Dental Hygienist Consulting
Philadelphia, PA
 Sometimes, you may need expert advice from a professional about your oral health and hygiene but want to avoid visiting a dentist. Maybe you want a second opinion or need help finding the right products for your oral health. That's where consulting with a dental hygienist comes in. These professionals are trained to provide advice and guidance on your oral health care. They can answer questions about dental procedures and offer tips on improving oral hygiene habits. They might even provide more comprehensive advice on maintaining proper oral hygiene for your teeth and gums over time.
They can also suggest products and techniques that may benefit you, such as special toothpaste or flossing methods. At Practice At Your Best, our dental hygienist consulting services are tailored to meet your needs. We provide personalized consultations and advice on various topics, including diet, lifestyle, oral hygiene regimen, and more.
What is a Dental Hygienist?
Dental hygienists are registered dental professionals licensed by a dental association or regulatory body in their country of practice. They provide preventive care services and are responsible for helping to maintain optimal oral health. They work alongside dentists and offer a full range of oral care services, such as dental cleanings, oral examinations, AIR-FLOW therapy, applying preventative fluoride treatments, and provide oral hygiene instructions tailored to each patient's unique needs.
What Do Dental Hygienists Do?
Dental hygienists play a multifaceted role in oral healthcare. They are responsible for conducting thorough oral assessments, including examining teeth and gums, identifying potential oral health issues, and developing personalized treatment plans based on the patient's needs.
One of their primary functions is dental cleanings, during which they skillfully remove plaque, tartar, and stains from teeth. They also offer patients vital oral hygiene education. They provide advice and guidance on keeping teeth and gums healthy, including tips on proper brushing and flossing techniques.
Can Dental Hygienist Do Dental Implants?
Dental hygienists are highly skilled in preventive and therapeutic oral care. However, complex procedures such as dental implants or root canals are out of their scope. Instead, they provide vital services such as assessments, cleanings, and patient education for maintaining a healthy mouth. You must consult a dentist if you require more extensive dental treatments, such as implants.
Dentist vs. Dental Hygienist
Both professionals work together, but their functions differ. A dentist is a licensed medical professional who can diagnose and treat oral health issues. They also provide preventive care, such as cleanings and assessments, and perform complex procedures, but typically only after a dental hygienist has referred a patient.
Contrastingly, dental hygienists focus on preventive care. They are trained to assess, diagnose, and create personalized treatment plans for patients while educating them on the importance of oral health maintenance. Thus, dental hygienists are essential partners to dentists in providing comprehensive oral healthcare.
Benefits of Visiting a Dental Hygienist
Regular visits to a dental hygienist offer numerous benefits that extend beyond just a healthy smile. Dental hygienists can identify oral health issues in their early stages, preventing them from escalating into more significant problems. They also perform an oral cancer screening, and examine each tooth individually. This procedure is called a basic periodontal examination, which helps to determine the health of your gums and underlying jawbone. During the evaluation, each section of your mouth has a score. They split your mouth into six sections and measure the depth of each pocket between your teeth and gums. Depending on the score, your hygienist can see whether your gum health is improving or declining.
In addition to their other duties, dental hygienists perform dental cleaning procedures. The most common ones within their scope are scaling and root planing, which involves plaque and tartar removal. Plus, they provide personalized advice and education on properly caring for your teeth and gums.
What Happens During a Dental Hygienist Appointment?
A dental hygienist appointment typically begins with a comprehensive oral health assessment. Here, they will examine your teeth and gums, perform x-rays if necessary, and evaluate your oral hygiene practices. Following the assessment, the dental hygienist will carefully clean your teeth using specialized tools to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains. They may also polish your teeth and apply preventative fluoride treatment to strengthen tooth enamel. Throughout the appointment, they will address any concerns, answer your questions, and provide personalized advice for maintaining optimal oral health.
How Often Should You Visit a Dental Hygienist?
Generally, it is ideal to have dental check-ups every six months. However, you may need more frequent visits if you have any existing oral issues. The dentist or dental hygienist will weigh how complex your needs are before scheduling another appointment.
How Long Does a Dental Hygienist Appointment Take?
The time you spend in the hygienist's office depends on the complexity of your situation and your oral health status. On average, a standard dental hygiene appointment lasts around 60 minutes. However, the appointment may be longer for individuals with extensive cleaning needs or complex oral health issues. If you need help determining when to have check-ups, you can talk to our hygienist to help estimate the appointment frequency.
Factors to Consider When Finding the Right Dental Consultant
You might be concerned about finding the right one when seeking a dental consultant or dental hygienist. Some factors you should consider include experience, qualifications, reputation, and patient reviews. You can get this information by asking your dentist for recommendations or conducting thorough research online. Also, ensure your dental consultant has a good relationship with your dentist. Lastly, consider how comfortable you feel with the dental consultant. This enables you to have trust and mutual respect with the hygienist.
If you need a dental hygienist consultation, Practice At Your Best has you covered. We offer comprehensive preventive and therapeutic dental services with our knowledgeable and friendly hygienists. Schedule an appointment today by calling us at 215-206-8784 to learn more about how we can help you achieve and maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. |
