Services
Dental Hygiene Exam
Your first visit with us will include a comprehensive dental hygiene exam. A complete medical and dental history will be taken and an oral cancer screening will be performed on each patient. Our intraoral exam will consist of a full periodontal evaluation where the findings will be documented and discussed. After the initial assessment is completed and options are discussed, a treatment plan specific to your individual needs will be implemented.
Digital X-rays
Dental x-rays are a useful diagnostic tool when helping to detect bone loss, cavities, and disease during a dental hygiene exam. Your dental hygienist will review your medical and dental history, examine your mouth and then determine the need for x-rays. X-rays taken in our mobile clinic are digital and can be forwarded, with your consent, to other health/dental providers should a referral for further treatment be required.
Dental Cleanings
Scaling and/or root planing, otherwise known as periodontal therapy or deep cleaning, is the process of removing or eliminating soft (plaque) and hard (tarter) deposits from the teeth. These deposits can occur both above and below the gum line which we access and remove by the use of hand instruments and/or piezo scalers. If left untreated it can cause gingivitis and can lead to irreversible periodontitis, which can further lead to tooth loss. The professional removal of plaque and tartar, and ultimately bacteria, is the best way to maintain your overall oral health and establish a periodontium that is free of disease.
Dental Polishing
The purpose of selective dental polishing, also known as prophylaxsis, is done to remove any extrinsic stains that accumulate on teeth from food we eat or drink. This leaves the tooth surfaces clean so that bacteria are unable to adhere to them and enables you to keep your teeth clean during your regular home care regimen.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments help prevent tooth decay and sensitivity by strengthening enamel of the teeth and aiding in the re-mineralization process. Our clinic offers different forms of fluoride applications to best suit individual needs.
Sealants for Children
Sealants are thin plastic coatings placed over the biting surfaces of the teeth to protect them from decay causing bacteria. This coating bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the teeth surfaces making them smooth and much easier to clean when brushing.
Teeth Whitening
Our clinic provides two types of whitening: in office and take home kits. We use Spa Dent whitening that uses the highest quality, naturally compounded ingredients to maximize whitening and improve oral health while minimizing sensitivity issues.
Denture Cleaning
Dentures can form the same deposits as natural teeth, therefore it is imperative that a regimen is followed to ensure prevention and/or removal of soft (plaque) and hard (tartar) deposits. Instruction on proper denture cleaning is essential to aid in the life of your appliance and oral health. It is recommended to always remove dentures overnight and store them in a container partially filled with water.
Local/Needle-Free Anaesthetic
Local anesthetic is an option that alleviates discomfort for patients with severe tooth sensitivity. For those patients with gum sensitivity we have the option of a product called “Oraqix”. This is a gel that is placed under the gums (without the use of a needle) to provide temporary numbing of the appropriate area to make your experience more comfortable.
Prescriptions
Adjuncts to care such as medications can be prescribed to treat specific oral diseases. Patients that require premedication prior to their dental hygiene appointment can acquire this through us.
Oral Health Education
Oral health education plays a very important role in achieving optimal oral self care. Correlating homecare with regular dental cleanings and exams increases motivation and compliance. We aim to educate our patients of all ages about the importance of removal of plaque through different methods. At Dental Hygiene Express we assess and consider patients limitations, their risks, susceptibility to disease, their personal and cultural values, and preferences before formulating the goals for daily oral care. We give one on one instruction and strongly believe in prevention.
Oral Cancer Screening
The goal of oral cancer screening is to detect lesions that may lead to mouth cancer at an early stage - when cancer or lesions are easiest to remove and most likely to be cured.
Atraumatic Restorative Therapy
ART, also known as a temporary restoration (filling), is a procedure that utilizes adhesive restorative materials to provide interim restoration of decayed teeth. ART delivers a provisional procedure for populations that do not have immediate access to full dental care. This requires a follow up with a dentist for the placement of a permanent restoration.
Laser Periodontal Therapy
This innovative and minimally invasive procedure utilizes a special laser to clean and disinfect the pockets around the teeth and gums that have become infected. The laser energy not only helps to remove harmful bacteria, but also stimulates the healing process and reduces inflammation, resulting in healthier gums and a reduction in gum disease. This gentle and effective alternative to traditional periodontal surgery can typically be completed in just one visit, making it a convenient and stress-free option for those who want to maintain their oral health.