There are major differences in the care you will receive
from a dentist, a dental hygienist, and an orthodontist. Sometimes it can be a
bit confusing, but we are going to specifically clarify which services you would
visit each of these dental care providers for. Each of these dental care
providers are specialists in their own perspective area of care. Just as in a
hospital you have doctors and nurses, in your Valencia dental office here at Go Dental, you have dentists and
dental hygienists. We work closely with only the best to bring a complete
dental care package to you and your family.
Dental Hygienist
The dental hygienist is usually the first person you see
during your dental appointment. Their care focuses on the prevention of disease
or infection. The dental hygienist performs the routine care and cleanings that
maintain your dental health. Routine cleanings include plaque and tartar
removal, X-rays, and review of your at-home dental care habits. Your dental
hygienist may review your eating habits as well as recommend any tools or
routines that might better your dental health. The handoff from dental
hygienist to dentist usually happens after the hygienist has a complete
understanding of your dental health and will allow the dentist to diagnose and
treat any issue you may have.
Dentist
The dentist will spend more time with you if you have a
problem or need extensive treatment. Dentists have not only completed the
training of a dental hygienist, but have also completed dental school and are
licensed by the state to practice performing corrective surgery on bones, gums,
and possibly nerves.
Orthodontist
An orthodontist is a specialist who is highly trained to
treat crooked or crowded teeth and misaligned bites. This is the specialist you
might think of, or go to, when you need braces, spacers, or headgear.
Of course, there are other specialists who can assist in
providing a well-rounded dental health care plan, including but not limited to
periodontists, endodontists, and maxillofacial surgeons. Usually, these health
care specialists aren’t seen unless recommended by your dentist. They
specialize in very specific care and procedures that are not required for all
patients. Your Valencia dental specialists
want to see your dental hygiene be the best it can be, which requires all the
dental professionals to work together.
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smile@thedentist.com
