Category: Dental Implants

How often should I get dental cleaning?

Everybody knows – brushing and flossing, twice daily, is essential for good oral health. But what about professional teeth cleaning? How many times a year should you visit a dental hygienist? It’s a question we get asked frequently, here at Kiln Lane Dental, and the answer isn’t as straightforward as you think. Here our team of dental hygienists attempt to clear up a little of the confusion.

It all depends on your teeth

As a general rule-of-thumb, one dental cleaning appointment is recommended every six months. But this ‘rule’ varies depending on the condition of your teeth. For example, patients with excellent oral hygiene habits may only need to visit the dental hygienist once a year. By contrast, patients with poor habits and an unhealthy mouth may require a session every three months or less.

Certain lifestyle factors can affect how often you need dental cleaning. For example, you’re likely to need more frequent appointments if you:

– use fluoride-free toothpaste

– eat lots of sugary foods

– brush and floss less than twice a day

– wear an appliance, such as dentures or a brace

People with certain chronic health conditions (such as diabetes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases etc.) should also plan to see the dental hygienist on a regular basis. The medications used to treat these conditions can complicate dental procedures. Therefore, it’s more important than ever to detect dental problems in the early stages, before they require invasive treatment.

tools used for dental cleaning

Why is regular teeth cleaning recommended?

We all do our best to look after our teeth, making sure to brush and floss at least twice a day. But, the fact is, this isn’t enough to maintain oral health. Professional teeth cleaning is essential for several reasons:

  1. Build-up of plaque

Plaque is inevitable. Even if you have the best possible dental hygiene routine at home, bacteria will start to build-up on your teeth – and, if left untreated, it can eventually lead to cavities and gum disease. Dental cleaning is an easy way to prevent this build-up from getting out-of-hand.

  1. Stubborn calculus

Over time, plaque calcifies onto your teeth – creating a hardened substance, called calculus. Calculus cannot be removed with a toothbrush alone. This has to be done via professional teeth cleaning, whereby the dental hygienist will ‘scale’ your teeth and get rid of the stubborn build-up.

  1. Prevention of dental issues

The appointment is a great opportunity for potential dental problems to be spotted in their early stages. For example, your dental hygienist may notice the first signs of a cavity or receding gums. They can then suggest the best way to nip the problem in the bud. It’s also possible to spot the early signs of more serious conditions, such as oral cancer.

  1. Overall health

Research has shown that looking after your teeth and attending regular dental hygienist appointments can help to maintain your overall health – possibly reducing the risk of certain systemic diseases (such as heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and more).

woman at dental hygienist appointment

Book your dental hygienist appointment today

We’re a big fan of professional teeth cleaning, here at Kiln Lane Dental. The recommended frequency of your appointments will depend on your individual needs, but we believe prevention is always better than cure and that every patient can benefit from regular sessions.

So why not get in touch and book your first dental hygienist appointment today? The team of dental hygienists at our St Helens dental clinic are knowledgeable and friendly – if you have any questions about the benefits of dental cleaning or how the appointment will go, they’re always happy to help. Either give us a call on 01744 25776 or send an email to info@kilnlanedental.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Are dental implants right for me?

Dental implants are widely used in mainstream dentistry. In fact, they’re one of our most popular treatments here at Kiln Lane Dental – but are they the best option for you? It’s a big decision to make and, before you go ahead with the procedure, it’s important to do your research first.

Several factors should be taken into consideration when making this decision, including:

  1. Age

A dental implant is a permanent solution for a missing tooth. Essentially, the artificial crown is positioned into the gap and secured in place using an internal screw. This screw is inserted directly into the jawbone. It can only be done when the jawbone is fully-matured – making the procedure unsuitable for both children and young patients below the age of 18.

  1. Everyday habits

Bad habits – such as smoking and heavy-drinking – can significantly increase the risks associated with dental implants. Not only will they interfere with the initial healing process, they can also affect the long-term success of the implant itself. Unless you cut back on nicotine and alcohol, you may be deemed unsuitable and some dentists may even refuse to go ahead with the treatment.

  1. Medical history

It’s very rare for health problems to prevent the use of dental implants. However, before you sign yourself up, you should discuss any current issues with your dentist and share your medical history. Certain treatments (e.g. radiotherapy) and medical conditions – such as osteoporosis and long-term diabetes – can lead to complications and may affect your suitability for the procedure.

  1. Oral health

The health of your mouth will play a huge role in the success of your new implants. For example, periodontal (gum) disease can cause both gum recession and bone loss – and, as a result, will significantly reduce your suitability for the dental implants. In most cases, such dental problems need to be fully rectified before the implant treatment can start.

  1. Bone density

When it comes to dental implants, time is of the essence. As soon as a tooth is lost (or extracted) from the gum, the surrounding bone will start to disappear. This is known as ‘bone resorption’. It happens very quickly and, if too much bone is lost, it may affect your suitability for the treatment. The key to success is to act fast and seek the advice of a dentist as quickly as possible.

diagram of jaw with dental implants

Dental implants at Kiln Lane Dental

We understand that dental implants are a big decision. It’s important to make sure it’s the best treatment for you and the best way to do that is to seek the advice of our cosmetic dentists.

During your first consultation, we will:

  • discuss your goals and what you wish to achieve with implants
  • ask a series of questions about your medical history
  • perform a thorough examination of your mouth
  • take an x-ray to determine your bone density

This will help us to assess your suitability for the procedure. Our priority is to ensure you make an informed decision. If we think you’re a good candidate – great, we’ll book you in for the first appointment. But if we have any concerns, rest assured, we’ll let you know and will typically recommend an alternative dental treatment that is better suited to you.

So why not get in touch today? If you have any questions about dental implants in St Helens, or if you’d like to book a consultation, simply give us a call on 01744 25776. Alternatively, send an email to info@kilnlanedental.co.uk and we’ll respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.