Christopher H. Clarke, R.D.H.
SERVICES
All dental hygiene services are based solely on treatment plans designed for each patient. After a thorough dental hygiene examination, you will be advised as to what treatment you will receive. The pros and cons of the particular treatment will be examined, and your decision on the treatment will always be respected.
ORAL EXAMINATION
On your first visit to the dental office, you will fill out a medical and dental history form to ensure nothing in your general medical or dental health will contraindicate dental hygiene treatment. During your oral examination, a thorough intra oral examination is done which includes oral cancer screening. If abnormalities are found, proper referrals will be made to relevant medical or dental professionals.
DENTAL SEALANTS
Posterior teeth are risk factor for cavities because the chewing surfaces have deep pits and grooves. Food and and other debris get stuck in pits and grooves leading to cavities. Dental sealants are thin plastic coating placed into these surfaces to help make the surface easier to clean. Also, food and germs that cause cavities will not be trapped because the surface is smoother. Dental sealant are usually placed on newly erupted permanent teeth during childhood years.
DENTAL X-RAY
Dental X-rays provide a lot of detail and allow your dental hygienist to find cavities, check the health of the tooth root and bone surrounding the tooth, check the status of developing teeth, and monitor the general health of your teeth and jawbone. It is advised that you do a full mouth x-ray on you first visit.
FLUORIDE THERAPY
Fluoride treatment is based soley on patient needs, for those at high risk for cavities. Fluoride is a substance used to help strengthen the enamel and prevent decay and can be found in toothpaste. However, with fluoride therapy, a higher concentration of fluoride is applied. Fluoride can help decrease sensitivity. The methods used to apply fluoride is fluoride gel or foam. The fluoride is placed into trays and then placed into the mouth for 1 - 4 minutes.
PROFESSIONAL CLEANING
During your professional cleaning, the hygienist is providing therapy to your gums and teeth. This therapy will prevent gum disease and cavities by removing plaque and tartar. A combination of hand instruments and ultrasonic scalers that spray water are use to perform the therapy. In addition, surface stains on teeth can also be removed by using these instruments.
ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION
Oral health education sessions are done after treatment. These informative sessions are designed to enhance each patient understanding of improving their oral health. These sessions include demonstrations in teeth brushing and flossing.