Removing Plaque and tartar
Scale and Polish
Your teeth will feel amazing after having one of our outstanding hygienists or therapists perform a scale and polish on your teeth and gums. During your dental hygiene treatment we meticulously remove any plaque and calculus deposits from your teeth and polish them to feel fresh. You also gain peace of mind, as part of our treatment consists of having a professional exam of your oral health to ensure you are always well.
Your hygienist or therapist will also advise you on the best at home methods and tools to maintain your teeth between visits.
We want to help you keep your own natural teeth healthy and looking their best throughout your life. Excellent oral hygiene and forming the right habits from an early age will almost entirely prevent gum disease and tooth decay for most people.
Your hygienist can help you resolve dental concerns, such as sensitivity or bad breath.
What to expect at your first Hygiene appointment:
- A dental and medical history
- Discussion of your current teeth cleaning regimen
- Gum assessment
- Cancer screening
- Thorough plaque and calculus removal
- Recommendations for your home care
It is important to protect your teeth from gum disease, because if it is allowed to progress, a ‘pocket’ develops between the tooth and the gum, and bone around the tooth is lost. If you notice that your gums bleed when brushed or are slightly swollen (and there may be no obvious signs), it is important to have regular dental reviews and hygienist sessions.
Teeth compromised by the presence of deep pockets and the loss of the supporting bone, become loose and may move or drift, causing collapse of the ‘bite’, and unsightly spacing. Gum disease is the most important cause of adult tooth loss, and may lead to the need for more extensive treatments, such as Periodontal Surgery or Dental Implants.
Deep Cleaning – Active Therapy
Gum Disease Treatment
Active therapy is advised when gum disease has progressed and can no longer be treated with regular home care and hygiene appointments. One of our highly trained dental hygienists will remove tartar below the gum line and clean and smooth the root surface, thus allowing the healing process to begin. Local anaesthesia is used to ensure your comfort since the tissues are delicate and may be tender.
This treatment is often done in conjunction with periodontal treatment carried by our Specialist in Periodontics, Dr Fiona MacKillop. Fiona has specialist training in treating, managing and preventing gum disease. From cases of bleeding gums, gingival (gum) recession, tooth mobility, bad breath (halitosis) and oral soft tissue anomalies, this offers the very best, gold standard in available treatment options.
If you maintain good home care afterwards and visit us at the recommended intervals, the progression of gum disease should stop, and your gums will heal and become firm and pink again in no time!
Implants, Crowns and Restorations– Aftercare and Hygiene
Maintaining Restorations
We can advise you on which of the vast number of different toothbrushes and other cleaning aids to use for cleaning difficult areas of the mouth such as under bridges, or around implant restorations.
Meticulous home care and regular examination and maintenance with our hygienists or therapists will ensure that you are doing all that can be done to keep your teeth and gums healthy and your new restorations looking good.
Want to know how to care for your teeth and mouth properly?
We have created instructional videos to show you how!