Dental hygiene
Dental hygiene is the foundation of long term oral health. Our licensed Dental Hygiene Practitioners work closely with our dentists to keep your teeth and gums healthy through professional cleanings, preventive treatments, and practical guidance you can use at home. Regular hygiene visits help remove buildup you cannot reach with brushing alone, support fresh breath, and reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.
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What happens during a hygiene appointment
Your visit typically includes a thorough assessment of your teeth and gums, followed by a professional cleaning. We remove plaque and tartar along the gumline, polish to lift surface stains, and help your smile feel smooth and refreshed. When needed, we may take dental X rays to monitor changes that are not visible during an exam.
Scaling, polishing, and preventive treatments
Scaling removes hardened buildup that can irritate gums and contribute to inflammation. Polishing smooths the tooth surface to help reduce plaque retention and brighten your smile. Depending on your needs, we may also apply fluoride to strengthen enamel and provide added protection against decay, especially for patients with sensitivity or higher cavity risk.
Deep cleaning for gum health
If signs of gum disease are present, we may recommend a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing. This treatment targets plaque and tartar below the gumline and smooths root surfaces to support healing and reduce future buildup. We will explain what we see, what it means, and the best plan to stabilize gum health over time.
Education and personalized home care
Great hygiene is a partnership. We will coach you on brushing and flossing techniques that fit your mouth, your routine, and any dental work you may have. We can also recommend specific products, such as toothbrush styles, interdental cleaners, or rinses, to help you maintain results between visits and prevent problems before they start.
Dental HygieneFrequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? We're happy to help. If you don't see what you need below, email us at info@impactdental.ca or call 604-954-1823. We'd love to hear from you.
What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?
Our hygienists perform professional cleanings to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains that regular brushing can't reach. They also screen for gum disease, take X-rays, apply fluoride, and provide personalized oral hygiene education.
How Often Should I Get a Professional Cleaning?
Most patients benefit from a cleaning every 6 months. If you have gum disease or other risk factors, we may recommend more frequent visits — every 3 to 4 months. Your dental exam helps us determine the right schedule for you.
Why Are Professional Cleanings Important?
Even with excellent brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar that only professional tools can remove. Regular cleanings prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath — and they catch potential issues before they become costly problems.
What's the Difference Between a Regular Cleaning and a Deep Cleaning?
A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) removes buildup above the gumline and is preventive care. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) treats existing gum disease by cleaning below the gumline and smoothing tooth roots to help gums reattach.
Does a Professional Cleaning Hurt?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during a routine cleaning. If you have sensitive teeth or gum inflammation, we can apply a topical numbing gel to keep you comfortable throughout the appointment.
Accepting New Patients
Looking for a dentist? We're accepting new patients. Contact us to book your first visit.
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