Hygiene/Periodontal

Teeth Cleanings and Scalings (Deep Cleanings)

Most of our patients come to us for cleanings and checkups and see our dental hygienists. In our opinion, we have the best dental hygienists in Westchester, Sandy Pugliesi and Andrea Monzon. It is thanks to them that our patients are able to maintain optimal oral health and good hygiene habits

Adult Cleaning

A dental cleaning is a preventive, prophylactic procedure to maintain health of your teeth and gums. Our dental hygienists will GENTLY remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, clean off the stains from coffee, tea, or red wine, and do their best to make sure you leave with a healthy, sparkling smile. They will spend a lot of time going over your home care habits, to ensure that you can keep your mouth healthy between your visits. The cleaning appointment will last 45-60 minutes, and typically includes

• removal of plaque and tartar from your teeth
• polishing and stain removal
• periodontal gum charting and evaluation
• oral cancer screening
• dental exam and all the necessary X-Rays

More than polishing, cleaning, and examining, we assist you in developing proper hygiene habits at home. Through specific questions, we evaluate your hygiene routine and make suggestions where needed. Being more involved than the most dentists in Westchester County, Dr. Polevoy and our dental hygienists will always take the time to make suggestions for preventative measures such as dental sealants or night-guards to protect against bruxism and TMJ.

Oral Cancer Screenings

During a dental exam, Dr. Polevoy will check your neck and oral tissues for lumps, red or white patches or recurring sore areas.
Screening for early changes in the oral tissue can help detect cancer at a stage when it can be more successfully treated.
Smoking, especially combined with heavy alcohol consumption (30 drinks a week or more), is the primary risk factor for oral cancer. In fact, this combination is estimated to be the most likely trigger in about 75 percent of oral cancers diagnosed in this country. Other lifestyle and environmental factors also may increase your risk of developing oral cancer.

(5 out of 5) by Carol T. – September 17,2013

Always have a wonderful experience with my cleanings. Thank you to your wonderful staff!

(5 out of 5) by Deborah B. – April 24,2013

Sandy is excellent and I always enjoy my appt with her. Look forward to my October visit

(5 out of 5) by Jennifer G. – December 27,2012

by Jennifer G. – December 27,2012
My teeth are very sensitive, and having a cleaning can be very uncomfortable. Thank goodness for Sandy because she is the best and is always very gentle and patient!

Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing

Every year, we measure your gums to make sure they are still healthy. If the pockets have gotten deeper, you may have periodontal disease.

A healthy gum is very tight around your teeth. When we measure it, we expect it be under 3 mm in depth. But if you hear us call out higher numbers, you know something is wrong.

Deep gums are very difficult to clean. If a hygienist tried to clean a 5- or 6- mm pocket without numbing you first – you wouldn’t like it very much. And cleaning such deep pockets takes much more time.

That is why in cases such as these, we recommend Scaling and Root Planing.

This is a procedure that takes 2 or 4 visits, 45-60 min each.

Dr. Steven Polevoy will PAINLESSLY numb up the mouth section to be cleaned (one quarter or one half of your mouth). After the section is numb, our hygienists will GENTLY clean the plaque and tartar from below the gums, removing deposits that have been there for years. After cleaning, they will plane and polish the root surfaces to make sure the gums can heal and get healthy again.

Why can’t I get a regular cleaning?

The regular cleaning can only be done if your gums are healthy. During a cleaning, the hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from ABOVE the gum, going only slightly below. If the gums are inflamed, most of the problems are below the gum. Trying to clean below the gum during a regular cleaning is not effective – and VERY UNCOMFORTABLE for the patient. If you’ve had painful, bloody cleanings – you know what we mean. Scaling and Root Planing, when done in sections, allows us to do a thorough and meticulous and PAINLESS job.

Will it hurt?

It will very likely be the most comfortable hygiene visit you’ve had in years. Chances are, you’ve needed it for a while, but were getting regular cleanings. If regular cleanings are done on inflamed gums, THEY HURT! This visit will not, we guarantee it.

Does my insurance cover Scalings and Root Planings?

They are covered under “BASIC’ or “PERIODONTAL” section of your dental insurance plan, typcially 60-80%.
From standard dental procedures to oral cancer screenings, Dr. Polevoy and his staff offer a vast range services in their Harrison dentist office, including: