Comprehensive Dental Hygiene

What is comprehensive dental hygiene?

Comprehensive dental hygiene refers to a group of outpatient procedures designed to remove plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria from your teeth and under your gums. By visiting Nusblatt Dental at least twice a year, you can reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other more serious issues.

What services does comprehensive dental hygiene provide?

At Nusblatt Dental, comprehensive dental hygiene includes three categories:

Oral exams and X-rays

During an oral exam, Dr. Nusblatt assesses the health of your teeth, gums, tongue, and cheeks. First, he uses a small handheld mirror to look for cavities or inflammation. Then, he uses gloved hands to feel any bumps, lumps, or abnormal growths. 

After the exam, Dr. Nusblatt takes a series of oral X-rays. These allow him to view your tooth roots, tooth pulp, jaw, and alveolar bone.

Professional teeth cleaning

During professional teeth cleaning, Dr. Nusblatt or a dental hygienist carefully removes plaque from your teeth and beneath your gums. Plaque is a thin film of saliva, bacteria, and food particles that clings to your teeth. 

Without regular visits to the dentist, plaque hardens and calcifies, turning into tartar. Tartar increases the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.

After removing the plaque and tartar from your teeth, Dr. Nusblatt polishes and flosses them. If you have a history of cavities, he might also apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen your tooth enamel. 

Teeth cleaning usually takes 45 minutes or less. The process is pain-free and requires no downtime, so you can return to work and other activities right away.

Scaling and root planing

If you have gum disease, like gingivitis or periodontitis, Dr. Nusblatt might recommend a deep dental cleaning (scaling and root planing). During scaling and root planing, Dr. Nusblatt uses special tools to remove tartar from the base of your teeth and beneath your gums. After removing the plaque, he smooths the base of your teeth, allowing your gums to reattach.

Why is comprehensive dental hygiene important?

Comprehensive dental hygiene is important because it presents an opportunity to check in on the health of your teeth and gums. By visiting Nusblatt Dental at least two times a year for professional teeth cleaning and an oral exam, you can identify issues like tooth decay or gum disease when they respond best to treatment.

Keep your smile in optimal condition with comprehensive dental hygiene. To make an appointment at Nusblatt Dental, call the office or book online today.