Oral Assessments

Your initial visit will begin with a comprehensive dental hygiene assessment.  The dental hygienist will go through your medical history, check your head and neck for any abnormalities, screen for oral cancer, and do a thorough examination of the hard and soft tissues in your mouth, including an assessment of your oral hygiene.  All information collected will be used by the dental hygienist to formulate a dental hygiene diagnosis which will help us discuss your goals with you and prepare a treatment plan specific to your needs.  If required, you will be referred to a dentist or other healthcare provider for further examination.

At subsequent appointments, your exams will be less involved, but still include important disease screening.

Scaling /Debridement /Cleaning

The removal of tartar deposits (calculus) from the teeth, both above and below the gum line is called scaling or debridement.  We charge this treatment in units of time.  Each unit is 15 minutes of time. The amount of scaling required varies with each individual, but is often an average of 3-4 units per appointment for an adult.  The removal of plaque and calculus, and ultimately bacteria, is the best way to maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent or reverse gingivitis and periodontitis (gum disease).

Polishing /Stain Removal

The polish is the rubber cup and/or salt spray that is used to remove stains from teeth.  Although it will remove stains, this process will not whiten the teeth.  This procedure is also charged in time units and is normally ½-1 unit per visit.