January 18, 2021
Our Dental Hygienist is approachable, extremely bubbly and enthusiastic. They develop excellent relationships with all patients and we feel confident that with our dental hygienist you will feel quickly at ease. You will receive expert help and advice on caring for your teeth, alongside excellent treatment to improve your oral health.
What is the role of a Dental Hygienist?
Dental Hygienists play a very important role and are mainly concerned with ensuring and maintaining impeccable oral health to help prevent dental disease. Common skills are to carefully remove hard deposits of Calculus (tartar) and teach good oral hygiene techniques to prevent it forming again. Dental Hygienists are also trained to recognise and deal with a host of other dental needs.
Dental Hygienists have both clinical and health promotional responsibilities. Clinically they help to treat and prevent periodontal (gum) disease by scaling and polishing teeth; they can take dental radiographs and undertake monitoring and screening procedures. Dental Hygienists are also permitted to apply topical fluorides and fissure sealants in order to reduce dental caries (tooth decay).
Their Health Promotional role includes motivating and encouraging individuals and groups in oral health practices including oral hygiene and diet advice.
Will it hurt?
Simple scaling and polishing is usually pain free. Patients who have not seen a hygienist before or have large deposits of calculus can feel anxious and worried about the procedure. At Henley Reach Dental we have taken extensive steps to reduce any anxiety or discomfort for you by:
• By increasing the appointment times, the procedure is slower, gentler and thorough.
• By administering local anaesthesia as required
• By using special instruments to allow cleaning in a more gentle manner
Why is this treatment so important?
Regular professional cleaning combined with motivation and teaching to improve your homecare routine will ensure huge dental benefits. A clean and healthy mouth improves your appearance and gives you fresh breath. However, research has shown that good cleaning significantly reduces the risk of filling replacement, new cavities, gum recession, food trapping and teeth drifting. Gum disease is also linked to Heart disease and there are concerns about poor gum health and pregnancy.
Why doesn't the Dentist do this work?
The dentists recognise that the Hygienist is specially trained for cleaning and will spend much longer with you. They are also experts in coaching and motivating you to correctly look after your teeth and gums.
Does every dental practice have a Hygienist?
Not all practices have a Dental Hygienist. At the Henley Reach Dental we see the value of having a hygienist and are proud to be able to offer this service to all our patients. Hygienists can work when the dentist is not there, as long as the patient has been seen by the dentist earlier and a treatment is prescribed.
How much does it cost?
Our current charges are £69.95 for a single 30 minute session with our Hygienist, if applicable further visits maybe required.
We recommend REGULAR dental hygiene care. All research demonstrates that a clean and healthy mouth is the simplest way to stop expensive dental repairs.
How do I make an appointment?
Please phone our practice on 01491 574444 for appointments with our highly recommended hygienist or contact us here.
