📣Let’s first review the other critical components of a hygiene visit beyond scaling. A dental hygiene visit should include: ✅ Thorough Medical History Review
✅ Hypertension Screening
✅ Oral Cancer Screening
✅ Periodontal Assessments
✅ Cavity Risk Assessment
✅ Personalized Oral Hygiene Instructions
✅ Nutrition Counseling
✅ Tobacco & Vaping Cessation Support
✅ Fluoride & Sensitivity Treatments
✅ Sealant Placement
✅ X-rays & Radiographic Assessment
✅ Digital Scanning, Impressions, IO photos
✅ Referral & Collaboration & Codiagnosing And more!✨ Dental hygiene appointments require a comprehensive approach that includes both supragingival and subgingival scaling. YES, THIS INCLUDES PROPHYS. The ADA procedure code for a prophylaxis is NOT limited to supragingival scaling: D1110 is primarily a preventive procedure, but can be therapeutic depending on the periodontium’s overall health. It is applicable for patients with generally healthy periodontium where any deposits are removed to control irrational factors, and for patients with localized gingivitis to prevent further progression of the disease. Supragingival scaling alone does not address subgingival biofilm and calculus.
By not removing the biofilm and calculus from below the gum line, the infection and inflammation can persist or worsen. There is a well-established link between periodontal disease and systemic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory diseases. Inadequate treatment of periodontal disease by only performing supragingival scaling can impact overall health. Lastly, even generalized healthy patients deserve comprehensive care from a licensed healthcare provider. Being healthy doesn’t justify receiving lesser treatment or just a "supra" scaling.
#teethcleaning #suprascaling #subgingivalscaling #rdh #rda #hygienist #rdaef