Any given dental patient might think the lone responsibility their dental hygienist focuses on each day is cleaning teeth. Like so many things in life, however, it’s not that simple. Although that’s certainly one aspect of the job, there are several other activities a hygienist juggles to keep a dental practice running smoothly. A dental hygienist works with a dentist to treat patients in areas beyond just brushing and flossing. Read on to learn more about their day-to-day responsibilities from a dentist in Chesterton.
Providing Treatment
Dental hygienists are responsible for many duties surrounding the treatments given to patients. That typically includes removing plaque and tartar buildup, administering fluoride treatments to patients with vulnerable teeth, and applying sealants to cracked or damaged teeth. They also offer other services like root planing and scaling.
Comforting Patients
Another crucial component of the job is putting a patient’s mind at ease. If a patient hasn’t seen a dentist in multiple years, they may feel uncomfortable during their visit. Luckily, a hygienist can help calm them down and reassure them that they’ll only treat any existing problems.
Patient Education
Informing patients is another significant responsibility of a dental hygienist. Some people arrive at the dental office with one or more missing teeth, several cavities, or a serious case of gum disease. Since not every patient knows how to properly care for their teeth, a hygienist will gladly take the time to teach them.
One example of patient counseling is providing aftercare instructions following a dental procedure like root planing and scaling. The more you understand about what your dentist is doing, the less there is to be concerned about, so the educating and comforting of patients are closely intertwined.
Patient Screenings
Before you see your dentist for a checkup, a hygienist will conduct a brief screening to assess the overall health of your teeth. They’ll carefully examine your mouth, taking note of any abnormalities. Depending on their findings, the hygienist may choose to do a more extensive exam to identify signs of decay and gum disease. Afterward, they’ll report their findings before the dentist completes the examination.
X-rays and Impressions
A dental hygienist will often be the one to take X-rays. These days, modern and advanced X-ray machines can take a series of images in just a few minutes. Aside from that, dental hygienists can also take impressions of one or more teeth for the creation of implants, dentures, and other oral appliances.
As you can see, dental hygienists do far more than clean teeth. So, next time you visit your dentist in Chesterton for a checkup, don’t forget to show your hygienist some appreciation!
About the Practice
At Advanced Dental Concepts, you can step into our front door expecting excellence. From providing comprehensive services for your family to making the scheduling and payment process easy, we give Chesterton families everything they need to enjoy healthy smiles for life. Between our dental hygienists and dental assistants, we have a seven-person team helping our dentists provide you with optimal care. You can schedule a checkup and cleaning on our website or by calling (219) 926-7595.