General Dentistry
Dental Hygiene Services in Wellington
Good oral hygiene is the absolute cornerstone of a healthy, beautiful smile. While brushing and flossing at home are essential daily habits, they are not enough on their own to completely remove the stubborn plaque and tartar that build up over time.
Regular professional dental cleanings can prevent the development of serious dental problems—such as tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease (periodontitis)—and keep your smile looking its brightest. At Newtown Dental, our dedicated Oral Health Therapist provides thorough, gentle cleanings and preventative care in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Why are professional dental cleanings important?
Even with the most diligent brushing routine, plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) can harden into calculus or tartar. Once tartar forms, it cannot be removed with a regular toothbrush; it requires professional dental instruments.
If tartar is left to accumulate, especially below the gumline, it irritates and inflames the gums. This is the first stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which destroys the bone supporting your teeth and is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Professional dental hygiene appointments are vital for:
- Removing Tartar: Safely scaling away hardened deposits from above and below the gumline.
- Preventing Gum Disease: Halting the progression of gingivitis before it causes irreversible bone loss.
- Freshening Breath: Removing the bacteria that cause chronic halitosis (bad breath).
- Stain Removal: Polishing away superficial surface stains caused by coffee, tea, and tobacco, leaving your teeth noticeably brighter.
What does a dental hygiene appointment include?
When you book a hygiene appointment with our Oral Health Therapist, Abhishek Kumar, you can expect a comprehensive and gentle preventative treatment:
Assessment
A thorough check of your gum health, measuring any pocketing around the teeth to check for signs of periodontal disease.
Scaling
Using specialised ultrasonic and hand instruments to carefully remove plaque and tartar buildup from the tooth surfaces and beneath the gumline.
Polishing
A professional polish using a mildly abrasive paste to remove surface stains and leave your teeth feeling incredibly smooth.
Fluoride Treatment
Application of a concentrated fluoride gel or varnish to strengthen the tooth enamel and make it more resistant to acid attacks and decay.
Education
Personalised advice on the best brushing and flossing techniques for your specific mouth, and recommendations for at-home oral care products.
How much does a dental cleaning cost?
For new patients or those due for their regular check-up, we highly recommend our comprehensive preventative package: Full Checkup, X-Rays, and Polish for only $100.
If you require a more intensive cleaning (such as deep scaling or root planing) due to existing gum disease, the cost will depend on the time required to complete the treatment. We will provide a clear quote during your assessment. We accept various payment options, including Q Card and Afterpay.
Protect Your Smile for the Long Term
Don’t wait until your gums are bleeding or your teeth hurt to seek preventative care. Regular hygiene visits are an investment in keeping your natural teeth for life.
Call us at 04 389 3808 or book online to schedule your dental hygiene appointment.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
How often should I see the dental hygienist?
For most patients with healthy gums, we recommend a professional cleaning every six months. However, if you have a history of gum disease, wear braces, or are a smoker, we may recommend visiting every three to four months to keep tartar buildup under control.
Does a professional teeth cleaning hurt?
A routine dental cleaning should not be painful. You will feel some scraping and vibration during the scaling process. If you have sensitive teeth or inflamed gums, let us know beforehand—we can apply a numbing gel or use local anaesthesia to ensure you are completely comfortable.
What is the difference between a dentist and an Oral Health Therapist?
While a dentist diagnoses and treats complex dental issues (like fillings, crowns, and extractions), an Oral Health Therapist specialises specifically in preventative care, gum health, and children's dentistry. They are experts in scaling, polishing, and educating patients on maintaining optimal oral hygiene.