My 10 year old son has a difficult time effectively brushing his lower incisors. Otherwise, he is an excellent daily flosser %26amp; tongue brusher. In his 10 years of regular dental care we have only had one prophylaxis (Oct 2007) that resulted in complete removal of calculus. Both my husband %26amp; I were thrilled, %26amp; my son was shocked at how “different, smooth %26amp; good” it felt to have calculus-free lower incisors. However, the marvelous hygenist who perfomed this feat last October (and, I might add, without damaging the surrounding soft tissue) had moved on from the practice when we returned for our next scheduled cleaning. Yesterday's cleaning was a return to a $100+ disaster of torn up gum tissue and hunks of remaining calculus in the lower incisor area. Given that we have seen a plethora of hygenists at a number of practices over the past several years that resulted in but one thorough prophlaxis, we are left wondering if this is par for the course for children's professional dental care?
How much calculus should a dental hygenist remove during a routine prophylaxis visit?
First sitting just gross scaling, the second one the sub gingival %26amp; polishing.
Reply:It is unusual, but not unheard of, for a youngster to have so much calculus. The hygienist, however, should be using an ultrasonic cleaner on it. This will remove the calculus very fast with minimal tissue damage. Also, have your son try Crest Pro-Health tooth paste. A number of my patients have used it and we find they have much less calculus.
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