Dental cleanings and hygiene in South Edmonton
A cleaning removes the hardened plaque that brushing cannot reach, checks the health of your gums, and catches problems while they are still small. Most people come every six months. Some need to come more often, and we will tell you which you are.
What happens
A cleaning appointment, start to finish
Around forty five minutes, and most of it is not the scraping people expect.
A hygienist, or a dentist?
Dental hygienist
- The cleaning itself: scaling, polishing, gum measurements.
- Shows you what your brushing is missing, and where.
- Applies fluoride and sealants.
- Does not diagnose or treat decay.
Dentist
- Examines for decay, cracks, bite problems and oral cancer.
- Reads the x-rays and diagnoses.
- Does the treatment: fillings, crowns, extractions.
- Decides the recall interval with the hygienist.
At a routine visit here you usually see both. The hygienist does the cleaning and your dentist comes in to examine. Neither replaces the other.
How often
Is six months right for you?
Six months is the default, not a rule. What decides it is how fast plaque hardens in your mouth and what your gums are doing.
We set the interval from what we measure at your visit, and it changes as your gums change. It is not fixed for life.
Between visits
What actually makes the difference
A cleaning resets the mouth. What happens in the six months afterwards decides more than the appointment does.
Dr. Gordon Poznikoff
Dr. David Osborne
Dr. Kim Tan
Dr. Siew TanReady to visit?
We're easy to reach.
780-434-8749
In Heritage Square, right next to the IDA Pharmacy
FAQ
What does a cleaning cost?
We go over the quote with you before any work is done. We bill your insurer directly wherever your plan allows it. We make every attempt to work with your insurer so your plan covers as much as it can, and what a plan finally pays is the insurer's decision. The practice is a registered provider for the Canadian Dental Care Plan. There is more on fees and insurance.
How often should I come in?
Every six months suits most people. Patients with a history of gum disease, heavy tartar build-up, diabetes, or who smoke are often seen every three or four months, because the bacteria rebuild faster.
What actually happens at a cleaning?
The hygienist removes plaque and hardened tartar from above and below the gum line, polishes the teeth, and measures the gum pockets to track gum health over time. The dentist then checks for decay and anything else that has changed.
Why do my gums bleed when they are cleaned?
Bleeding is a sign of inflammation, which means bacteria are sitting where they should not be. Healthy gums do not bleed when brushed or cleaned. It usually improves once the build-up is removed and home care is adjusted.
Will a cleaning whiten my teeth?
A cleaning removes surface staining from coffee, tea and tobacco, so teeth often look brighter afterwards. It does not change the natural underlying shade of the tooth.
Do I still need X-rays?
X-rays show what an examination cannot: decay between teeth, bone levels around the roots, and problems below the gum line. How often they are taken depends on your risk, not on a fixed schedule.