What is a Dentist vs a Dental Hygienist?

Contrary to what you may believe, dentists and dental hygienists provide different services. Keep reading to find out the differences between them both.

Difference Between a Dentist Vs a Dental Hygienist

A dentist is a physician who practices dentistry which involves the teeth, mouth and gums. Having a healthy mouth is essential to your overall health. Having regular check-ups are necessary and beneficial to keep your teeth healthy. A dental hygienist is a health professional who is accountable for preventing and treating oral diseases. They work to assist a dentist in performing tasks such as teeth cleaning, examining and educating patients on oral health and other dental care. To break it down even further, a dentist is a doctor and a hygienist is an assistant, but better. A dentist examines and treats your teeth and a dental hygienist will clean your teeth and assist in preventing disease.

What Does a Dentist Do?

A dentist performs numerous duties including check-ups which play an important role in oral care. Basic treatments are also done which include filling a tooth, performing minor surgical procedures and cleaning teeth. They want to make sure that your teeth are regularly maintained and developing as you grow. Dentists remove teeth when needed and insert crowns on top of a damaged or chipped tooth which is used to cover and restore the shape of your teeth. If you are missing a tooth or teeth dentists can close or bridge a gap between your teeth with a dental bridge, which are artificial teeth. Dentures are removable false teeth that fit over the gums to replace missing teeth. Dentures are an effective way of providing a fixed solution for missing teeth where implants aren’t appropriate.

What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?

A dental hygienist does not diagnose a problem but only makes a note of it. The job is left to the dentist who devises a treatment plan to help their patient achieve their oral health goals. Hygienists take x-rays of your teeth and gums. They are also there to advise you on what products you can use at home.

Dental Hygienist Procedures

The majority of dental hygienists perform oral health assessments, evaluating the current health of your teeth and gums. Here is a short list showing their duties:

Dental hygienists review a patient’s medical history, check their blood pressure and pulse
They utilise ultrasonic instruments to remove plaque and tartar
They polish teeth and use fluoride as a teeth strengthener
Perform dental x-rays
They can offer you advice and teach you oral hygiene skills to improve your oral health
They can take dental impressions, meaning they can create models of teeth so they can evaluate what the patient needs
They can provide advanced care in some cases, such as administering topical anaesthesia or giving sealants, which are used to prevent tooth decay.

The Importance of Going to a Hygienist

Booking an appointment with a hygienist and seeing them regularly is important as they provide preventative care and help keep your teeth healthy. They can detect any concerns such as tooth decay or gum disease. Both these concerns are the leading causes of tooth loss. A good hygienist can be an educator to improve the way you brush and floss.

Book a Hygienist Appointment

Having dental hygienist appointments is crucial for maintaining good oral health. To book a hygienist appointment contact Oldbury Smile Spa today. Our dentists and hygienists are highly experienced and efficient in what we do, have a look at what our patients say.

Contact Us

Do you still have questions about dentistry? Or need a little help figuring out what treatment you need? Here at Oldbury Smile Spa, we are here to help. Visit our FAQ page or contact us via email at info@oldburysmilespa.co.uk or by phone at 01218177148.