A dental hygienist is a professional who works along with a dentist to help patients maintain healthy gums and teeth. Their job focuses on preventive care. They explain dental problems to the patient before they develop. They also educate patients to make good decisions about their oral health. While dentists diagnose and perform complex procedures, dental hygienists concentrate on assessments, cleanings, and patient education that support good oral health.
You should feel comfortable and relaxed at your dentist’s office. Ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations in your area. When you arrive at your dentist’s office, you need to check in. During your check-in, you will be asked for your identification and your insurance card. You will also need to update your medical history and list any medications once a year. Knowing your medical history is important because certain health conditions and medications can affect your oral health and influence treatment decisions. Your oral health needs to keep up with these dental visits every six months.
Oral Examination
At your dental appointment, the hygienist will begin with a thorough visual inspection of your mouth. The hygienist will look for cavities, gum inflammation, plaque buildup, and signs of oral diseases. Your hygienist will also check your tongue, cheeks, and throat for abnormalities, which can help detect serious issues like oral cancer.
Professional cleaning
These are the steps taken by the hygienist during your cleaning:
- Initial exam: The condition of your teeth and gums will be checked at the beginning of the appointment by your hygienist.
- X-rays: Every year, X-rays are taken before the cleaning. X-rays are used to check for bone loss, cavities, or impacted teeth.
- Scaling: The hygienist will use an ultrasonic scaler or a hand tool to remove plaque from the tooth surface. If your gums are healthy, this process should not cause pain.
- Polishing: To remove stains and clean your teeth, polishing paste is used with a rotating brush.
- Flossing: Flossing will clean the difficult-to-reach areas in between the teeth.
- Fluoride treatment: Floride strengths your enamel and prevents cavities. This treatment is usually optional.
Patient education is another part of a dental hygienist’s responsibilities. They teach patients how to properly brush, floss, and care for their teeth based on their needs. For patients with braces, dentures, or dental implants, hygienists show patients cleaning techniques to avoid complications. Preventive information truly helps patients of all ages, including children, adults, and seniors, to maintain healthier mouths at home.
Reach out for support
Hygienists also contribute by updating patient records, reviewing medical histories, and collaborating closely with the dentist. If you have any questions about your cleaning, please talk to your hygienist. In a regular dentist’s visit, expect a professional teeth cleaning and a check-up by your dentist to look for bone loss, cavities, or impacted teeth. Expect a discussion with your dentist about your visit and a treatment plan, if needed. Please contact our office if you have any questions or for an appointment.
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