There shouldn’t be any choice between visiting the dentist or the dental hygiene professional. There are certain things only a dentist can do and some things only a dental hygienist can handle. Finding the right balance is key to maintaining your dental health year round.
While the roles of dentist and dental hygienist are very different, they work well together. You can benefit from their expertise and services by understanding the differences.
There is a difference between a dentist, and a dental hygiene professional
In a dental practice, both dentists and dental hygiene professionals play different roles. Although hygienists may be best known for their deep-cleaning services, they also provide preventative and post-treatment care. If you have any questions regarding 牙痛原因, the best person to speak with is the hygienist.
A dentist conducts dental exams and performs procedures. A dentist might specialize in one of two areas: orthodontics (braces), endodontists, or root canal treatment. However, this does not mean that general dentists cannot do these procedures. Specialists are also available. A lot of patients choose to consult a specialist when it comes to cosmetic dentistry.
It can be a time-saver to choose the right appointment for you. As you wouldn’t hire an engineer to build your IKEA furniture you should not visit the dentist when in need.
What can a dentist accomplish?
Perform dental exams
Treat tooth decay with fillings
Oral cancer screening
Cosmetic dentistry (teeth whitening, veneers, composite bonding etc.)
Orthodontics include Invisalign, traditional fixed braces and traditional orthodontics.
Root canal treatments
Wisdom tooth extractions are also available.
You can restore your teeth with crowns, bridges, onlays and inlays.
Place dental implants
Place dentures
What is a dental hygiene professional’s job?
Deep cleaning to maintain healthy teeth and gums
Simple treatments, such as fillings
Teeth whitening
Night mouth guards and fitting sports
Offer advice on flossing and brushing
Provide advice on dental treatments
Screening for oral cancer
Talk to your dentist about treatment plans
When should I see a dentist?
A dentist appointment should be made if you are in pain. You should visit your dentist no more than once every 6 months, except in an emergency. If you’re good with your teeth and don’t have any problems, you may be able to extend the time between visits by one year.
The dentist should be seen by children every 6 months as problems can quickly escalate for them. In more complex cases, children who have braces may need to visit their dentist once every four to eight weeks.
Complex problems may require patients to see their dentist more frequently than six months in order to maintain their health. Patients with severe gum disease, dental implant problems, or dentures may need to be seen more often.
When should I see a dental hygienist for my teeth?
Booking appointments between dental visits is the best way to make the most out of your dentist. Some people do not need to visit the dentist every 6 months. However, others may require more thorough cleaning to prevent gum disease and prepare for dental implant treatments.
It is possible to maximize your impact by spacing your visits between dentist visits. This will ensure that no issues are overlooked. Even if you don’t need a deep cleaning every six months, you can ask questions and learn about possible treatments. In between cleanings, make sure you floss and brush correctly.
Will a dentist ever do a deep cleaning?
Sometimes a dentist will address tartar removal but most likely they will refer you the dental hygienist. The NHS treatment bands will cover any scale or polish that is clinically required. This will include a basic scale or polish. A 30 minute deep cleaning with Air Polishing tools will cost you only PS51.75. It’s time for you to think about whether or not you should be spending your money on your smile, especially if you have been spending more on your routine hair and car care in the last year.
Get in touch with us to make an appointment for a dental hygienist visit.
