Dental Exams In Syracuse, NY

What is a dental exam?

Dental exams are recommended once every 6 months, because that's how quickly your oral health can change! A dental examination includes a dentists evaluating your teeth, gums, jaw and neck. The dentist will look for signs of decay, oral cancer, or periodontitis. 

How long does a full dental exam take?

The length of your dental exam depends on the type of exam you're in for. If you come in for your periodic cleanings and have a dental exam done at that time, it's usually pretty quick; within a couple of minutes, your exam will be completed. If you're coming in for a new patient exam, it can take a bit longer because we're gathering more information. Since you're new to us, and we're new to you, we take pictures, x-rays, and perform something called periodontal charting. We still do the full exam that you would see in your routine cleaning, including the oral cancer screening and checking for cavities, bone health, and performing a head and neck exam. This type of appointment can take about an hour to collect all the necessary information.

Is there anything I should do to prepare for my dental exam?

The best way to prepare for a dental exam is making sure you maintain proper homecare. Making sure that you're brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing at least once, and using mouth rinse to help kill bacteria in your mouth are all highly recommended.

How often should you have a dental exam?

Most people should have a dental exam and cleaning every six months. Some patients require more frequent care because they build up more debris on their teeth in a shorter period of time, or they present with more bone loss. Those patients we want to see on a more frequent basis, sometimes three or even four times a year. However, even for those patients, we typically only do the dental exam twice a year.

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

The difference between a dental exam and a dental cleaning is that the cleaning is done by the hygienist. He or she will remove any tartar, and any debris around your teeth, flush out any bacteria that gets into the gums, and floss and polish your teeth. A dental exam is done by your dentist, and they check for cavities, bone loss, gum health, and oral cancer. We also perform a head and neck exam to check for signs of any head and neck cancer. We examine your jaw joints to see if there's any shifting, any noises, or other issues. All of that is done during your dental exam.

How should I schedule an appointment for a dental exam?

If you have any additional questions, or if you're ready to schedule that dental exam, give us a call at 315-474-1711 .

More on Smiles By Design

Dentist in Syracuse, NY

Finding the right dentist in Syracuse, NY is about more than choosing a practice close to home. It's about finding a team that takes the time to understand your needs, explains your treatment options clearly, and provides high-quality dental care in a welcoming, comfortable environment. At Smiles By Design, we're proud to provide comprehensive family dental care for children, teens, adults, and seniors, helping patients throughout Syracuse achieve healthy, confident smiles at every stage of life.

Whether you're visiting for a routine dental exam, looking to replace missing teeth with dental implants, or seeking cosmetic treatments to enhance your smile, our experienced team is here to provide personalized care using modern techniques and advanced dental technology. We believe every patient deserves individual attention, and we work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that suits your oral health goals, lifestyle, and budget.

Comprehensive Dental Care 

As a leading dentist in Syracuse, NY, we provide a complete range of preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and surgical dental services under one roof. This allows our patients to receive consistent care from a team they know and trust, without the need for multiple referrals.

Whether you're scheduling routine care for your family, maintaining your own oral health, or exploring options to restore your smile, we're committed to providing personalized care that supports long-term oral health.

Wellness Dentistry

Preventive care forms the foundation of a healthy smile. Regular visits allow us to identify small concerns before they become larger problems, helping you maintain healthy teeth and gums while avoiding more extensive treatment in the future. We provide preventive dental care for families, helping both children and adults maintain healthy smiles through regular examinations, hygiene appointments, and early diagnosis of dental concerns.

Our family dentistry services include:

  • Dental Exams
  • Dental X-Rays
  • Dental Hygiene
  • Oral Cancer Screening
  • Gum Disease Treatment
  • Diagnosis and treatment of Cavities

Routine dental examinations allow us to monitor your oral health closely, while professional dental hygiene appointments remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing alone cannot eliminate. Digital dental X-rays help us identify issues beneath the surface, ensuring nothing goes unnoticed.

We also perform comprehensive oral cancer screenings during routine appointments, allowing for early detection of abnormalities when treatment is often most successful. If signs of gum disease are identified, our team provides personalized gum disease treatment designed to restore healthy gums and prevent further damage.

Restorative Dentistry

Damaged, worn, or missing teeth can affect far more than your appearance. They can impact your ability to eat comfortably, speak clearly, and maintain proper oral health. Our restorative dentistry services are designed to rebuild both the function and appearance of your smile using durable, natural-looking materials.

Our restorative treatments include:

Dental implants remain one of the most predictable and long-lasting solutions for replacing missing teeth. By replacing the tooth root as well as the visible tooth, implants help preserve jawbone health while restoring natural function and aesthetics.

Dental crowns strengthen weakened or damaged teeth, protecting them from further fracture while restoring their natural appearance. For patients missing one or more teeth, custom dental bridges provide an effective solution to close gaps and restore chewing function.

We also offer metal-free fillings, allowing patients to restore cavities with tooth-coloured materials that blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. For patients requiring a full-arch restoration, TeethXpress® offers an efficient solution that combines implant technology with a fixed, functional smile.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Feeling confident about your smile can have a positive impact on both your personal and professional life. Our cosmetic dentistry treatments are designed to enhance the appearance of your teeth while maintaining a natural, balanced result.

Whether you're looking to brighten discoloured teeth, improve symmetry, or refresh your overall smile, we'll work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your goals. We take a conservative approach to cosmetic dentistry, focusing on results that complement your natural facial features rather than creating an artificial appearance.

Every smile is unique, and we believe cosmetic dentistry should reflect that individuality.

Oral Surgery

Some dental conditions require surgical treatment to restore oral health or relieve discomfort. Our experienced team provides oral surgery in a caring, supportive environment, ensuring every patient feels informed and comfortable throughout treatment.

Our oral surgery services include:

Whether a tooth has become severely damaged, infected, or cannot be restored, we'll carefully assess your options before recommending extraction. If a tooth does need to be removed, we'll also discuss suitable replacement options to maintain the health and function of your smile.

Treatment for Common Dental Conditions

Maintaining healthy gums is just as important as caring for your teeth. We diagnose and treat a range of common dental conditions, including:

  • Gingivitis

As the earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis is often reversible when treated promptly. Our team provides thorough assessments, professional cleanings, and personalised home care guidance to help restore healthy gums and prevent progression to more advanced periodontal disease.

A Patient-Centred Approach to Dentistry

At Smiles By Design, we understand that every patient has different concerns, goals, and expectations. That's why we never believe in one-size-fits-all dentistry. We take the time to listen, answer your questions, and explain every treatment option so you can make informed decisions about your care.

Our team is committed to creating a relaxed, welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable throughout every visit. Whether you're returning for a routine cleaning or visiting us for more complex treatment, you can expect compassionate care, clear communication, and attention to detail from start to finish.

We continually invest in modern dental technology and ongoing education to ensure we're providing efficient, comfortable treatment using proven techniques and high-quality materials.

Your Dentist in Syracuse, NY

If you're searching for a dentist in Syracuse, NY, Smiles By Design is here to provide the comprehensive dental care you and your family deserve. From preventive check-ups and gum disease treatment to dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, restorative care, and oral surgery, we offer everything you need to maintain a healthy, confident smile in one convenient location.

Our goal is to build lasting relationships with every patient by providing exceptional dental care in a friendly, professional setting. Whether you need routine maintenance or a complete smile restoration, we're here to help you achieve long-term oral health with treatment that's tailored specifically to you.

Contact Smiles By Design today to schedule your appointment and experience the difference personalized dental care can make. If you're looking for a trusted dentist in Syracuse, NY, our team looks forward to welcoming you to our practice.