SW Edmonton Dental Hygiene and Teeth Cleanings

Did you know that healthy teeth and gums are the cornerstone of a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile? That is why Ellwood Dental is pleased to offer dental hygiene and teeth cleaning appointments to help you achieve optimal oral health. While regular home care is very important, it removes only the soft debris (called “plaque) from above the gum line. A professional dental cleaning cleans teeth above the gum line, but also below the gum line.  The dental hygienist removes not only the soft debris but also the hard, calcified debris (called “calculus” or “tartar”). It is only through regular scaling (above the gumline) and root planning (below the gumline) that plaque, calculus, and harmful bacteria can be removed from the teeth. With good home care, you can help to ensure the continued health of your gums and bones. Regular professional cleanings are important to help keep your teeth and gums healthy from top to bottom! Let Ellwood Dental help you achieve optimal oral health and wellness with regular dental hygiene and teeth-cleaning appointments.

Regular Hygiene and Teeth Cleanings Help Maintain Optimal Oral Health!

• Complete periodontal assessment which may include probing (or measurement of gum attachment) as well as checking for gingivitis, recession, or mobility
• An intra-oral exam to assess the gum tissue, tongue, cheeks and lips for confirmation of health
• Scaling to remove plaque and tartar (or calculus), as well as bacteria from your teeth, so your gums and bone that make up the foundation of your teeth can remain healthy and disease free
• Polishing to remove stains from your teeth and disrupt the bacterial biofilm that coats the teeth
• Fluoride treatment
  • After your dental cleaning, you will be provided with an option to receive fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps strengthen the enamel (outer layer of your teeth) and protects the teeth from cavities.
• Oral cancer screening
  • During each visit we make our best efforts to screen your oral tissues (including your head, neck, and jaw area) for confirmation of health and signs of oral cancer. The goal is to identify mouth cancer in early stages, or even before it becomes cancer, when there is a better chance for treatment and a cure.
• Digital X-rays when required
  • Radiography helps us detect cavities in between teeth, assess bone levels, and detect other problems within the oral cavity. Your dentist will decide what type of images you require and how often you need them done based on your oral health examination. Research shows that the radiation received from digital X-ray machines when taking 4 small radiographs (as is usually done during dental exams) is less than the radiation you receive from natural background sources throughout your day, and Ellwood Dental always makes sure to follow the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) policy.
• Sealants (if chosen)
  • Sealants are protective coatings which are applied on deep grooves of back teeth to prevent cavity formation in the future. Applying sealants is a quick, simple, and painless procedure.

Ellwood Dental understands that each patient requires a different hygiene and cleaning schedule suited to their specific needs. So many factors affect your gum health: genetics, level of home care, the kinds of bacteria present in your mouth, medical history (medications, smoking, diabetes, etc.), braces, teeth positioning, and more. During your appointment, your hygienist will decide the frequency of appointments that is right for you. Most people come in for a dental hygiene appointment and teeth cleaning every 6 months. However, some people may benefit from coming in every 3-4 months, while others choose to visit every 9-12 months. For patients experiencing gum disease, heavy staining, loose teeth, or heavy calculus build-up, more frequent cleanings will help keep teeth healthier. Ellwood Dental will discuss with you how often you should visit us for dental hygiene checkups and cleanings based on your specific and individual needs.