What is the most common procedure in a dental office?
The most common procedure in a dental office is dental hygiene, also known as the dental recall or re-care program.
What does proper dental hygiene involve?
Proper dental hygiene involves brushing at least twice a day and flossing. You can also use tools like a Waterpik. It's important to brush before going to bed to remove any trapped food that could cause cavities.
What are the complications of poor dental hygiene?
Poor dental hygiene can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, cavities, and bad breath.
What are the main duties of a dental hygienist?
The main duties of a dental hygienist are to keep the teeth and gums clean. They remove calculus or tartar that forms when food is left behind after eating.
What is involved in a dental cleaning?
A dental cleaning involves the use of various instruments that vibrate to knock off calculus or tartar. There is also a scaler used to scrape things off the teeth, and stains are polished to keep the teeth clean.
What kind of tools does a dental hygienist use?
A dental hygienist uses tools that vibrate and shoot out water, such as a piezo scaler, to knock off calculus and tartar. They also use hand instruments to scrape things off the teeth and polishing instruments to remove stains.
Does a hygienist teeth cleaning hurt?
Hygienist teeth cleanings generally do not hurt. The better your dental hygiene at home, the easier and faster the cleaning is, with less to remove.
How long does a typical dental cleaning take?
The duration of a typical dental cleaning varies based on your home care. If there's not much calculus or tartar, it could be as quick as 15 minutes. However, if there's a lot to remove, it could take up to an hour.
Why is a deep cleaning necessary?
A deep cleaning is necessary when there is a build-up of hardened tartar, or calculus, below the gum line that cannot be removed at home. A hygienist uses a hand scaler to scrape this off.
What is recommended after a dental cleaning?
After a dental cleaning, it's recommended to maintain good hygiene to prevent the accumulation of tartar and calculus. This will make future visits easier.
How often should one visit a dental hygienist?
One should visit a dental hygienist at least twice a year, every six months. However, more frequent visits may be necessary depending on the individual's oral hygiene.