventing disease, and detecting conditions early when they are easiest to treat. If you have questions about what to expect during an exam or which preventive measures are right for you, please contact our office for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you accepting new patients?

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Yes. We always welcome new patients and their families for care. Feel free to give us a call or reach out to us online to schedule a first visit or for any additional information on our office. We look forward to hearing from you!

How often do I need to get a dental checkup?

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Routine dental checkups and professional cleanings help ensure your smile remains in tip-top condition and that any developing problems receive the prompt care they require. While it's a good idea to schedule a checkup and cleaning twice a year, longer or shorter intervals between routine visits depend on your specific needs.

What if I haven't been to the dentist in a long time?

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We understand that life gets complicated and busy, and for various reasons, you haven't been able to get to the dentist for care. Don't worry; it's always a good time to get back in touch with the health of your smile.

At A Center for Dental Excellence, we offer skilled and compassionate care to address a wide range of dental needs. Whether you need a simple checkup and cleaning, restorations, periodontal treatment, root canal therapy, or the replacement of missing teeth to get your smile back into shape, we provide precise, gentle, stress-free treatment to give you a smile that is as beautiful as it is healthy.

Give us a call today; we're happy to address all your questions and concerns about getting your smile back in tip-top condition.

Should pregnant women get a dental checkup?

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For pregnant women, practicing good oral care and seeing the dentist to maintain a healthy smile is considered an important component of prenatal care. Researchers have found that pregnancy not only increases the risk of oral health problems, but these problems may also lead to pregnancy complications. At the office of A Center for Dental Excellence, we provide the skilled and compassionate care required to help expectant mothers keep their teeth and gums in tip-top condition. While certain procedures are not recommended during pregnancy, we provide the necessary care and take all the necessary precautions required.

How can I improve the appearance of my smile?

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Thanks to advances in modern dentistry, teeth that have been affected by a range of imperfections or that have sustained damage from trauma or dental decay can be restored to produce a naturally beautiful looking and functional smile.

As skilled and experienced providers of care, our office can effectively improve and enhance the appearance of teeth that are stained, discolored, misshapen, chipped, fractured, gapped, crowded, or broken down due to dental decay. At the office of A Center for Dental Excellence, we offer a comprehensive selection of the leading-edge cosmetic solutions from teeth whitening procedures, dental bonding, tooth-colored fillings, and veneers, to prosthetic solutions and dental implants to rebuild complete and beautiful smiles.

Contact our office to learn more about the many ways we can help you create the smile you've always wanted.

How should I prepare for my dental appointment?

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If you're visiting A Center for Dental Excellence for the first time, it is helpful that you contact your former dental office and have your records sent over to us. Make note of any problems you may have so that you can discuss them with your dentist.

To provide efficient service, we ask you to please bring your insurance card, an ID, plus any referral slips or diagnostic records given to you by another office. If you are taking medications, please note or make a list of what they are as you will need to provide that information.

Does A Center for Dental Excellence treat patients of all ages?

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Yes! We assure you that both you and your family will be in good hands at the office of A Center for Dental Excellence.

What if I'm anxious about seeing the dentist?

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We do our best to make sure every patient who steps into our office for care is put at ease. We provide precise and gentle care and our skilled, compassionate team strives to make every visit stress-free. You can rest assured that your smile is in the best of hands and that we are doing all we can to ensure your comfort throughout every procedure. While we always take the time to explain every step in care, feel free to ask us any questions about local anesthesia and methods of dental sedation.

How much does dental treatment cost?

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At the office of A Center for Dental Excellence, we strive to provide the highest quality of care to address all your dental needs. Once we've had the opportunity to examine your smile, we can give you a clear picture of any dental issues that are present, along with a quote for what the cost of treatment will be. The cost of care all depends upon the extent and complexity of issues affecting the health or appearance of your smile and the types of procedures that are required. Our goal is to make dental care more affordable so that you can begin treatment without any additional stress or delay.

Keep in mind that with routine dental checkups and periodic care, we can help prevent dental disease while treating emerging problems early in their onset to avoid larger issues and more expensive care down the road.

What if I have dental insurance?

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Routine dental checkups and preventive care procedures may be covered under your dental insurance plan requiring little to no out-of-pocket expense. We invite you to check our financial information page or give us a call to find out if our office participates with your plan, and if you have any other questions about dental insurance, dental savings plans, forms of payment, or financing options. We welcome your inquiries and do our best to help you begin care without additional stress or delay.

What is the best method of replacing missing teeth?

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If you've lost a tooth due to injury, decay, gum disease, or any other reason, we recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.

Is flossing as important as brushing?

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Absolutely! Both flossing and brushing regularly are equally important to maintain your oral health. While brushing cleans the surface of your teeth, flossing cleans in between them. Flossing is important to prevent plaque buildup, which can cause gums to recede and lead to periodontal disease.

Do you still need to see a dentist if you have dentures?

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Even if you have dentures, it is still necessary to see a dentist! Dental checkups help ensure that your dentures are comfortable, fitting properly, and that there are no other problems. Beyond assessing your dentures, our dentist will also perform a thorough examination of the jawbone, and surrounding soft tissues both inside the mouth, the face, and neck, to confirm that you remain in good oral health.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency?

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Emergency dental care is a service we hope you'll never need- but if you do, the office of A Center for Dental Excellence is here for you!

Whether you're suffering from a chipped tooth, toothache, or any problem affecting your oral health, you can be sure to get the prompt attention and compassionate care you require at our office. Patient care and comfort are our top priorities, and we offer a comprehensive range of the most advanced services to address a broad spectrum of dental needs.

While the pain of a toothache is one of the more common reasons that patients come to our office for emergency dental care, we also promptly treat emergencies that are not necessarily painful like crowns that have been dislodged and broken dentures that leave embarrassing gaps in one's smile.

You can rest assured that your oral health is in the best of hands at our office. We'll quickly determine exactly what's wrong, explain your treatment options, and then provide the precise and gentle care you require to alleviate your discomfort and get you back on the path to oral health and wellness.

Your health and comfort are our top priorities. If your dental emergency is painful, if it affects the appearance of your smile, or if you suspect that an infection is present, our office will make every effort to see you as soon as possible for care.

Why choose the office of A Center for Dental Excellence?

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At the office of A Center for Dental Excellence, we welcome patients of all ages for care and offer a comprehensive range of services designed to help every member of your family maintain a beautiful and healthy smile. Whether you or a loved one needs a routine checkup and cleaning, fillings, same-day crowns, a cosmetic smile makeover, the replacement of missing teeth or require the services of a skilled and compassionate emergency dentist, you can rely on our office for the highest quality care.

For more information on our office and the many services we provide, or to schedule an appointment for care, give us a call today.

Our Staff Will Get The Most For You

Dental Insurance


Let A Center For Dental Excellence help you maximize your insurance benefits. Our expert staff will work with you to make sure you get the most from your insurance, while also getting optimal health benefits from your dental plan. We work with most insurance dental plans. We strongly recommend you list your insurance information to minimize your wait time in the office. If you have any questions or want to book an appointment, contact our staff in Brooklyn at (718) 232-8289 or in Staten Island at (718) 980-9555 and we will assist you.