Preventive Dentistry NYC — Comprehensive Checkups | Centre Dental

A comprehensive new-patient exam with X-rays and cleaning costs more than a recall exam with cleaning for an existing patient, and sealants are priced per tooth. We provide a written estimate before any treatment beyond a basic exam.

Most PPO plans cover two preventive exams and cleanings per year at 80–100% with no deductible. X-rays are covered on a periodicity schedule (bitewings yearly, full series every three to five years). Sealants are typically covered for children and increasingly for adults. Centre Dental is non-participating with most PPO plans — you pay us directly and submit for out-of-network reimbursement.

The American Dental Association recommends bitewing X-rays every 6–18 months for adults based on caries risk, and a full mouth series or panoramic every three to five years. We follow the ADA periodicity schedule and adjust based on individual risk — patients with no recent decay and stable restorations get fewer X-rays than those with active issues. We do not take X-rays for billing reasons.

Every six months is the default for healthy patients. Three or four months is more appropriate for patients with periodontal history, diabetes, smoking, or extensive restorations. Nine to twelve months can be safe for patients with consistently healthy charting, low caries risk, and minimal restorations. We base the recall on documented risk, not a calendar default.

A visual and palpation exam of the cheeks, tongue (top, sides, underside), floor of mouth, palate, throat, and lymph nodes. Any unusual color, texture, or hardness is documented and either re-evaluated in two weeks or referred to an oral surgeon for biopsy. The screening takes two minutes and happens at every comprehensive visit.

Sealants are most cost-effective in children whose permanent molars have just erupted, but adults with deep biting-surface grooves and a history of decay benefit too. Published data shows substantial reduction in occlusal cavity risk on sealed teeth versus unsealed ones. We evaluate suitability tooth-by-tooth rather than recommending across the board.

You see the X-ray and the clinical finding before any treatment is recommended. We explain what was found, what the options are (including watch-and-monitor when appropriate), what each option costs, and what the risk is of waiting. The plan is written, the decision is yours, and nothing is performed at the same visit unless you specifically ask.