Scandinavian-style preventive dentistry with the help of dental hygienists
◆The truth about brushing your teeth that you may not know
We brush our teeth every day without thinking about it, but do you know the correct way to do it?
There are probably very few people who have studied it seriously at school, as a hobby, or at a cram school. (Probably almost none.)
I was told at the dentist to "brush your teeth well," so I've been trying to brush my teeth well ever since.
However, in reality, the most important point, which is how to "polish thoroughly," is often overlooked.
In fact, the best place to learn the correct way to brush your teeth is at the dentist.
However, both patients and we are so preoccupied with treatment and cleaning that we tend to think that the procedure itself is what is important.
In fact, if you can properly master the correct brushing technique and continue to practice it every day, your teeth will not become stained or develop tartar.
No matter how great the cleaning and whitening you get at the dentist, if you don't brush your teeth, the effects will quickly disappear.
The first step in improving your oral environment is to gain a deeper understanding of tooth brushing and train yourself to be able to do it on your own.
In health insurance treatment, dental hygienists only have 15 minutes of their consultation time to give health guidance to patients. They need to provide health guidance to patients within the limited consultation time while also removing tartar and performing periodontal pocket examinations.
However, in reality, 15 minutes is not enough time to provide the kind of health guidance we would like to provide.
Is indigestible medical care really a shortcut to health for both dental hygienists and patients?
At our clinic, dental hygienists and patients work closely together to provide Nordic-style early periodontal treatment that enables patients to create an environment in which they will never lose their teeth.
We aim to achieve the same goal as our patients, and we want to find ways to keep their teeth healthy for the rest of their lives.
◆ Nordic-style preventive management-based periodontal disease treatment that fights bacteria
The biggest cause of oral problems is bacteria. Both tooth decay and periodontal disease are caused by the proliferation of bacteria lurking in the mouth.
When we hear the terms preventive dentistry and maintenance, we tend to think of brushing our teeth and preventing periodontal disease (pyorrhea), but it also involves efforts to reduce bacteria in the mouth and can help prevent tooth decay.
The periodontal treatment at our clinic is centered on Nordic-style preventive management treatment by dental hygienists to improve the oral environment. It is based on the Nordic dental medical approach, which began in Sweden.
The goal is to manage the oral cavity to reduce bacteria, and we will provide self-care and professional care intervention by experts. In order to reduce gingival inflammation and achieve healthy gums, thorough early treatment of periodontal disease is necessary.
◆ Health awareness learned through early treatment of periodontal disease
Periodontal disease cannot be cured by just one cleaning such as scaling or PMTC. It cannot be cured by just having a professional cleaning or regular checkup once every six months.
Bacteria multiply every time the oral environment changes due to eating or drinking. This cycle of bacterial proliferation must be stopped by daily brushing. Only the patient (or a caregiver or family member) can brush their teeth every day.
Unfortunately, professional care by experts cannot be provided every day. Therefore, the core of health management is for patients to acquire the knowledge and skills for their own brushing and continue to brush properly every day. Our role as experts is to support patients in improving their self-care and ensuring that they develop good brushing habits.
At our clinic, we create an initial treatment plan for each patient and create a treatment plan that is tailored to each individual. The oral environment is different, and so are each person's lifestyle habits. There are good habits, but there are surely also bad habits lurking.
We will provide sufficient counseling and planning before treatment, taking into account various lifestyle factors. Our experts will support patients so that they can achieve the oral environment they desire.
◆Dental clinics where dental hygienists are active
The main players in early periodontal disease treatment are the patient and the dental hygienist. Of course, the dentist will also be involved in the treatment, but it is the dental hygienist who will be closest to the patient and work closely with them as a partner in promoting their health.
Periodontal disease treatment is an issue that cannot be avoided as long as you have teeth. That is why it is important to take steps to prevent the progression of periodontal disease.
The initial treatment for periodontal disease at our clinic begins with a detailed overall examination using a microscope by the director (dentist and dental hygienist). Based on the results of that examination, we will create a treatment plan together with the dental hygienist and propose it to the patient.
If you are receiving initial treatment, we will introduce you to the dental hygienist in charge and explain the purpose of treatment to you, and determine the goals of your initial treatment.
Treatment contents are customized according to the condition of each patient's mouth. It mainly covers a wide range of treatments such as brushing technique training, precise tartar removal, powder cleaning, and dietary support.
Once the initial treatment is complete, the director will conduct another diagnostic examination to reassess your condition. We will then discuss again how to proceed with maintenance, based on the effectiveness of the initial treatment.
Flow of our initial periodontal disease treatment (preventive dentistry)
Treatment period and frequency
Cost (The cost varies depending on the symptoms and condition.)
List of associated treatment costs (costs will be incurred as necessary during the above root canal treatment)
Risks and Side Effects
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If a tooth fracture that was not detected during pre-treatment diagnosis is discovered during treatment, we will consider ways to preserve the tooth as much as possible, but there is a possibility that the tooth will need to be extracted in the future.
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Even during precision root canal treatment, nickel-titanium files can break inside the root canal.
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If the inflammation is severe, the pain may not disappear with the first treatment alone. In that case, it may be necessary to use painkillers in combination or resume the next treatment sooner.