Dental Hygienist Visit
What is a Dental Hygienist?
Perhaps the most important part of going to the dentist is the regular tooth cleaning procedure, otherwise known as polishing and scaling, done by the dental hygienist. Regular cleanings and check-ups can be very effective in preventing tooth decay and damage to teeth. This kind of damage can be detected sooner in those patients who visit their dentist regularly, which may lead to fewer and less invasive procedures. The dental hygienist is very important because it is here that all further dental work emerges. Clean teeth are the first step to proper oral health.
Why do I need to go to a Hygienist?
- Teeth that need periodic deep cleaning other than ordinary manual tooth brushing.
- Teeth that need more effective cleaning, flossing, fluoride treatment, and possible subgingival scaling if plaque and tarter have built up too much. This will require more in-depth cleaning below the surface of the gums.
Possible Treatments
Below are some the possible treatments available. Each treatment has its benefits and are more suitable for certain cases over others, it is important that you come in and speak to us so we can recommend the best treatment possible for you.
- Scaling
- Supragingival cleaning
- Subgingival cleaning to more thoroughly cleanse the gums and teeth of calculus.
- Oral Cancer Screening
Treatment Process
- First, the dental hygienist will attach a bib around the patient’s neck area, so that drips and scaling debris will not disturb clothing or neck during the cleaning procedure.
- Any necessary x rays will then be conducted in the dental procedure chair. The hygienist will drape a heavy drape over your chest and stomach area to protect from any x-ray contamination. This is extremely unlikely, but even so, a safety precaution.
- The dental hygienist will scrape your gum line and around each tooth with a special instrument in order to remove plaque and tartar build-up.
- Next, the hygienist will use a sonic or ultrasonic powered toothbrush head to polish the teeth. The hygienist will use a special toothpaste that is either salty tasting, and will most likely feel like a slight blasting sensation. Most patients choose to wear protective eye masks, or the patient may just choose to close his/her eyes during the cleaning procedure.
- During the procedure, the hygienist will place a small suction device in the corner of the patient’s mouth to quickly suck up any excess saliva or spit during cleaning.
- The hygienist may give a fluoride treatment or apply a sealant if need dictates.
- The fluoride treatment is simply a gum tray filled with a protective fluoride gel. It needs just a few minutes to do its job, and then the hygienist will remove the tray. Then, the patient will spit or gargle with some mouthwash, and spit again into a small automatic basin.
- A hygienist will then review proper at-home toothbrush cleaning and flossing routine with the patient.
Benefits of a hygienist visit?
- Clean, healthy gums and teeth.
- Prevention of cavities.
After Effects
- The patient may feel a slightly tingly, yet not unpleasant sensation for a little while after cleansing.
- Tenderness around gum line if hygienist had to do a lot of scaling or scraping in order to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
Did you know
Dental flossing daily helps to reduce bad breath, dental plaque, unsightly tartar, bleeding gums, and helps to prevent tooth decay. Lack of dental flossing is the primary cause (90%) of halitosis, bad breath.
Percent of people clean between their teeth regularly, which is more than three times higher than the figure reported in 2007 (19%).
(nationalsmilemonth.org)
Brushing your teeth without flossing is like washing only 65% of your body.
(nationalsmilemonth.org)
Dental Hygienist Fees
General Dentistry
Contact us Today!
Are you looking for more information regarding booking a hygienist visit? then simply fill in the form below, and we will contact you as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can call us on 01 2014180
