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 Los Angeles, CA
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 Allure Dentistry at 310-683-5321 for an appointment in our Los Angeles office.
It can become necessary to find a dentist quickly when a dental emergency occurs while on vacation. While this is a scenario that few vacationers anticipate, it is something that anyone should prepare for while making vacation plans. There are also things that patients can do in advance to decrease the chances of a dental…
The busyness of moving to a new city can make it easy to forget about routine dental checkups. However, it is important to find a dentist as soon as you relocate to a new area so there is no lapse between six-month cleanings and examinations. It is also necessary to have a dentist lined up…
Dental health is a critical component of overall health, so patients need to find a dentist to coordinate regular preventative care and be the go-to person for dental procedures or emergencies. There are multiple options for people who need to find a new dentist.The process of finding a dentist generally begins with searching for dental…
Dental implants are the gold standard in teeth replacement. These restorations are durable and biocompatible. Most people prefer durable and stable dental prosthetics to removable dentures. Implants owe their security to the prosthetic root and dental crown. If you want to know how the prosthetic root and crown help dental implants become stable and strong,…
One of the most common orthodontic treatments that a general dentist offers is Invisalign®. This popular way to straighten crooked or crowded teeth offers individuals flexibility and ease while undergoing a discreet method of treatment. With Invisalign®, there are a lot of things to know, as it is a newer orthodontic treatment with a totally different technology…