Hygiene Department

At Concept Dental Centre our dental hygienists are not trained to "just clean teeth". Our hygienists are encouraged to expand their knowledge base allowing them to provide our patients with a greater variety of services.

Hygienists are trained to assist in the fitting of TMJ splints, and tooth whitening. They also conduct intra-oral photographic tours of the mouth to better show patients potential problem areas.

All of the hygienists at Concept Dental Centre use magnification loupes. What may be invisible to the human eye in most cases can be seen and remedied through the use of magnification loupes.

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Gingivitis
Periodontal Disease
Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy
Products
Your First Dental Hygiene Appointment

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease caused by plaque (bio-film) build-up along the gum line. Over time this collection of plaque causes the tissues to become inflamed, swollen, and subject to bleeding during regular brushing and flossing. When gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to irreversible periodontal disease (moderate to severe gum disease). Gingivitis is easily reversed with continued brushing and flossing twice a day.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is moderate to severe gum disease, or diseased tissue around the tooth. This is a serious bacterial infection caused by gingivitis left untreated. Gum tissues begin to pull away from the tooth creating pockets that are ideal for bacterial formation.

Left untreated Periodontal Disease can lead to the destruction of supportive surrounding bone and tissue, leaving the teeth loose and prone to falling out. Periodontal Disease is the number one cause of tooth loss.

Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy

In addition to conventional scaling and root planning, Concept Dental Centre is pleased to offer Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LAPT). Laser assisted periodontal therapy is an advanced, non surgical method for treating Periodontal disease also known as "Gum Disease". Laser Pocket Reduction is very different from traditional methods of periodontal gum surgery involving scalpels, stitches, and bleeding. When being treated with the Laser, most patients require little or no recovery time, suffer minimal discomfort, and are even able to return to daily activities the same day.

LAPT gently disinfects and evaporates diseased tissues from around the tooth and inside the gum pocket. This treatment interrupts the bacterial destruction of the tissues and bone, giving the pocket a chance to heal. With 6 - 8 systematic repeated visits the gum pocket should be disease free, and provides the opportunity for tissues to reattach the pocket back to a normal or near-normal depth. This new laser therapy is gentle, less painful, and has a quick recovery time. While surgery may still be indicated for severely advanced periodontal disease, laser therapy is a much more conservative, effective and comfortable option for beginning to moderate periodontal cases.

Products

Arestin

Periodontal disease is described as infected gum tissues caused by bacteria in the tissue pockets. Arestin is an antibiotic past that is painlessly administered into these pockets. Once placed, the microspheres (tiny, bead-like particles), release the antibiotic minocycline hydrocholoride killing the bacteria over time. Arestin can be placed during a regular hygiene appointment and is safe for multiple applications. This form of antibiotic differs from the traditional pill form in that it is administered directly on the bacterial site. A pill cannot give the same level of antibiotic concentration in the tissues.

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Fluoridex

Fluoridex is the first professional-strength fluoride toothpaste with maximum-strength potassium nitrate. Many people in need of professional-strength fluoride toothpaste are prone to sensitivity. Fluoridex Sensitivity Relief Toothpaste combines maximum-strength fluoride with 5% potassium nitrate to enhance remineralization and provide sensitivity relief. Fluoridex is ideal for patients with sensitivity caused by gum recession, enamel abrasion and abraided dentin. It also provides a great tooth sensitivity relief after all tooth whitening procedures.

Fluroidex Daily Defense 1.1% neutral sodium fluoride (FaF) Toothpaste promotes stronger, healthier teeth in a friendly, on-step daily toothpaste. The 1.1% neutral sodium fluoride dentifrice aids in the remineralization process and reduces sensitivity caused by health cold and pressure by insulating the tubules on the tooth surface

Oraqix

Oraqix is the only FDA-approved, needle free anesthetic for scaling and root planing. Since its introduction in 2004, Oraqix has changed the way pain relief is administered and has opened the door for full-mouth scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures. Oraqix is a great option for delivering profound, needle-free anesthesia for periodontal therapy when anesthesia is required.

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Periowave

Periowave brings a new dynamic in periodontal care. It is a quick and painless technology that is offered by our experienced dental hygiene team. Periowave works to kill the bacteria associated with periodontal diseases without the promotion of antibiotic resistance. Periowave utilizes a non-thermal laser light combined with a photosensitizing solution designed to kill bacteria associated with the disease. Killing the bacteria halts the progression of the disease and allows healing to begin.

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Philips Sonicare Toothbrush

Dr. Rickards and his staff at Concept Dental Centre recommend the Philips Sonicare toothbrush. This evidence based product has been proven to remove up to 5 times more plaque than a manual toothbrush, improve gum health in only two weeks, and whitens teeth 2 times better than a manual toothbrush.

Your First Dental Hygiene Appointment

Your first dental hygiene visit with our team is extensive as we get to know you as a patient and understand your dental history. Throughout the appointment we will do our best to educate you about the processes and findings at each step. We encourage you to ask any questions as they may arise.

We will begin with an extensive health history to address any previous and outstanding medical issues. We will discuss your current dental concerns, and take x-rays, photos, and digital impressions if/as required for proper diagnosis.

The next step is to conduct an Oral Cancer Screening and Extended Periodontal Exam. These tests provide information that helps us to determine the level of your oral health and treatment options for your dental hygiene care. At Concept Dental, Dr. Rickards will do an extensive dental exam, diagnose any treatment you may require, and answer any questions or concerns that you may have. We will always review any treatment options given and discuss estimates, procedures and appointment requirements.

Once all diagnostic exams are complete, scaling, root planing, full mouth and deep tissue cleaning will be completed, followed by polish and fluoride treatments as required. We will then follow up with oral hygiene care instructions and any recommended therapeutic options. On completion of your hygiene appointment(s) we will determine an oral hygiene and periodontal maintenance schedule to ensure you achieve and maintain optimum oral health.