Prevention/ Hygiene

Prevention/ Hygiene

"The essence of a healthy mouth is one which is free from dental decay and gum disease. Healthy teeth and gums are all important for speech, digestion and to project a confident smile."

What is a Hygienist ?

A Dental Hygienist offers professional advice and treatment to all patients. Working with other members of the dental team, the Dental Hygienist provides a range of therapies, from gingivitis and periodontal therapies, topical fluoridation for both children and adults, to the treatment of tooth hypersensitivity. A fundamental part of dental hygiene treatment is the discussion of ways to promote oral health and the important role of home care. During the session, patients can discuss their personal needs. Orthodontic patients are also seen by the Dental Hygienist to maintain good oral hygiene control and for fluoridation applications. Nutritional advice is provided for all patients and diet assessment sheets are available to reduce sugar intake.

The Hygienists role is that of preventative dentistry. In much the same way that you get your car serviced or go for regular beauty treatments visiting the hygienist regularly ensures that problems do not occur in the first place. For example the Periodontic problem of 'Gum Disease' as demonstrated in the below video occurs less frequently with regular visits to your hygienist and dentist.

When do I See the Dental Hygienist and What Should I Expect?

After referral by your dentist, the Dental Hygienist will carry out a thorough periodontal examination of your mouth. This will give a baseline record of the condition of your gums and supporting bone at the start of treatment and allow the monitoring of improvement in oral health as a result of treatment and patient home oral care. The hygienist will carry out the treatment necessary as prescribed by the referring dentist. At her discretion, she will use ultrasonic or hand instruments or a combination of both, for patients requiring scaling or root planing of the teeth. Soft and hard calculus (tartar) deposits are removed from both above and below gum level. On rare occasions, topical or local analgesia is provided for those patients who may experience any discomfort.

Length and Frequency of Appointments

At Lisburn Dental Clinic, we recommend at least a  six-monthly visit to the Dental Hygienist. Early detection of gum disease and tooth decay may be treated early before becoming a serious problem. However, some patients with chronic periodontal disease, or those at high risk to dental decay, will be asked to attend every three or four months in order to maintain the highest level of oral hygiene. The duration of individual appointments may vary from 20 to 45 minutes, depending upon the extent of clinical work to be carried out. Further visits may be necessary for completion of treatment.

With your full cooperation, we look forward to seeing you at the Preventive Dental Unit.