Regular hygiene visits are an important part of maintaining a healthy smile. At North Shore Periodontics and Implantology, we offer thorough hygiene visits, including dental cleaning, checking for signs of gum disease, and tips for keeping your mouth healthy at home. Our goal is to help you prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems that can affect your overall health.
What Happens During a Hygiene Visit?
During a routine hygiene visit, a dental hygienist will clean your teeth and examine your gums to check for any signs of infection or disease. The hygienist will remove plaque and tartar that build up on your teeth, even in areas that are hard to reach with brushing and flossing. This buildup can cause gum disease if not removed.
The hygienist will also check for other potential problems, such as cavities, gum recession, or signs of oral cancer. If any issues are found, they’ll discuss treatment options with you and recommend next steps to protect your oral health.
Scaling and Root Planing
In some cases, your hygiene visit may include a treatment called scaling and root planing. This is a deep cleaning procedure that goes beyond a regular cleaning. Scaling and root planing treat gum disease, especially in its early stages.
What Is Scaling?
Scaling involves the removal of plaque and tartar that have built up on your teeth, both above and below the gumline. Tartar is hardened plaque that can’t be removed by brushing alone. Over time, tartar can irritate your gums and lead to gum disease. Scaling helps get rid of this buildup, reducing the risk of gum infection and further damage to your gums and teeth.
What Is Root Planing?
Root planing is the second part of this deep cleaning procedure. During root planing, the dentist or hygienist smooths the surfaces of your tooth roots to help your gums reattach to the teeth. When plaque and tartar are left on the roots, they can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, leading to deeper pockets where bacteria can grow. Root planing helps to smooth these surfaces, making it harder for bacteria to stick and promoting healing.
Why Are Hygiene Visits Important?
Hygiene visits are essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Even if you brush and floss every day, plaque and tartar can still build up in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. A hygienist can clean these areas thoroughly to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Additionally, regular visits help identify problems early, before they become more serious. Early detection of gum disease, cavities, or other dental issues can help you avoid more costly and complicated treatments down the road.
How Often Should You Have a Hygiene Visit?
Most people should have a hygiene visit every six months. However, if you have a history of gum disease, cavities, or other oral health problems, you may need to visit more frequently. Your dentist or hygienist will recommend a schedule that’s right for you based on your oral health needs.
How We Can Help
At North Shore Periodontics and Implantology, we provide comprehensive hygiene visits to help you keep your mouth healthy. If you need a deep cleaning, such as scaling and root planing, our experienced team will make sure you feel comfortable and informed throughout the process.
If you’re due for a hygiene visit or if you have any concerns about your gums or teeth, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you maintain your best smile and ensure that your gums stay healthy for years to come.