At Chinook Smiles, our team does more than just cleaning teeth; we educate our patients about oral hygiene and the benefits of a preventative hygiene treatment plan.
What happens at a dental hygiene appointment?
Practicing good oral hygiene habits are great ways to maintain proper oral health. However, good home habits alone will not remove all the plaque and hard tartar that build up over time. A cleaning performed by dental professional with specialized instruments will be able to effectively clean your teeth above and slightly below the gum line; this procedure is known as “scaling”. For patients suffering from gum dieases, root planing, or a more intense form of cleaning targetting deeper depth below the gumline may be necessary. It is only through routine hygiene visits that we can keep your teeth and gums healthy from top to bottom! The Chinook Smiles team will ensure that you receive the necessary and optimal treatment to maintain good health of your teeth, gums and whole mouth.
In addition to thoroughly cleaning your teeth, your Chinook Smiles dental team will perform a number of important oral health checks at your hygiene appointment, including:
- A periodontal assessment (for the gums and bone surrounding your teeth)
- Checking for gum recession
- Checking for presence of gum disease
- Polishing your teeth to remove surface stains and buildup
- Fluoride treatment (if chosen) to help decrease cavity risks, harden weakened enamel and improve teeth sensitivity
- An oral cancer screening to check the head, neck, jaw, and inside the mouth for confirmation of health
- Digital x-rays to check for cavities and bony abnormalities