Hygiene treatments

What is a dental hygienist?

Dental hygienists are dental care professionals who work as part of the dental team. Their role is to give treatment and advice to help ensure that you have a healthy mouth. As well as helping to keep your teeth clean and in good condition, a hygienist can carry out assessment and monitoring of your dental health, tooth whitening, application of desensitising and antimicrobial agentsSensitive teeth can often be treated by the use of pastes or ointments applied to the tooth surface. The cause of sensitivity needs to be diagnosed properly first but in many cases it can be treated quite easily with simple measures., fissure sealantsA fissure sealant is a preventive seal applied to the weakest part of the tooth. It is applied as a liquid onto the dry tooth surface and then set by shining a light onto the seal. In the right circumstances a simple fissure seal can prevent decay starting and prevent the need for a filling. It is quite quick and entirely painless to apply., dental x-raysDental x rays are a routine part of diagnosis and treatment. They show underneath fillings, between teeth and into the jaw bone. Some are taken as a normal part of your check-up and some are taken to investigate specific problems. We use the very latest digital techniques and special alignment devices to ensure that the x ray dose is kept to the absolute minimum., impressionsImpressions are moulds of your teeth and jaws. They can be taken for a number of reasons. Crowns, bridges, veneers and implants all require impressions to be taken but sometimes we take impressions for measuring and recording teeth. Impressions may be water based or silicone type, depending on the requirement., give specific advice on fluorideFluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. If Fluoride is incorporated into the enamel of the tooth it makes it much more resistant to decay. In the correct quantities, fluoride is an entirely safe and very effective preventive measure. Most toothpastes contain fluoride and some water supplies also contain fluoride. For adults this poses no problems but for young children it may be possible to have too much fluoride intake which can cause ‘mottling’ of the enamel. Your dentist will advise you about this., prevention of tooth decayTooth decay is a very common disease in the Western World. If left untreated it can cause severe pain, abscesses and loss of teeth. Decay is caused when refined sugar is converted into acid by specific bacteria which live on the tooth surface. Tooth decay can be easily treated by the twin measures of limiting the amount of sugar in your diet and keeping the teeth properly cleaned. and gum diseaseGum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss. About 10% of the population will suffer from advanced gum disease which causes loss of the bone supporting the teeth and then loss of the teeth. Gum disease is usually painless and may go unnoticed unless it is specifically looked for. Our routine examinations always check for gum disease and our practice is designed to identify and treat gum disease at the earliest possible opportunity (when it is easier & cheaper to treat). We have two dental therapists and a gum specialist to ensure the best possible treatment for our patients., nutrition and smoking cessation.

Our dental hygienists are also trained as dental therapists, therefore enabling them to carry out simple restorative procedures.

Why is good dental hygiene important?

Good dental hygiene can prevent many of the causes of gum disease. Plaque can harden on your teeth to form calculus (tartar), a hard mineral build up which gives your teeth a yellow or brown colour. Calculus can also form at or underneath the gum line, causing irritation to the gums.

How can the hygienist help?

The hygienist will clean your teeth by scaling and polishingEarly gum disease (gingivitis) is identified in approximately 90% of all people. This can be treated by removing (soft) plaque and (hard) calculus from the teeth with special instruments. More importantly, our patients are shown methods of preventing the build up of plaque & calculus, so that the risk is reduced and gums are healthier. This preventive aspect of our practice is very important and means that our patients have healthier mouths with less need for treatment. It is also cheaper to prevent problems before they occur!. This not only removes stains and improves your appearance, but also helps to treat and prevent gum disease. The hygienist will also examine your teeth and record any problems.

Does scaling and polishing hurt?

The hygienist will remove the tartar using an ultrasound instrument, and fine hand instruments. The ultrasonic instrument vibrates at high speed, gently dislodging the tartar and washing it away with a fine spray of water. The hand instruments are designed for the more difficult to reach areas, and are used with a gentle scraping movement. The polish is given with a rotating brush and a special paste. Most people find the process to be pain-free, but talk to your hygienist if you have had problems in the past, or have any worries about the procedure.

How else can the hygienist help me to look after my teeth?

Your hygienist will work with you to develop a home care plan for keeping your mouth healthy between visits. If relevant, she will explain how diet and smoking can affect the health of your teeth and develop an oral hygiene regime specific to your needs. She will advise the oral hygiene products best suited to you and demonstrate how to use them to maximum efficiency.

How often should I see the hygienist?

The dentist and hygienist will advise the most suitable interval between appointments for you. Most patients need to attend at 3 to 6 month intervals.

Can I see the hygienist instead of the dentist?

You must have seen a dentist for check up within 12 months before your hygienist appointment. If you are registered with a dentist from another practice, we are happy to offer you hygiene treatment upon presentation of a referral letter.