A scale and polish, put simply, is the removal of plaque bacteria (soft deposits) and tartar (hard deposits) that have accumulated on your teeth. If these deposits are not removed, more plaque can build up around the tooth and potentially under the gum line, leading to the progression of gum disease and increased risk of tooth decay. By having a regular scale and polish you will be reducing the risk of developing such issues as well as creating a healthy environment within the mouth.

Periodontal therapy is an umbrella term for an array of treatments you may need to undergo if you’ve developed a type of gum disease known as periodontitis or periodontal disease. These treatments are an important part of restoring health to your teeth and gums, as well as preventing tooth loss. Generally, the appointment(s) will consist of a deep scale above and below the gum to remove all bacteria and tartar that has adhered to the crown and root surface of the teeth. This is achieved using a combination of ultrasonic scalers and hand instrumentation. A series of appointments is often needed in moderate-advanced cases and where necessary a referral to a Periodontitis (Gum specialist) for further treatment will be made.

Maintenance is an essential part of halting the progression of periodontal disease.  Research indicates bacterial formation on teeth and gum occurs almost immediately after each professional cleaning, with the bad bacteria forming after 3 months. Regular professional cleaning allows the frequent removal of the bacteria from under the gumline which can control the inflammation and will often prevent further breakdown of the bone and gum supporting your teeth. Though gum disease cannot be completely reversed, periodontal maintenance is one of the tools that can be use to effectively halt its destructive progress.

During orthodontic treatment it is imperative to upkeep a high level of oral hygiene as both your risk of tooth decay and gum disease increases. Once you have your orthodontic appliances fitted or bonded you will start to notice an increase in plaque and tartar accumulation. This is due to the increased surface area that is available for plaque bacteria to adhere to. As a result, it is essential to see a dental hygienist regularly to scale and polish your teeth and to ensure you are correctly caring for your teeth and gums. This is not only crucial for the overall health of your mouth, but also for the success of the orthodontic treatment. Your dental hygienist will also give you tips and tricks on which dental aids are best to use and how to use them.

The best way to protect your child’s teeth is to teach them good dental habits from a young age. At Kapiti OHC we strive to educate and motivate kids to take responsibility for the oral health and to teach them good dental habits, setting them up for life. Starting with an oral health assessment, we will examine the teeth and gums, then evaluate their homecare routines. Proper coaching will help your child adopt good oral hygiene as part of their daily routine. The other half of the appointment will be spent scaling and polishing their teeth.

Custom fit mouthguards are the most effective way you can protect your mouth and teeth while playing sports. They reduce your chance of sustaining an oral injury by around 90% and help prevent painful accidents or damage. All that is required is a 15 minute appointment for impressions. Fabrication of your mouth guard to the exact shape of your teeth and gums will then take place over the next few days, allowing you to collect within the week.

We have a referral system in place where we work closely with other professionals including dentists, dental specialists and medical professionals. This ensures an integrated approach to managing clients overall dental care plan. We have relationships with dentists, periodontists, oral surgeons, skin cancer specialists, orthodontists, Invisalign providers, and can co-ordinate with general practitioners (GPs) when required.