Some may question the validity of regular preventive dental care, especially if they already implement a thorough at-home care treatment. It may seem advantageous to forgo dental visits, perhaps to save time or money. These perceived benefits are superficial; in time, the repercussions of neglecting professional dental care will be evident.
It’s imperative that patients understand the necessity of regular visits to their dental hygienist.
Prevent Disease and Decay
Stubborn plaque can still develop despite mindful at-home care. Plaque is a sticky bacterial deposit that accumulates on the surfaces of teeth, and can even proliferate below the gum line. These bacteria can cause a host of problems if they’re left undisturbed, and require a thorough professional cleaning to be eradicated. Some complications caused by plaque include:
- Decay
- Gingivitis
- Halitosis
- Periodontitis
- Cavities
…and more, depending on a combination of factors in your individual dentition.
The Professional Advantage
Although essential, important, and effective, at-home dental cleanings will never match the detail and depth of a professional cleaning performed by a dental hygienist.
The most apparent advantage is the hygienist’s point of view. They’re able to see into your mouth in ways you can’t at home, even if you had an inspection mirror. Further, the hygienist is equipped with a variety of tools that can clean deeper than a toothbrush and floss. The knowledge and experience of a dental hygienist is necessary to achieve optimal oral health.
Immediate Results
A dental professional is capable of reversing gingivitis and halting the development of periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis. Only dental professionals have the tools and knowledge to perform a procedure called scaling and root planing. This procedure involves scaling off plaque deposits from the tooth and below the gum line. Root planing makes the surface of a tooth’s root too smooth to accumulate more sticky plaque.
After an in-depth professional cleaning, patients notice immediate results. Their teeth have a cleaner, smoother feeling. Teeth may even by whiter by a few shades after the pale-yellow plaque film has been removed. For days afterwards, patients will notice their fresh breath and clean sensation.
For Excellence in Preventive Care, Choose Brittania Dental
At our Calgary dental practice, we put considerable effort into our preventive care services. We recognize these services as the first line of defense against dental complications. Further, we aim to create a trusting relationship with our patients, and a lasting rapport that will facilitate their optimal oral health. Choose Dr. Jolann Benson at Brittania Dental for all your preventive dental care needs.
If you have any questions about preventive care or any of our other services, feel free to give us a call. Our friendly, patient staff is knowledgeable about dental care and conscientious about scheduling. We look forward to hearing from you!