Dental Hygiene Examination

At Calabogie Smiles Dental Hygiene, your treatment begins with a thorough dental hygiene assessment to gain a complete understanding of your current oral health. Based on this assessment, we’ll develop a personalized dental hygiene treatment plan designed specifically for you.

This assessment will include:

• A complete medical and dental history prior to your visit, including prescription medications, herbal supplements, alternative therapies and allergies.

• Blood pressure and pulse readings.

• Extra-oral exam of the head and neck, TMJ (temporomandibular joint), lymph nodes, sinus and skin lesions.

• Intra-oral exam of the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, inside of cheeks, back of the throat, roof of the mouth, cancer screening.

• Saliva flow and cavity risk assessment.

• Screening for suspicious teeth, fillings and referral to dentist for assessment.

• Gum tissue and disease assessment - periodontal measurements of inflammation, receding gums, loose teeth, bleeding points and unusual wear of enamel from habits such as grinding and clenching, referral to Periodontist (gum specialist) if required.

Upon completion of your dental hygiene diagnosis and treatment plan, you are provided with a verbal summary report detailing our findings and recommendations. Our objective is to help reduce the bacteria in your mouth that can lead to dental problems and costly treatments. We’re here to guide you on the best ways to care for your teeth and gums, from recommending the right products to showing you effective techniques. Together, we’ll create a personalized home care routine that works for you.

By catching any potential issues early and providing you with the knowledge to protect your oral health, we help you lower the chances of dental problems—saving you time, discomfort, and expense in the future.

Teeth cleaning - Debridement and Stain removal

Dental cleaning can be referred to as scaling, debridement or root planning. It includes the use of an ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments to professionally remove hardened deposits and calcifications of tartar/calculus both above and below the gumline. These deposits are the primary cause of infection known as gingivitis, which if caught early enough can be treated and is 100% reversible. However, if left untreated, this infection can worsen to become periodontitis which destroys the supporting structures and bone around your teeth and may also contribute to other health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, pneumonia, diabetes and premature or low birth weight babies. Unfortunately, once bone is lost it can’t be regained, thus it is important to see your hygienist regularly to stop the progression of the disease. It is crucial to realize that dental cleanings are not just for aesthetics or to prevent bad breath, but to maintain good oral and overall health. Having regular cleanings (appropriate frequency determined by your hygienist) helps to keep your teeth healthy, detects dental problems early, prevents gum disease and keeps your smile bright. 

The use of an anesthetic gel can be administered between the tooth and gum for comfort. It only lasts 20 minutes so you will not notice it when you are finished. Scaling is billed in units of time, each of 15 mins. The amount of scaling is determined by individual needs.