Dental Hygiene & ProphylaxisCommonly called “routine cleanings”, this service is provided by one of our highly trained, experienced Dental Hygienists. Calculus, the hard deposits that form on teeth (also referred to as “Tartar”), are removed from all visible areas of the teeth. Charting of existing teeth, restorations, and cavities is performed. The dentist will perform a head, neck, and intra oral exam at each visit. These routine hygiene visits are the core of our preventative dentistry oriented practice. They are the keystone to achieving and maintaining good oral health. Preventive services can identify problems, if they exist, when they are minor and easier to treat. This saves the patient pain, time, and money, and are essential in achieving good oral health. Regular, routine cleanings and exams can also play a major role in preventing Periodontal (gum and bone) Disease. Periodontal disease has been linked to several serious medical conditions, and its prevention is a key part in maintaining our patient’s good health. Would you like additional information? Try these helpful links on Dental Hygiene & Prophylaxis:FAQ’s on Dental Hygiene & ProphylaxisEvery human being needs their teeth thoroughly cleaned periodically. For the majority of people, this in necessary every 6 months. Many factors can lead to a need to clean teeth more frequently. These factors can include, but are not limited to, diet, acid reflux, medications, diabetes, hormonal variations, and poor oral hygiene. Our dental team can determine what interval of cleanings and exams are right for each individual patient. Oral examinations are typically performed every 6 months. If your cleaning interval is shorter, an exam may not be required at each cleaning.