Keeping your teeth clean and gums disease-free is vital for your long-term health. At South Lane Dental, we recommend dental hygiene to patients of all ages. We have a highly motivated, extensively trained hygiene team whose sole aim in the practice is the prevention and treatment of gum disease.

Working in partnership with your dentist, our hygienists play a vital role in the successful prevention and treatment of gum disease. They will closely monitor the health of your mouth, thoroughly ‘clean’ your teeth and offer advice on how to maintain good oral hygiene at home.

Our hygienists provide patient-oriented treatment with an approachable manner to put nervous patients at ease.

During your dental hygiene appointment, your hygienist will ask you about any problems or concerns, discuss your medical history and oral health, and check the appearance of your teeth and gums.

1. Your teeth and gums will be assessed to determine the amount of plaque removal you will need and risk factors will be highlighted.
2. Your teeth will be professionally cleaned with special equipment and pastes. This process is also known as scaling and polishing.
3. The hygienist’s role is to show you how to look after your teeth so that they remain free from plaque in the future. You will be advised on the best tooth brushing technique and given tips on flossing and using interdental brushes.

Dental hygiene at our practice also functions preventatively to treat gum disease and bad breath. If you have a bridge, denture, orthodontic treatment or a dental implant you will have specific hygiene needs that the hygienist will be able to assist you with.

We also offer Air Polish either as an addition to your regular hygiene appointment or as an interim appointment if you get a lot of dental staining. This is purely a cosmetic treatment and your hygienist can let you know if it is suitable. It is recommended that you come in for regular hygiene appointments to ensure your mouth stays clean and healthy.

• Minimised risk of tooth loss.
• Reduced risk of developing tooth decay and need for fillings.
• Fresher Breath.

Periodontics

Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals specifically with conditions affecting the gums and soft tissues that support your teeth. It is the treatment of periodontal disease (an advanced form of gum disease) and other inflammations of the mouth.

Gum disease begins as gingivitis, with common signs including blood on the toothbrush when you brush your teeth. You should contact your dentist or hygienist immediately if you experience such symptoms, as gum disease is best treated early. Left untreated, gingivitis can become periodontitis, which is much more serious.

Periodontitis affects the soft tissue that holds the teeth in place and can cause the gums to start separating from the teeth. The condition can also spread to the jaw bones, which can start to dissolve, leading to tooth loss. It usually takes some years for periodontitis to develop, and you should make an appointment with the dentist or hygienist if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Receding gums.
• A discharge around the gums.
• Your front teeth become more spaced out.
• Your teeth bite together differently.

1. Your Hygienist will conduct a thorough examination of the gums and teeth, checking how your teeth bite together, whether you have loose teeth and whether your gums are receding.
2. Periodontic treatment comprises home and practice-based care. It is essential you have good oral hygiene to prevent the development of plaque, so your Periodontist will advise you on the best way to clean your teeth at home.
3. In the practice, your Hygienist may carry out debridement, also known as root planing, which involves thorough cleaning of gum pockets to remove any plaque or bacteria. You may need a local anaesthetic for this procedure as some patients experience discomfort.
4. If the treatment does not work or if you have deep or inaccessible gum pockets, you will be offered a referral to a periodontist, who may recommend surgery.

• Improved oral health.
• Reduces the chance of tooth loss.
• Helps prevent bad breath.