Your Edmonton Invisalign® Provider
Our dentists offer hygiene and preventive services for patients in the Edmonton area. Dental hygienists work with you to keep your teeth clean in the office, as well as at home.
Routine Care
Examinations
When you book your initial consultation, your dentist may perform some of the following procedures to better understand your current oral health:
- Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
- Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
- Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
- Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay
- Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
Home Care
Along with care at the clinic, your home care plays an important role in maintaining oral health. Your healthy smile starts by eating balanced meals, along with brushing and flossing your teeth.
- Tooth brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night). Don’t forget to brush all surfaces of your teeth and your tongue.
- Flossing: Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.
- Rinsing: It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you.
Professional Dental Cleanings
Professional dental cleanings are always performed by Registered Dental Hygienists. Your cleaning appointment may include a dental exam and the following:
- Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface.
- Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva.
- Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.
Dental X-Rays
Dental x-rays are a preventive diagnostic tool that provides valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to detect dental abnormalities and to complete your treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected in your smile.
How often should dental x-rays be taken?
The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs. Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age consideration, and risk for disease.