27 Nov How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit with a Dental Hygienist
With continued advancements in dental care technology, routine trips to the dentist have become relatively quick, easy, and pain-free. Often, the dental hygienist is the first person to greet you as you sit in the dental chair as they prepare you for a detailed examination by the dentist. From x-rays to tartar removal, polishing and rinsing, the dental hygienist is focused on clearing away harmful bacteria, leaving a healthy pearl-white smile.
Dentist hygienists go through rigorous training, often obtain a college degree, have to take rigorous state exams, and maintain a high level of continuous education to become and stay certified. With nearly 30 million Americans suffering from severe dental phobia, the dental hygienist is also a trained source of comfort, helping to calm nerves and create a stress-free experience.
Indeed, dental hygienist is a critical member of the dental team, committed to providing the best care for long-term dental health. Here’s how to get the most out of visits with your dental hygienist.
Show Up Every Six Months
Regular dental appointments remove bacteria-causing tartar that causes cavities. Left unchecked, cavities expand and bacteria spread, penetrating gums causing more serious systemic issues such as periodontitis. Twice annual visits help the dental hygienist to keep a close eye on the patient’s dental health, detect potential health concerns and report it to the dentist for correction before it becomes more serious.
Gain Access to Expert Advice
The dental hygienist is an excellent resource for asking questions. Accredited by the American Dental Association, they are experts in oral health and well-versed on a range of topics from basic dental care and flossing, to bleeding gums, and teeth whitening. Have questions about an upcoming procedure? Create a list and take it to you with your appointment. The right dental office is always patient-centered, focused on making patients feel at ease, encouraging questions and taking the time to provide thorough answers.
Erase those Fears
Dental anxiety can be crippling. Often our fears result from lack of information about the way an appointment is conducted and the types of tools used for cleaning. Erase those fears through conversation. Gain an understanding of how cleanings or procedures are conducted by asking your dental hygienist. Express your concerns and ask them to walk you through each step.
Knowing what your dental hygienist will be doing — looking for tooth and gum disease, screening for oral cancer, checking dentures, crowns, or fillings, can take much of that fear of the unknown and put it to rest.
At Imperial Dental Center, our trained team of dental hygienists not only care about the health of your mouth; they also care about you and your well-being. Call us today to schedule a consultation, cleaning, and oral cancer screening.
Dr. Dragana Angelova
Imperial Dental Center
“We Love to See You Smile!”