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Teeth Cleaning in West Edmonton

Prevention is the best medicine, and regular teeth cleanings remove plaque and bacteria that cause gum disease.

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Clean teeth are healthy teeth

Dental hygiene therapy, commonly referred to as a dental cleaning, is a crucial part of your overall medical and preventative health strategy. It is an excellent way to monitor and control the impact of oral disease on your general health. Oral disease presents as inflammation and bleeding in your gums, but is rarely associated with pain. In its early stages it is referred to as gingivitis, but it can evolve into periodontal disease as it progresses. Periodontal disease is recognized to elevate the risk of systemic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. This is why it is so important to manage it early on and manage it well. The frequency of your dental hygiene therapy is determined by your state of oral health. If you present with greater severity of periodontal disease it is more likely that you will require more frequent dental hygiene therapy.

Lewis Estates Dental Clinic waiting room with chairs and sofa

How your dental hygiene appointment works

When you come to Lewis Estates Dental Centre, you can expect evidence-based dental treatment customized to your dental needs.

1

Initial exam

The initial part of dental hygiene therapy involves the diagnosis and status of your oral health. Our dental hygienist will ask you necessary questions regards to your medical health, the current state of your oral homecare routine, and ask about dental concerns that may have arisen since you were last seen. Then they will examine your teeth and gums – including measuring pocket depths around your teeth, and may also take x-rays of your teeth and jaws, if they are essential. Together, this information determines the optimal care you require to support your oral health.

2

Removal of bio film, stains, and plaque

Next, we work with AIRFLOW® technology to remove surface stains, biofilm (bacteria that grows on your teeth), and plaque. This polishing method sprays a jet stream of air, powder, and water on and between your teeth. Thanks to the erythritol in the powder, AIRFLOW® delivers a gentle yet effective clean in hard-to-reach areas. This helps to prevent tooth decay and gingivitis. Compared to polishing paste, AIRFLOW® is more efficient, thorough, less messy, and won’t erode enamel.

3

Scaling

After this, we perform scaling, which removes biofilm, bacterial toxins, debris, and hard deposits from the teeth. Sometimes an ultrasonic scaler that uses water can also be used to break up tartar. Doing this is beneficial to your teeth and gums and does not harm your teeth. Removal of tartar is an important part of your dental hygiene therapy due to the toxins and aggressive bacteria that are present within the tartar itself. If you have sensitivity or tenderness that makes you uncomfortable, discuss it with your dental hygienist, who is equipped to provide you with options that can increase your comfort during this very important procedure.

4

Fluoride

The last step of your dental cleaning is the application of fluoride. Topical fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel of your teeth against damage from acid and plaque.

Most importantly, your hygienist will review the effectiveness of your homecare routine and will help you understand which areas of your mouth need more attention, and how to approach it.

empty dental room with chair looking out window at lewis dental clinic

COVID-19 safety

The team at Lewis Estates Dental Centre takes preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus seriously. As medical practitioners, we have stringent cleaning and sanitation procedures in place, but to protect our patients we have guidelines that go above and beyond our regular measures to conform to or exceed public health recommendations.

Preventing periodontal disease

Periodontal (gum) disease prevention is extremely important, so be sure to follow solid and consistent at-home oral care routine:

  • Ensure that you brush your teeth 2-3 times daily
  • Floss/use your waterpick once per day
  • Use non-alcoholic mouthwash in your oral homecare routine each day
  • Avoid smoking, vaping, smokeless tobacco, and recreational drug use
  • Maintain regular dental hygiene appointments as recommended by your dentist and dental hygienist (individual frequencies will vary depending on the state of your oral health and lifestyle)
mature women flossing her teeth

Teeth cleaning FAQs

You should book an appointment for a complete dental examination and dental hygiene therapy so that your condition can be evaluated, and an evidence-based recommendation for your care can be provided to you. Following the specific recommendations of your dental team with respect to frequency of dental hygiene therapy for adequate maintenance of your periodontal health is important.

Teeth cleaning procedures are performed by trained dental hygienists and do not damage teeth, but are intended to remove the hard deposit that has accumulated on the surface of the tooth/root to promote healing of your tissues.

A dental cleaning is intended to monitor your oral health, remove biofilm, bacterial toxins, debris, and tartar, and polish the teeth for a bright and refreshed appearance. By doing so, it allows your gums to heal from inflammation caused by these irritants.

Depending on your oral homecare routine, your ideal hygiene care schedule may change. If you have a solid routine where you brush 2-3 times and floss every day, and you also don’t use any form of tobacco or other recreational drugs, you might be able to see us every 6 months. If you have current oral health issues, or your oral health routine hasn’t been adequate, you might need to see us for periodontal care every 3-4 months until your gums show evidence of adequate healing.

Yes, dental cleanings are an absolutely essential part of maintaining overall health. Serious systemic health problems are enhanced by the changes that cause inflammation and breakdown in the mouth, including tooth loss.

Yes, dental hygiene therapy is typically covered under basic care in dental benefits plans. You should contact your benefits provider to obtain the specific coverage details of your plan.

We will begin by diagnosing your oral disease, and present that to you while also discussing areas that require additional attention. We will address your questions and concerns regarding your current dental condition so that you are able to fully comprehend your needs. As a result, the length of your appointment will depend on the severity of your oral condition, and the amount of plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth.

man flossing teeth in mirror

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It's your time to shine

Schedule your next visit and we’ll keep your mind, body, and smile healthy for years to come.

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