According to Today's RDH, the first dental hygiene program began in 1913. Now, most patients look to find a dentist who offers preventive cleanings, also known as prophylactic cleanings. The popularity of this service is due to its effectiveness in preventing gum disease and detecting diseases in the early stages. With an overall shift toward preventive services in the healthcare industry, patients should consider routine dental cleanings when searching for a dental provider.
A dental hygienist is often the first person a patient will see at a preventive cleaning appointment. These professionals remove plaque and calculus from the teeth, and they also teach patients about preventive dental care. For this reason, many patients consider the entire staff, including the hygenist, when choosing a dentist.
The dentist a patient chooses should offer the following services during routine appointments:
When plaque hardens on the teeth, it turns into calculus. It is also called tartar. It cannot be removed by brushing; a professional dental cleaning is necessary. Patients often refer to scaling as "scraping" on the teeth. The hygienist may use a metal instrument or one that sprays water to remove this type of deposit.
Dental polishing removes plaque from the teeth, and it is what many patients consider the "cleaning" part of the appointment. There are fine, medium, and coarse-grit pastes available; the hygienist selects the type based on the amount of plaque and stain present. Many of the pastes contain fluoride. The hygenist also flosses between each tooth.
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, it is projected that approximately 53,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. Risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol abuse, sun exposure, and the HPV virus. Patients should find a dentist who performs an oral cancer check at every appointment. During the soft tissue exam, the dentist will evaluate all oral tissues, the tongue, and the throat. Early detection of this type of cancer is essential in treating it successfully.
When a patient goes for a routine dental cleaning, they expect the dentist to check for cavities. This is considered a hard tissue exam. During this part of the exam, the patient and dentist may discuss any daily habits that are contributing to cavity formation. These can include drinking soda, eating sugary foods, or taking medications that cause dry mouth.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Find a Dentist in Sunnyvale, TX
When looking to find a dentist, patients should choose one who prioritizes preventive care. While many advances have been made in dental treatments, seeking routine care can help patients avoid many restorative services. At each preventive cleaning appointment, the patient, dentist, and dental hygienist should discuss oral hygiene aids and resources to keep the patient's mouth healthy. When there is a concerted effort among the whole team, the patient can look forward to having a healthy smile for life.
Request an appointment or call Stone Canyon Dental at 972-996-3191 for an appointment in our Sunnyvale office.
Choosing a new dentist can be an overwhelming task and not one that many people look forward to doing. It is a lot easier to find a dentist who is trustworthy, competent, and personable when you have the right tools and information on the search. From asking the right questions to spotting the characteristics of…
Dental exams are a small part of what a dentist can offer. The in-depth knowledge of teeth and gums should be another good reason to find a dentist. Routine care and cleanings are things that impact the health of the mouth, but oral health can impact other areas of life. Dentists are trained to look…
Everyone needs professional care to maintain healthy teeth and gums. These days, it is much easier to find a dentist who covers the essentials and offers additional treatments for complete care. By understanding the type of care a dentist can provide and how to find the right office, patients can enjoy better oral health.Many dentists…
Full dentures can replace the teeth of each dental arch. Your gums and saliva will form a seal to help keep them in place. Getting these restorations can be life-changing. Understanding what will happen after getting them can help prepare you for each step. Here are the things you must look forward to after getting…
Dentures are a great solution for people who have lost some or all of their teeth. They can restore one's ability to eat and speak properly and improve the overall appearance of your smile. However, you may have questions about the denture process, from the initial consultation to the final fitting. This blog article will…
