A dental hygienist is an essential part of the smooth running of a dental practice. While most people imagine a
hygienist to be the person who assists the dentist during a check-up or surgery, taking notes and handing over tools, there’s much more to the role than that.
A wise dental patient will make full use of a dental hygienist’s services if the prospect of dental health problems in the future is to be minimized.
The Value of a Good Dental Hygienist
As with so much on the topic of health, in dental care prevention is better than cure, and it’s in this field that a good dental hygienist can be so valuable to both the patient and the practice.
They can offer solid advice on effective dental care, on the best way to floss and brush, and on which foods and snacks are the least damaging to teeth. They can also advise on the best way to recover after dental surgery, and on how to prevent the original problem from recurring.
What a Dental Hygienist Does
Dental hygienists are qualified to do more than advise though, no matter how useful that function may be. Although they can only work under the auspices of a fully qualified dentist, good hygienists can greatly lighten the load on the practice by taking on routine work and dental health assessments.
They can carry out minor procedures, including tooth polishing, stains and tartar removal, and also conduct general dental inspections before surgery to ensure the dentist is aware of any special requirements or possible complications.
A qualified hygienist can also carry out the preliminary work for fitting braces, and take molds of the teeth before straightening or reconstructive surgery is carried out.
Appointments with Dental Hygienists
There is also one other function that a dental hygienist can carry out very well. Many people are extremely nervous about visiting the dentist, but an appointment with a hygienist for a simple tooth polishing or thorough cleaning is much less intimidating, and can be carried out in between scheduled check-ups.
Many people find that after a few regular sessions with a hygienist, their wariness starts to recede, making a full dental appointment less of an ordeal.
Getting Regular Dental Check-ups
There’s no substitute for regular dental check-ups and maintenance if you want to avoid long term dental problems, but fitting in shorter visits to a qualified dental hygienist can help keep your teeth in optimal condition, and spot any potential problems before they escalate and require expensive and possibly painful remedial work.
If you are looking for a dentist in the Mint Hill Charlotte area, don’t hesitate to call us at 704-568-8076 or book an appointment!
