Dental Hygiene
Regular trips to the hygienist are essential for preventing serious dental problems.
You're probably aware of the fact that having bleeding gums when you brush your teeth is one of the first obvious signs of gum disease. Though do you know the effects that this condition can have as it progresses?
In the early stages, gum disease is known as gingivitis – an inflammation of the gums. If left unchecked, it can develop into the more serious condition of periodontitis, which can ultimately lead to the loss of your teeth. Mild gum disease can be more easily treated if detected sooner rather than later, and it is for this reason we recommend regular visits to the hygienist.
Sonya Neal works alongside the rest of the dental team in supporting and encouraging excellent oral hygiene, mainly concerned with preventative dental health and treating gum disease.
Reviews
I recently join the practice as a new patient as recommended by a family friend. I had never really enjoyed my hygiene appointments in the past, but Sonya was very gentle, thorough and took time to make me feel comfortable. She also explained more than I had previously been explained to the various techniques for keeping my teeth clean. I have since recommended Sonya to my husband & I have booked for my next appointment in 6 months’ time. Lovely practice.
S.L.
In my opinion Sonya’s a great hygienist, very thorough, doesn’t talk too much, just concentrates on cleaning my teeth and leaving me with very clean and shiny teeth. I see Sonya every 3 months and would absolutely recommend. Thank you
C.J
Visiting Sonya and Dr Downey is not always top of my list, but I always come away feeling very well cared for, they are both technically great at what they do! I wouldn’t go anywhere else. I usually visit twice a year.
N.C.
Thank you to Sonya, I now feel very comfortable visiting for my hygiene appointments. Sonya knew and understood my concerns around visiting the dental practice. I’m now happier coming along and can recommend this practise for Hygiene and Dental appointments particularly if you’re a nervous patient like myself.
J.H.
I have been visiting this practice for many years, would absolutely recommend Sonya and indeed Dr Downey – great team.
M.H.
Hygienist Appointment
During your appointment, our hygienist will professionally clean and polish your teeth, Sonya will discuss with you the best ways to keep your teeth clean and your mouth healthy, suggesting healthy food options and if required ways on stopping smoking.
Appointments Times: You can book 30, 40 or 60 minute dental hygiene appointments
The length of an appointment will vary depending on your oral hygiene, most patients would need to book a 30 minute appointment.
Appointments with Sonya can be prescriptive (your dentist has examined you and prescribed what treatment is needed) or a new patient, self-prescribing wishing to book an appointment directly.
Questions & Answers
Why is this dental treatment important?
Regular professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, combined with looking after your teeth and gums properly at home, will help keep your mouth healthy. A clean and healthy mouth will improve your appearance, help you to keep your teeth and give you fresh breath.
Can a hygienist help prevent dental disease?
This is what the training of the hygienist is all about. They will carefully remove the hard deposits of tartar (or ‘calculus') that build up on the teeth and teach you how to prevent them coming back. This will do a lot to slow the progress of gum disease.
How long does treatment take?
We offer hygienist appointment durations of 30, 40 or 60 minutes.
The length of an appointment will vary depending on your oral hygiene, most patients would need to book a 30 minute appointment.
Why doesn't the dentist do this work?
Dentists can do this type of work themselves. However, the hygienist has been specially trained to carry out scaling and polishing and can spend longer with you. They are also expert at teaching you how to look after your teeth and gums. Often the hygienist will spend a number of appointments getting the gums healthy ready for the dentist to restore the teeth with crowns and fillings.
Will the treatment hurt?
Scaling and polishing is usually fairly painless. However, if you do have any discomfort the hygienist can use anaesthetic creams, or give you some local anaesthetic. It is important that you let the hygienist know at the time so they can help you.
Treatment Fees
| Duration | Fee |
|---|---|
| 30 mins | £73 |
| 40 mins | £97 |
| 60 mins | £146 |
Updated digital x-rays may be necessary at an additional £12 each
More information
For further independent dental hygienist information visit dentalhealth.org .
We know and understand the importance of oral hygiene.