Dental Hygiene Session

Appointments with our dental hygienists at Princes Street Dental Care gives you access to premier preventative dental care. Our team focuses on examining patients like you for signs of oral diseases and carrying out professional teeth cleaning to keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy.

Regular dental cleaning by your hygienist is one of the most effective ways to ward off or treat gum diseases before it progresses to a more severe case of gum infection (periodontitis). Your hygienist are experts in cleaning between your gums and the teeth, removing plaque and hard calculus (tartar) that are not removed by brushing and flossing alone.

What happens on your first dental hygiene appointment?
After your medical history is reviewed, you and your hygienist will discuss any concerns before the cleaning begins. A head and neck exam is performed to check for inflammation. Gingival health is evaluated and will determine whether you need a comprehensive cleaning, a debridement or a deep cleaning (root planning). During the cleaning, your hygienist will use ultrasonic scaling, hand scaling, flossing, polish and airflow.

What is the difference between debridement and root planning?
Debridement is the removal of heavy, hard calculus (tartar). Root planning is cleaning between the gum and the teeth, down to the root surface (pocket).

Why do other patients require root planning?
Root planning or deep cleaning is required when a patient has deep pockets (space between gums and teeth) and harmful bacteria and calculus build up on their root surfaces, causing periodontal (gum) disease. Sometimes, local anesthesia is given before the deep cleaning.

Will I get fluoride application after my hygiene visit?
Not everyone requires fluoride treatment. Your hygienist will assess you and apply fluoride as necessary.

How often should I see my dental hygienist?
It is recommended that you get dental cleaning every six months. Patients who are highly prone to periodontal disease may be advised to see their hygienists more frequently.