The Hygiene Continuing Care Check-up:

What Can I Expect?

At our office, we are happy to provide our patients the utmost in oral hygiene care. We want you to know that your comprehensive dental health is our number one goal. Please take a moment to thoroughly review the process of the hygiene continuing care check-up:

• Examination of teeth to detect decay
• Inspection of existing fillings and/or crowns for leaks or cracks
• Evaluation of gum tissue conditions
• Evaluation of biting patterns
• Blood pressure screening (if necessary)
• Periodontal screening
• Necessary x-rays for detecting decay, bone loss, and oral pathologies (diseases)
• Head and neck oral cancer screening
• Tooth polishing as determined by doctor's recommendation based on the patient's present oral health conditions
• Scaling procedure for individuals in normal/good periodontal health (removes plaque, calculus, and stains to prevent caries and periodontal disease)
• Flossing
• Proper brushing and flossing instructions
• Application of fluoride as necessary
• Presentation of necessary dental treatment
• Treatment plan for necessary work to be completed
• Evaluation of cosmetic needs to improve the smile
• Dietary suggestions as necessary
• Discussion of recommended time periods between hygiene re-care appointments
• Referral to specialists (eg. Periodontist, Oral Surgeon, Orthodontist, etc.) as needed
• Update on advances in dental care to improve the patient's oral health
• Instructions on specific plaque control items such as: Proxybrush, Flosser, Perio-Aid, Sonic Care, BreathRx, Peridex, and denture care as needed

        *note: Since pockets are absent in the healthy mouth, both scaling and polishing are performed on the clinical crown and into very healthy, shallow sulci.