When you visit the dentist, whether it’s for preventive, restorative or cosmetic treatment, the doctor listed on the name plaque isn’t the only person responsible for your care; from the very moment you’re seated in the chair, a dental hygienist is hard at work to ensure that your visit is productive! Keep reading to learn about a few reasons why their work should be appreciated, as they’re quite instrumental in the entire oral healthcare process.
1. They Assist with X-Rays and Screenings
Preventive dental care often consists of a comprehensive oral screening coupled with X-ray imaging; in order to prevent serious problems from occurring, they need to be scoped out while they’re still minor! Due to the necessary thoroughness of these inspections, coupled with the inherent complexity of the X-ray procedure, it’s helpful for dentists to rely on their hygienists to assist with the process to make things quicker and more streamlined.
2. They Carry Out Preventive and Non-Surgical Periodontal Procedures
During a hygienist’s first interaction with a patient, they’ll determine the type of cleaning that is necessary. These cleanings involve tasks like removing tartar, plaque and stains from teeth, as well as polishing teeth, applying sealants and fluorides, and in some cases deeper cleanings such as scaling and root planing. This type of preventive care is instrumental, as it’s something that you cannot carry out at home on your own—but for your dental hygienist, it’s just another day at the office!
3. They Can Administer Anesthesia
Sometimes, localized anesthesia is a necessary component of dental care; it helps to keep patients comfortable during certain procedures, and at the current moment, 45 out of 50 states in the US allow dental hygienists to administer anesthesia. Needless to say, it’s one less thing that they take off of your dentist’s plate, and it certainly is beneficial for patients!
4. They Further Educate Patients
Lastly, dental hygienists can educate patients about virtually everything related to oral care; from brushing and flossing techniques to answering questions about particular procedures, dental hygienists are a wealth of knowledge and can easily inform and encourage patients to maintain healthy smiles outside of their biannual visits!
In short, dental hygienists are able to provide an exceptional level of ancillary care that a dentist themself cannot fully provide, making them an important asset for any dental practice and worthy of constant praise!
About the Practice
Here at Pinnacle Dental, we’re thrilled to be able to provide an exceptional level of dental care for patients and families in the Braintree, MA community! We proudly offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic and restorative services that are certain to help you achieve optimal oral health. If you have any questions about the article or would like to arrange a visit for you or a loved one, feel free to contact us online or over the phone for further assistance: (781) 412-1412.