Sachar Dental NYC
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All the below content has been written by Dr. Sandip Sachar.
Teeth Cleaning NYC
Teeth Cleaning at Sachar Dental NYC is never rushed. Our dental hygienists are compassionate, friendly and professional and will take their time to ensure you are comfortable and your teeth cleaning is thorough.
On this page: (Click topic below)
- Why are we the top rated dentists in NYC for teeth cleanings and check-ups?
- How often should I get a professional dental teeth cleaning?
- Children's teeth cleanings at Sachar Dental NYC
- Dental check-ups at Sachar Dental NYC
- Why get a dental teeth cleaning twice per year?
- How much does a teeth cleaning cost in NYC?
- Will my dental insurance cover teeth cleanings?
- Should I get dental teeth cleanings during pregnancy?
- The connection between diabetes and gum disease
- Is there a link between gum disease and heart disease?
- What is the difference between a regular teeth cleaning and a deep cleaning?
Teeth Cleaning at Sachar Dental NYC
Why are we the top rated NYC dentists for teeth cleanings and check-ups?
At Sachar Dental NYC, we take great pride in going above and beyond when it comes our teeth cleaning appointments. We spend extra time with our patients to ensure every teeth cleaning is thorough as well as comfortable for our patients. Our teeth cleaning appointments are scheduled for one hour, and the teeth cleanings are always gentle and thorough. We never rush our dental hygiene appointments and never want our patients to feel rushed.
Many of our patients comment on how gentle and thorough our dental hygienists are. At Sachar Dental NYC, all of our dental hygienists have had extensive training on how to perform teeth cleanings as painlessly as possible.
Additionally, all of our dental hygienists at Sachar Dental NYC are friendly, compassionate and professional. We treat our patients like family. We have had many patients regularly come in at least twice a year for twenty years.
At Sachar Dental NYC we strongly believe that prevention of gum and oral disease is better than treatment. With this philosophy in mind, we always focus on preventative care, patient education and early intervention when needed. All of our dental hygienists have had extensive training in the early diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. They spend an exceptional amount of time educating our patients on how to take care of their oral health at home, with instructions on proper brushing and flossing.
We are also very proud to have the latest state-of-the-art equipment in our Midtown Manhattan, New York City dental office. When it comes to teeth cleanings, our dental hygienists, at Sachar Dental NYC, we use top-of-the-line ultrasonic cleaning tips to gently flush around the teeth and under the gums.
At the end of every teeth cleaning, our dental hygienists polish the teeth to remove any stains.
We invite you to come into Sachar Dental NYC for your teeth cleaning and dental checkup. You will see why we are the top rated dentists in New York City for dental teeth cleanings.
What Our Patients Are Saying....
I absolutely love Sachar Dental. Every time I go for my teeth cleaning, it always feels like I am getting the VIP treatment. My hygienist, Amy, always takes great care with my cleaning. Dr. Sachar is wonderful and truly runs a high-end practice. - L.M Google
This is one of the best Dentist in NYC. Finally after three years I was able to find someone who was great. This Dentist office is a pleasure to visit. And the hygienist, is so thorough. She took her time deep cleaning and was into her work, really enjoying it and taking pride in her job. One of the best places. - M.D. Zocdoc
Top notch, cutting edge professionals who are there not just to fill cavities but to ensure you keep your teeth for life. Beautiful office, exceptionally run and on time. I have been a patient for more than a decade and couldn't be more pleased!! - D.M. Google
This is real five star treatment- starting with the friendly people at the front desk, no wait time, professional dentists who explain procedures and give you informed alternatives. Although I've moved to Brooklyn, I won't be changing my dentist! - B.B Google
Best dentist ever! From the front desk to the hygienists to the doctors, everyone is wonderful, and I've gotten excellent care. I've been going to Sachar Dental for 10 years. 11/10, would recommend. - R.W. Google
I've been going to Dr. Sachar office for years and have yet to be disappointed. Great staff always friendly and helpful. - P.M. Google
How long will a teeth cleaning and dental checkup take at Sachar Dental NYC?
At Sachar Dental NYC, we always allocate one hour for an appointment for a dental teeth cleaning and dental checkup. We always want to be sure that we are not rushed through your appointment. This way, we can take as much time as needed to be thorough and perform the services and examination to the best of our ability. By not rushing, we ensure that your teeth cleaning is done properly, and done without discomfort or pain.
The dental teeth cleaning part of your cleaning and checkup appointment may take between 30 and 45 minutes depending on the amount of plaque and tartar buildup that is observed. The remaining part of your 1-hour appointment will include the home care instructions, evaluation and clinical dental examination by the dentist, and answering any questions or concerns that you may have. Many of our patients have commented that they appreciate the longer period of time that we spend with our patients. Many patients have commented that compared to their previous experiences with other dental practices, their teeth cleaning at Sachar Dental NYC felt more thorough. They have also stated that their dental exam at our practice did not feel rushed, and in general they appreciated the amount of time that was given to them.
How often should I get a professional dental teeth cleaning
The American Dental Association (ADA)recommends having a professional dental teeth cleaning twice a year. We strictly follow this guideline by regularly seeing our patients for teeth cleanings, at least twice a year. Patients that have gum disease, or have had gum disease treated in the past, are recommended to come in every 3 months. In addition, for patients that do not like to floss regularly, we recommend that they come in every 3 months in lieu of daily flossing.
Children's teeth cleanings at Sachar Dental NYC
At Sachar Dental NYC, we are New York City's best dentists for your whole family. We invite you to bring in your children for pediatric dental checkups and pediatric dental teeth cleanings. Generally, we treat children ages 7 and up to adulthood, including teenagers. We often make exceptions for younger children if you inquire. In fact, our youngest patient is 2 years old.
Just as in adults, it is important to catch any dental pathology early in your child's mouth. It is also very important for children to have regularly scheduled professional dental teeth cleanings in order to prevent tooth decay and cavities, by the removal of plaque and tartar.
Dental check-ups at Sachar Dental NYC
In addition to the ADA recommending dental teeth cleanings twice per year, they also recommend having a dentist perform a clinical dental check-up or examination twice per year. One can have dental problems and oral disease without any symptoms present. Therefore, a dentist may identify a problem during a normally scheduled biannual dental examination that a patient had no indications or symptoms of. Tooth decay and gum disease can progress very quickly in a short period of time if left untreated. By having dental check-ups performed twice per year, we can catch these problems early, and treat them with preventative measures instead of the need for invasive dental procedures.
As always at Sachar Dental NYC, our philosophy is to prevent dental problems, rather than treat them. We always opt for the least invasive and most conservative approach to dental care.
All of our dentists at Sachar Dental NYC perform very thorough examinations. We spend a lot of time with our patients in order to identify any and all dental problems that exist. Our dentists are very meticulous in their process of performing the examination. They go through a mental checklist of each individual component of the dental exam to ensure that nothing is missed, and they follow this every single time.
During the dental examination, our dentists at Sachar Dental NYC examine each individual tooth separately for cavities, cracks, fractures, tooth decay, and wear. We also examine the gums for inflammation, infection or other gum disease. We examine each gum pocket, and all existing previous dental procedures such as old fillings, old crowns and any other previously performed dental treatments. We examine the jaw bone and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). We check the alignment of the bite. We also do an oral cancer screening.
Sachar Dental NYC - digital dental x-rays
The ADA recommends having dental x-rays performed twice per year. At Sachar Dental NYC, our philosophy is to do x-rays only once per year and more if it becomes necessary due to dental problems, and also more for high risk patients. Although our state of the art, high-tech digital dental x-ray units at Sachar Dental NYC, put out minimal radiation, our philosophy is to avoid exposure to radiation as much as possible. Dental x-rays are important in order to identify problems that cannot be seen by our dentists during their clinical examination. Our skilled dentists will always let you know when x-rays are recommended and indicated.
Why get a dental teeth cleaning twice per year?
At Sachar Dental NYC, we follow the American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines and recommend that our patients come in twice per year for regular dental teeth cleanings and dental checkups.
Many problems can be diagnosed early during a regular dental checkup and teeth cleaning visit. Catching dental problems early allows us to treat these dental problems early instead of letting these problems progress to the point where they need more invasive and more costly procedures. Preventative dental medicine will help avoid potentially more serious dental problems and more invasive dental procedures in the future.
Skipping professional dental teeth cleanings can also lead to bad breath and poor oral hygiene which may have serious implications on overall health, including cardiovascular health. People with gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) have two to three times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular event.
Regular dental teeth cleanings significantly reduce plaque and tartar buildup as well as bacteria around teeth and gums. Bacteria between the teeth and under the gums can lead to tooth decay, cavities and gum disease. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss.
Additionally, by catching dental problems early one can avoid problems that affect the appearance of the teeth and smile. Prevention can reduce the need for cosmetic dentistry procedures that can become invasive and costly.
And finally, there are many studies that show having biannual dental checkups and teeth cleanings lead to healthier teeth, bone and gums in the long-term.
Teeth Cleaning Picture Description:
The above picture shows teeth before and after a professional dental teeth cleaning. In the first picture, you can see the yellow areas that are build-up of tartar, and the white areas that are plaque. In the second picture you can see the plaque and tartar are both gone. It is normal for the gums to bleed and appear red right after a teeth cleaning to remove tartar. The gums will heal in 24-48 hours after teeth cleaning and tartar removal.
Important terminology regarding dental teeth cleanings
The following is a list and description of terms one may hear when discussing dental teeth cleanings. In no particular order, it is important to understand these terms.
Tartar - Tartar is a hard substance found on, and between, the teeth that consists of food particles that have hardened over time and adhered to the tooth surface. It also contains bacteria and will cause inflammation of the gums. Tartar cannot be removed with a toothbrush nor floss alone. This requires a professional dental teeth cleaning to be removed with our instruments.
Calculus - Calculus is another name for Tartar.
Plaque - plaque is a light-colored, mushy substance that forms on, and between, the teeth. It consists of food particles and bacteria and eventually will harden into tartar. While plaque can be removed with flossing and brushing, it usually accumulates in areas that are hard to get to with a toothbrush and floss. Any plaque that remains after flossing and brushing will be removed during your professional dental teeth cleaning. Over time, plaque is responsible for causing tooth decay and gum inflammation.
Gingivitis - Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. Inflammation of gums is caused by an accumulation of bacteria, plaque and tartar around the teeth and gums. Normally, healthy gums do not bleed while flossing and brushing. Bleeding while flossing and brushing is a sign of gingivitis or infection of the gums. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. When treated early, periodontal or gum disease can be reversed.
Periodontitis - Periodontitis is infection of the gums and bone. This occurs when bacteria penetrates deep under the gums and starts to erode the bone that holds the roots of the teeth. If diagnosed early, this can be treated to avoid the potential for erosion of bone and eventual loss of teeth. Periodontitis is the number one cause of tooth loss. Usually, periodontitis does not cause any pain and can be missed. Therefore, it is very important to maintain a schedule of having a dental checkup every 6 months.
Gum pockets - A gum pocket is the space between the root of the tooth and the gum. Normally it is not deeper than 3 mm in healthy gums. When bacteria get inside, it can become deeper than 3 mm. This allows bacteria to harbor under the gums and cause gum disease or periodontal disease.
Teeth Cleaning - A dental teeth cleaning is a procedure that allows a dentist or a dental hygienist to remove plaque and tartar on the teeth and between them as well as below the gums. It can be done manually with a hand scaler, or using an ultrasonic high-pressure water jet scaler. It is a superficial teeth cleaning of the gums that does not penetrate more than 3 mm under the gums.
Deep Cleaning - When plaque and bacteria are found to be deeper than 3 mm within the gum pockets between the tooth root and the gum, it is not possible to remove this with just a simple teeth cleaning. A deep cleaning is then required. A deep cleaning is similar to a simple teeth cleaning, however, in order to get deeper within the gum, it is necessary to use anesthesia. This allows us to get deeper under the gums while still being comfortable for the patient. It allows us to remove plaque and tartar that are deep within the root of the tooth and the gum.
Prophylaxis - Prophylaxis is another word for dental teeth cleaning. A teeth cleaning is a preventative procedure to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Scaler - a scaler is a dental instrument that is utilized to scrape plaque and tartar off of the teeth and from between them. It is also utilized to remove plaque from under the gums.
Cavitron - A Cavitron is a medical device that is used to assisting in teeth cleanings. It utilizes ultrasonic scalers with high-pressure water to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and between them. It also gently flushes under the gums.
Prophy paste - Prophy paste is the polishing powder that is utilized to remove staining from the teeth. It is applied with a high-speed spinning brush after the dental teeth cleaning.
How much does a teeth cleaning cost in NYC?
At Sachar Dental NYC, our charge for a dental teeth cleaning is $195. Most PPO dental insurances cover this at 100%. For patients with insurance that we accept, we will submit the claim for you, and we get paid directly from the insurance company so that our patients do not have to pay anything for services upfront.
Will my dental insurance cover teeth cleanings?
Most PPO dental insurance plans cover teeth cleanings twice per year at 100%. Some insurances cover teeth cleaning 4 times a year. They also cover dental examinations twice per year at 100%. For patients with dental insurance that we accept, we will submit the billing claim for your examination and teeth cleaning to the insurance company, and get paid directly from them so that our patients do not have to pay anything for services upfront. Additionally, medically necessary x-rays are also usually covered at 100% from your insurance. For a list of dental insurances that we accept, please see our insurance page here.
What to expect on your first visit as a new patient to Sachar Dental NYC for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning
The first thing patients comment on when they come to Sachar Dental NYC, is how friendly and thorough our front desk staff is. Every patient at Sachar Dental NYC is treated with respect and always greeted with a big smile.
When you first arrive, our staff will go over your intake information and medical history.
We almost always run on time and keep our appointment time as scheduled. You will be seated in the dental chair by the dental hygienist on time.
Once in the exam room, our well-trained and skilled dental hygienists will start with going over your medical and dental history. They will ask about any existing medical conditions that may impact your dental treatment.
All new patient visits start with taking digital x-rays of all the teeth and jaw bones. Dental X-rays allow us to see pathology that may not be visible in our clinical dental examination. If you have had dental x-rays performed recently, we ask that you have your dental x-rays sent to our office. If you cannot get them, we will recommend repeating them.
The rest of the new patient visit is very similar to our follow-up visits described below.
What to expect during your routine dental teeth cleaning and checkup visit at Sachar Dental NYC
When you first enter Sachar Dental NYC, for your routine 6 month teeth cleaning, you will always be greeted by our front desk staff with a smile. We respect that your time is important, and we almost always run on schedule. Many patients have commented on how much they appreciate this.
Continuity of care
Our dental hygienist will go over your medical chart history when you first arrive. Continuity of care is very important to us at Sachar Dental NYC. Therefore, we always review the details of your previous visits each time you return. This allows us to note any changes currently compared to any previous findings allowing for more thorough diagnosis, and pertinent dental care and treatment.
Our dental hygienists will ask you if anything has changed in your medical history, your medications, or anything else. They will also ask you if you have any new dental complaints that you would like to be addressed, such as new onset of pain, sensitivity or anything else.
Periodontal examination
Our dental hygienists will then perform their clinical examination of the teeth and gums and compare that to your previous visit. If there were deep gum pockets present previously, we will measure them again and compare them to the last measurements, giving us an objective comparison of their progression. This allows us to determine the treatment going forward. This evaluation of the gums and bone is called a periodontal examination.
Hygienist examination
They will next evaluate for signs of wear and tear on the teeth and gums. They will evaluate for any new, or changes in gum recession. When necessary, they will perform digital dental x-rays. While the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends performing x-rays twice a year, at Sachar Dental NYC, our philosophy is to reduce the amount of radiation, and perform x-rays once a year, even though our new digital x-rays produce very little radiation exposure to the patient. For high risk patients, and patients with any significant pathology, we will perform x-rays more often than once a year.
Dental teeth cleaning
The dental hygienists will start performing the teeth cleaning. They will meticulously clean each tooth individually and between the teeth, and flush under the gums. They work around the mouth in a systematic order such that nothing is missed. Our dental hygienists all have been trained to perform teeth cleanings as painlessly as possible, and have a gentle touch. For patients that are extra sensitive, we allow the option of using a topical anesthesia providing even more comfort.
During the dental teeth cleanings, our dental hygienists will remove plaque and tartar that has formed on, and between, the teeth. They will flush under the gums with a high-pressure water jet. The last step of the teeth cleaning process is to polish the teeth to remove any stains.
Patient education, home dental care
After our thorough teeth cleaning is done our dental hygienists will spend time discussing your home care including proper flossing and brushing techniques, and schedules. One of the many unique aspects at Sachar Dental NYC is that we are realistic. We understand that many patients, from our experience, do not like to floss, and do not adhere to a regimented schedule of flossing. For these patients, we recognize that they do not floss as often as they should, and we recommend that they come in every three months instead of every six months for teeth cleanings in lieu of a daily flossing schedule.
Dentist examination
After our dental hygienists are done with your teeth cleaning and education on home care, the dentist will come to see you. The dentist will perform a thorough dental examination including inspection of each individual tooth, the gums, the bones and perform a screening for oral cancer. If they find any pathology during the examination, the dentist will discuss treatment options with you, and devise a plan. Depending on the severity of the pathology found, they will either recommend performing a dental procedure to fix the pathology now, or schedule you to come back for an additional visit soon. They will also discuss with you whether you should come back in three or six months for your next dental teeth cleaning.
How often should I have dental teeth cleaning?
The American dental Association (ADA), recommends having a dental cleaning twice per year, or every six months. Along with a dental teeth cleaning every six months, they also recommend having a dental checkup every six months. For patients that have had treatment for periodontal disease, or currently have periodontal disease, the ADA recommends having a dental cleaning four times per year. In our experience at Sachar dental NYC, we have had many patients that do not like to floss as recommended daily. For these patients, in order to maintain the health of their teeth and gums, we recommend that they come in four times per year for dental teeth cleanings, in lieu of flossing every day.
How can I prevent tooth decay and cavities?
The best way to prevent tooth decay and dental cavities, is to follow a simple regimen of brushing, flossing, healthy diet and regular visits to our dentists.
The American dental Association (ADA), recommends brushing your teeth twice per day with a soft bristle toothbrush and flossing once per day.
A healthy diet helps with good oral health. We recommend a diet that is low in simple sugars and high in fruits and vegetables.
The best way to prevent oral problems, including cavities and tooth decay, is by having regular teeth cleanings by a dental professional twice per year along with a dental checkup twice per year.
How to brush your teeth and floss correctly
Most people know that it is recommended to brush your teeth at least twice per day and floss once per day. The proper technique for brushing teeth involves using a soft bristle toothbrush angled toward the gums with light pressure, and in soft gentle circles. Brushing should take you two to three minutes. In order to properly remove plaque, it is important to brush long enough, however, not too hard. A common misconception is that if you brush harder, it could take less time. This is not true and can lead to gum recession, and toothbrush abrasion of the enamel.
It is not always possible for a toothbrush to remove all the plaque from between the teeth due to the tight spaces, nor from under the gums. Therefore, flossing is important part of your home oral care. Flossing should be done at least once per day.
The proper method to floss is as follows: grab a length of dental floss tightly between two fingers. Get the floss in between the teeth and under the gums and move the floss up and down with pressure against each tooth and root surface to remove all the plaque. Be sure to get both teeth in each space. You can start in one area of the mouth, for example the upper right side, move across to the upper left side, then go to the bottom and move across the bottom.
Should I get dental teeth cleanings during pregnancy?
The short answer to this question, is yes. During pregnancy, your hormones can fluctuate which may cause the gums to become inflamed and bleed easily. This is known as “pregnancy gingivitis”. During this time, is important to have the gums flushed with regular dental teeth cleanings every 3-4 months to prevent problems. Untreated pregnancy gingivitis has been associated with premature birth and low birth weight in babies. The gums normally return to normal after delivery of the baby. If you are pregnant, we recommend that you continue to get your dental teeth cleanings. During pregnancy, we will not perform any x-rays and we avoid the use of local anesthetics.
The connection between diabetes and gum disease
People who suffer from diabetes are at a greater risk of gum disease than patients that do not have diabetes. Also, the progression of gum disease tends to be much more rapid and aggressive in patients with uncontrolled diabetes. Therefore, it is even more important in diabetic patients to come see us if they notice that their gums are bleeding when the brush or floss. This is an early sign of periodontal disease that needs to be addressed. Left untreated, in uncontrolled diabetics, this periodontal disease can spread very quickly leading to loss of bone and loss of teeth.
Is there a link between gum disease and heart disease?
The short answer to this question is, yes. Research has shown that having untreated gum disease may put you at a greater risk of having coronary artery disease. Bacteria found under the gums can spread into the bloodstream and make its way to the heart, resulting in coronary artery disease. Therefore, it is very important to address gum disease in the early stages to prevent this. If you notice that your gums bleed when you brush or floss, it is important to come see us so that we can evaluate and treat periodontal disease in its early stages. People with gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) have two to three times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular event.
What is the difference between a regular teeth cleaning and a deep cleaning?
Picture Description:
The above picture shows a healthy tooth with healthy gums in the top picture. The bottom picture shows a tooth and gums with periodontal disease (gum disease). This tooth has deep gum pockets, accumulation of plaque and tartar on the tooth and under the gums, as well as inflamed gums. This tooth requires a deep dental cleaning. This allows us to remove plaque and tartar on the tooth and under the gums.
There are two types of dental cleanings: Prophylaxis/ teeth cleaning and deep cleaning.
Prophylaxis is a regular dental teeth cleaning which is performed every six months, along with the regular dental checkup. A regular dental teeth cleaning is performed by a dentist or dental hygienist in order to remove plaque and tartar that form on, and between the teeth, and under the gums that cannot be removed with flossing and brushing alone. Occasionally, at Sachar Dental NYC, we recommend that a patient come in four times per year, instead of twice per year. These patients have been treated in the past or are currently being treated for periodontal disease. Also, people who do not like to floss on a regular daily basis come in four times per year for a dental cleaning in lieu of flossing at a more regular daily interval.
A deep cleaning is performed when we note bacteria to be deeper than 3 mm within the gum pockets, indicating periodontal disease. A deep cleaning is the first step in the treatment of periodontal disease. Often, a deep cleaning alone can reverse periodontal disease if caught early.
When a patient comes in for a checkup and we note that there is bacteria greater than 3 mm deep within the gums, a deep cleaning is recommended. A deep cleaning differs from a routine teeth cleaning in that is done under anesthesia to make it more comfortable for the patient. This allows us to get deeper within the gums to remove bacteria, plaque and tartar. For more severe cases of periodontal disease, after deep cleaning, we will inject antibiotics into the gum pockets. This is an injection of Arestin (Minocycline).
Left untreated, periodontal disease can result in the loss of bone and eventually loss of teeth. Additionally, left untreated, bacteria from deep within the gums can spread into the blood and eventually into other organs of the body. It has been associated with cardiovascular disease and cancer. Once you have had a deep cleaning, we recommend that you have regular teeth cleanings every 3 months going forward.
After a deep cleaning, we re-evaluate your gums at follow-up visits. If we note that the gum pockets do not return to normal, we will recommend that you come in to see our periodontal specialist. Our periodontal specialist will evaluate you and determine whether or not you need to have a more aggressive periodontal treatment plan. At Sachar Dental NYC, we are 1-stop-shop for all your dental needs. Our periodontal specialist is one of the top periodontists in Manhattan.
"The nicest and most thorough dentist!"
I had a cleaning, a deep cleaning, and a cavity taken care of. Everybody was wonderful and friendly, from the receptionists to the hygienist and the dentist. They did everything they could to make me feel comfortable -- and it really worked! I've never had such a pleasant experience! I was especially afraid of the deep cleaning, since I had never had one before, but it was totally painless. I also really appreciate that they took the time to explain to me in detail why I needed a deep cleaning." - Zocdoc
The nicest and most thorough dentist I've ever encountered. Service was relatively prompt too. I would recommend her to all my friends. - J.H Zocdoc
I've been going to Sachar Dental for 9 years now. Everyone there is great, and Dr. Sachar sets the tone for a great office. Always such a friendly place to visit. - C.B. Zocdoc