It shouldn’t be a choice between the dentist and the dental hygienist. Some things can only be done by a dentist, while others are best left to a hygienist. It is important to strike the right balance in order to maintain your dental health all year.
Although they play different roles in the dental office, dental hygienists and dentists complement each other perfectly. Understanding the differences between the roles will allow you to make the most out of their expertise.
What is the difference between a 荃灣女牙醫 & a dental hygienist?
Dental hygienists and dentists play very different roles in a dental office. While hygienists are best known for their deep cleaning of teeth, they also offer preventative care to patients. The best person to talk to if you have any questions about how to care for your teeth at-home is the hygienist.
A dentist is responsible for performing dental procedures and conducting examinations. One area that dentists may specialize in is orthodontics (braces), or endodontists (root canal treatment). These treatments are not available to everyone, but specialists can be. Many patients prefer to see a specialist for cosmetic dentistry.
You can save time and money by choosing the right appointment to suit your needs. You shouldn’t visit the dentist when you don’t need one, just as you wouldn’t hire an architect for your IKEA furniture.
What can a dentist do for you?
Perform dental exams
Fillings can be used to treat decay in the teeth.
Screening for oral cancer
Cosmetic dentistry: Teeth whitening, veneers and composite bonding.
Orthodontics such as Invisalign and traditional fixed braces are available.
Root canal treatment
Wisdom teeth extractions,
Restores teeth using bridges, crowns and onlays.
Place dental implants
Place dentures
What does a dental hygienist do for patients?
Deep cleaning is necessary to maintain healthy gums and teeth
Simple treatments such as fillings
Teeth whitening
Night guards and sports fitting
Give advice about flossing and brushing
Provide guidance regarding dental treatments
Screening for oral cancer
Discuss treatment plans with your dentist
When is it best to visit the dentist?
You should make an appointment to see a dentist if you are experiencing pain. Except for emergencies, it is a good idea to see your dentist at least every six months. You might be able to go for a longer time if you are good at your oral hygiene and have not had any problems.
Because children can develop more rapidly, it is important that they visit the dentist at least once every six months. For more complicated cases, children with braces may need to see the dentist every 4-8 weeks.
Complex patients may need to see the dentist more frequently than once a month to keep their problems under control. You may need to see the dentist more often if you have severe gum disease, dental implants, or dentures.
When is it best to visit a dentist?
Book appointments between your dental visits to get the best out of your dental hygienist. While not everyone will need to see the hygienist every six months, some people may require deep cleanings to keep their gum disease under control or prepare for treatment like dental implants.
You can maximize your impact and avoid any missed issues by scheduling your hygienist visits in between your dentist visits. Even if your teeth don’t need to be cleaned every six months, it is a good idea to have a conversation with your dentist about your oral health. Between visits, you can check that your flossing is correct.
Will a dentist ever do a deep cleaning?
A dentist might treat tartar and plaque removal on occasion, but more often they will refer you to a dental hygienist. The NHS will cover the cost of the polish and scale if it is clinically necessary. This will cover a basic polish and scale. You will pay PS51.75 per 30 minute for more thorough cleaning with tools such as Air Polishing. You should consider whether your smile protection is worth the extra money you spend on routine hair care or car care over the past year.
Contact us today to book an appointment with one of our dental hygienists!