I have graduated! Please email me to be referred to a current student.
Hi! If you've stumbled across me website from an old post-- thanks for stopping by! I've now graduated and am in the process of obtaining my licensure. If you are still interested in low-cost dental cleanings, please reach out to me at conniedentalcleaning@gmail.com and I can refer you to current students in the dental hygiene program who would greatly appreciate your support.
Dental Cleaning Treatment
With a full assessment and recent x-rays, we may start your cleaning. At every appointment we perform the following:
Medical history and medications update/review, vital signs check, oral cancer screening (extraoral/intraoral exam)
If over 2 weeks since last visit: periodontal (gum) screening to check for any changes
DENTAL CLEANING TYPES
Your treatment plan will vary depending on extent of tartar build-up (calculus). We aim for a thorough removal of tartar build-up with hand instruments to promote healthy teeth and gums. Plaque and tartar causes gingivitis (inflammation and bleeding of gums). Prolonged gingivitis leads to periodontitis, or destruction of the supporting structures of your tooth (attachment or bone loss), which can lead to tooth loss. It is important to get regular check-ups, cleanings, and to develop effective oral hygiene habits so you can keep your smile as long as you can!
If our supervising dentist finds a significant cavity or infection, we cannot complete the cleaning on a quadrant until it is treated. We will issue a dental referral and can provide a list of low-cost dental clinics or dental schools that can offer treatment if needed.
"Regular cleaning": lighter cases - generally 1 cleaning appointment. If you bring your own current x-rays (an FMX from within 3 years ago) and have limited dental work there is a chance I may be able to complete your cleaning during your intake visit.
"Deep cleaning": moderate to heavy cases - generally 4-6 cleaning appointments completed with local anesthesia to ensure a thorough cleaning for significant periodontal disease, heavy tartar, and deeper periodontal pockets.
Planned by quadrant (Upper Right, Upper Left, Lower Right, and Lower Left of your mouth)
Heavier cases with tenacious build-up may utilize ultrasonic scaling and be completed by sextant (upper back right/left, lower back right/left, upper/lower front).
4-6 week follow-up after the last cleaning to check for post-treatment healing of your gums, remove residual or new build-up, application of fluoride, polishing.
ORAL HYGIENE INSTRUCTION (OHI)
OHI is given at each cleaning appointment to review tips for improvement on plaque removal after using disclosing solution (pink plaque detector). During your first OHI you will receive a goodie bag with a toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste!
FLUORIDE TREATMENT
Free fluoride treatment (optional): re-mineralize your enamel to prevent tooth decay after your teeth cleaning. This is recommended every 6 months.