Post Pandemic Dental Cleaning: What to Expect.

During the pandemic Dental offices everywhere were asked to close to help combat the spread of the virus. As the pandemic wanes, many patients are now finding themselves long over due for a  dental cleaning.

Getting back on track with regular appointments can help mitigate future problems and address any problem areas that have come up over these past few years.

If it has been a while since your last dental cleaning, do not be embarrassed. The best way to start your visit, is to ensure you are upfront on your health forms. Let your Hygienist know about health issues, last Dental appointments, allergies, surgeries etcetera. Here is what else you can expect:

A Thorough Mouth Exam

Your Hygienist checks your mouth for cavities, signs of gum disease, potential infections, and other issues that may be forming. If there are issues that arise, you would be referred to a Dentist for more intensive procedures.

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums can occur because your gums are not used to the floss. Flossing thoroughly everyday prior to your appointment can help minimize bleeding come check up time.

Multiple Appointments

It’s always preferred to have a cleaning done in one visit, but depending on the person, the treatment may have to be split into multiple appointments. It takes time to remove the build up of plaque and tartar, (which forms differently for everybody), address cavities, or treat potential infections before it spreads to the bone and causes gum loss. Once any issues are taken care of it is possible return to seeing your Dental Hygienist twice a year.

The Cost

At Pearl Boutique Dental Hygiene in Vancouver, the average cost of a cleaning could be around $250+. Teeth that need a little more TLC can be upwards of $300. Typically, the longer the Hygienist spends cleaning (scaling) your teeth, the higher the price tag. There is generally no way around a costly initial appointment, but once you get back into a routine the cost per treatment can gradually lower.

To offset some of the costs, if you have dental insurance, make sure to inform the clinic, as you may be entitled to reimbursement.

In the end,

We are here to help you on your dental health journey. To reduce the likelihood of disease and build up, it is important to taking proper at-home measures.

In between appointments you want to make sure you are brushing your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing and going to your appointments regularly.  In return this makes for less intense and/or fewer appointments in the future.

Feel free to contact us wit any specific questions or to book an appointment.