Dignity Dental Hygiene

is dedicated to bringing state-of-the-art portable dental hygiene services to your home or business in New Mexico. We pride ourselves in the way we offer individualized care to meet your needs or your loved ones needs.  Studies show that periodontal (gum) disease affects three out of four patients, and increases with the aging population. There is also evidence indicating a connection between periodontal disease and many systemic diseases. These include: diabetes, pneumonia, COPD, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, organ transplant failure, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, obesity, cognitive impairment/dementia, erectile dysfunction, and metabolic syndrome. Good oral health plays a significant part in a person’s comfort, quality of life, and may also help extend life.

Our Services

Oral Cancer Screening

A thorough visual and tactile evaluation of lips, cheeks, tongue, roof of mouth, floor of mouth, throat, neck, and gums for any abnormalities. The incidence of oral cancer increases greatly with age. Early discovery is the most important step.

 

                                              Digital Radiographic Imaging (X-Rays)

                                                                     Digital x-rays offer less radiation than conventional x-rays. A small sensor sends                                                                            the image to a computer to be viewed by your dental hygienist and collaborating                                                                          dentist. X-rays allow detection of problems in the mouth such as changes in bone                                                                          density caused gum disease, cavities, dental injuries, and the marginal integrity of                                                                        tooth crowns and fillings, before symptoms may be present. 

 

                                              Fluoride Treatments

                                                                      Fluoride is a mineral that has been proven to have a positive effect on oral health.                                                                         Research shows that conditions such as dry mouth, gum disease, crown or bridge                                                                         work, and partial dentures may increase risk for decay. Fluoride can make teeth                                                                             more resistant to decay and even reverse decay that has already started. Fluoride                                                                         can also be effective in decreasing tooth sensitivity caused by exposed root                                                                                   surfaces. At each visit an evaluation will be performed to determine if a fluoride                                                                             application is recommended. 

 

 

 

Full and Partial Denture Cleaning

Professional denture cleaning services are available. This includes an ultrasonic bath and brushing to assist in the removal of plaque, tartar and debris.

 

Gum Disease Evaluation

Gingivitis is a reversible infection in the gums.  Periodontitis

(Periodontal Disease)is an irreversible gum condition in which some of the bone

supporting the teeth has been destroyed. Pain may not be present with gingivitis

or periodontitis, therefore, an assessment of both gums and bone levels are

performed with a clinical evaluation and dental x-rays. This combination will

assist in determining periodontal health as well as the frequency that cleanings

are recommended.

 

Dental Cleanings

Professional cleanings by a Dignity Dental Hygiene dental hygienist

provide removal of plaque, tartar (calculus) and surface stain.

Specialized instruments are used to access and remove tartar and

plaque that forms both above and below the gumline. Coronal

polishing may also be performed to assist in stain and plaque

removal. There are several different types of cleanings offered by

Dignity Dental Hygiene. Cleaning protocols will vary depending on

home care, length of time since previous cleaning, periodontal

status, overall health of mouth, and/or medical conditions

compromising oral health. A professional cleaning may be recommended
every 1-6 months. These include:

• Prophylaxis (standard cleaning)
• Periodontal Maintenance (periodontal disease cleaning)
• Full Mouth Debridement (gross scale)
• Gingival Inflammation Prophylaxis (gingivitis scale)
• Scaling & Root Planing

 

                                                  Customized Oral Hygiene Instruction

                                                                            No two mouths are the same. Dignity Dental Hygiene provides expert dental                                                                                   hygienists who can customize an oral hygiene regimen for each individual                                                                                     patient. Whether it is dry mouth, food traps, partial or full dentures, decreased                                                                               dexterity, or tooth sensitivity, we can help! 

 

                                                  Evaluation For Potential Decay

                                                                            The dental hygienists of Dignity Dental Hygiene will assess all exposed teeth                                                                                 surfaces and the margins of crowns, bridges and fillings. Exposed root                                                                                           surfaces caused by periodontal disease and/or recession can be common                                                                                     areas for decay, especially in patients’ who experience a dry mouth, have less                                                                               than adequate homecare, or a high sugar intake. Any suspicious areas will be                                                                               addressed and a referral for further examination will be given to one of

                                                                            Dignity Dental Hygiene’s collaborative dentists or a dentist of your choice.
 

                                                  Evaluation of Existing Restorations

                                                                           The dental hygienists of Dignity Dental Hygiene will assess the margins of                                                                                      existing restorations such as crowns, bridges and old silver fillings. As fillings                                                                                age they begin to break-down and decay may develop around the edges.

                                                                           Decay can also be found around the edges of older crowns and bridges. This

is common in patients’ who experience a dry mouth, have less than adequate homecare, or a high sugar intake. Any suspicious areas will be addressed and a referral for further examination will be given to one of Dignity Dental Hygiene’s collaborative dentists or a dentist of your choice.

Referral to Dentist

Dignity Dental Hygiene recommends each patient we serve be examined by a dentist at least once per year. With any concern requiring immediate attention, a referral will be given to one of our collaborative dentists or a dentist of your choice.

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