Your initial visit will begin with a comprehensive dental hygiene assessment. I 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. I will also discuss your current oral hygiene routine.
All information collected will be used to formulate a dental hygiene diagnosis which will help me discuss your goals with you and prepare a treatment plan specific to your needs including recommendations on how to improve on your current homecare and ultimately, your oral health.
If required, you will be referred to a dentist or other healthcare provider for further examination.
Fluoride / Desensitizing
An in-office fluoride treatment will be offered to you if you have a history of decay or sensitive teeth. Fluoride aids in the prevention of decay by strengthening the enamel of the teeth and aiding in the re-mineralization process. Fluoride also helps reduce tooth sensitivity by providing a long lasting physical barrier on exposed dentin, thus preventing fluid movement in exposed dentinal tubules.
Scaling/Debridement
The removal of tartar deposits (calculus) from the teeth, both above and below the gumline is called scaling or debridement. We charge this treatment in units of time, with each unit being 15 minutes of time. The amount of scaling required varies with each individual, but is often an average of 3 units per appointment for an adult with good oral health. The removal of plaque and calculus, and ultimately bacteria is the best way to maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent gingivitis and periodontitis.
Selective Polishing
Over time, coffee/tea, smoking, red wine and other tannins found in foods/drinks cause our teeth to become discoloured. These types of stains which stick to the surface of the teeth, as well as plaque biofilm, can be removed or minimized by coronal polishing.
There are two types of polishing that I offer at Timbermere Dental Hygiene: Rubbercup polishing which uses an abrasive flavoured paste, and AirFlow air polishing which uses a sodium bicarbonate powder specially formulated for added comfort.
Pit/Fissure Sealants
Pit and fissure sealants are a great way to prevent decay from developing in the chewing surfaces of the teeth. A BPA-free coating seals up the grooves of the teeth, preventing bacteria from entering and starting the decay process.
Sealants are particularly important as a preventive tool for decay in children with newly erupted molars, although anytime is a good time to prevent decay.
Sports mouthguard
We make custom sports mouthguards for all ages. Mouthguards worn during sporting activities are extremely effective at preventing injury and trauma to the teeth, jaw and the soft tissues of the mouth.