Prevent dental problems
Almost all dental problems can be prevented by using sufficient oral hygiene. To look after your teeth as well as possible, we advise regular visits to a dental hygienist. In our modern practice in Lelystad, you can make an appointment with a dental hygienist. A referral from a dentist isn’t required. Simply make an appointment. Call 0320 33 15 60.
Preventative care
Preventing problems with your teeth is one of the most important tasks of our team of dentists, dental hygienists and prevention assistants. Nearly all dental problems can be prevented with the help of good dental hygiene.
In order to prevent dental problems and keep your teeth as clean as possible, we advise that you have a twice-yearly combined appointment with a dentist and an oral hygienist. The Dentists will check if there are any problems with your teeth and the dental hygienist will clean your teeth and gums. After the cleaning, our dental hygienists will give advice on how you can best look after your teeth.
A significant advantage of Lassus is that we offer everything under one roof: Dental hygienists, orthodontists, and dentists. My children also now go to Lassus, and even though I believe that they won’t leave Amsterdam so quickly, even if they do move somewhere else, then I hope that they’ll continue to visit Lassus from their new place of residence.
When should I visit a dental hygienist?
When you have any of the following complaints it’s advisable to make an appointment with one of our dental hygienists:
- Loose teeth or molars
- Bleeding gums during teeth brushing
- Swollen and red gums
- Recurring problems with tartar
- Bad breath
- Receding Gums
- Regular occurrences of cavities
The differences between a dental hygienist and prevention assistant
In our practices, you’ll meet dental hygienists as well as prevention assistants, but what is exactly are the differences between the two? A Dental hygienist holds an HBO degree and is continuously tested on the latest quality standards. A dental hygienist focuses on the prevention of things such as gum problems and cavities. Alongside this, the dental hygienist can also handle treatment of gums infections such as periodontitis and gingivitis.
Where the work of the dental hygienist begins, stops in principle the work of the prevention assistant. A prevention assistant gives advice over the prevention of cavities and gum diseases. Alongside this, the prevention assistant deals with the treatment of simple complaints.
The treatment
Before you undergo any treatment, a DPSI measurement is performed. This works as follows; Our dental hygienists give your gums a score between 0 and 4. From the basis of these scores, we define your treatment plan.
| DPSI | Description |
|---|---|
| 0 | Your gums are healthy: the colour is pink, they sit flush with your teeth and don’t bleed |
| 1 | While taking the scores your gums bled and are infected. You have problems with gingivitis* |
| 2 | You also have issues with tartar alongside gingivitis |
| 3- | There’s a case of the early stages of periodontitis |
| 3+ | You’re having problems with advanced periodontitis. There are damaged bones and tooth roots are partly exposed. |
| 4 | The periodontitis is spreading to the root point. As a result of the bone loss, you risk losing teeth and molars. |
“Explanation of the terms gingivitis and periodontitis
If as a result of dental plaque an infection exists on the edge of the gums, then it’s a case of gingivitis. If the infection spreads close to the jawbone, then the term for this is periodontitis.”
Overview of treatment
The following treatments are carried out by our dental hygienists:
- The Cleaning of root surfaces under the gums
- Removal of tartar, plaque and infections
- The placing of sealants
- Polishing and fillings
- The smoothing over of root surfaces
- The placing of fluoride
- Advice and explanations about cavities and gum problems
Reimbursement from your health insurance provider
The costs of dental hygiene treatment are not covered by the basic health insurance. In the event that you have additional insurance for dental treatment, then in most cases, the costs are reimbursed. If in doubt, double-check the terms of your additional health insurance policy or contact your insurance provider.
The costs for children younger than 18 years old are covered by the basic insurance. For children younger than 18 years it’s not necessary to open an additional health insurance policy. Do the health insurance reimbursement check on our website.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral from a dentist for an appointment with a dental hygienist?
In our modern practice in Lelystad, you can make an appointment with a dental hygienist. A referral from a dentist isn’t required. Simply make an appointment. Call 0320 33 15 60.
How often should I see a dental hygienist?
We advise you to have a combined appointment with a dentist and dental hygienist twice a year.
Is the removal of tartar painful?
The removal of tartar can be sensitive. The feeling of sensitivity is in most cases over after the treatment. In the event that it causes you pain, always let the dental hygienist know. If required the treatment can be carried out using local anaesthesia.
Is the polishing of teeth painful?
The polishing of teeth is completely painless. In some cases it can cause a mild tickling feeling.
What do healthy gums look like?
Your gums are healthy if they are pink and firm around your teeth and molars.
How do gums become infected?
Gums become infected by bacteria in plaque. Dental plaque can harden into tartar that clings on to teeth and molars. On this, a new layer of plaque is formed.
What is sealing?
Molars can sometimes end up with deep grooves and pits on the chewing surface, that is difficult to clean properly with a toothbrush. It’s possible for cavities to develop. The dental hygienist can decide to close the grooves and pits. The closing occurs by the application of a thin layer of plastic lacquer. This layer protects your molars against bacteria that can lead to cavities.
Which foods are bad for the health of my teeth?
Foods that contain added sugars are bad for your teeth. Therefore please keep the consumption of soft drinks, sweets, biscuits and cakes to a minimum.
Does a dental hygienist have a recognised qualification?
The education in order to become a dental hygienist in the Netherlands is a HBO qualification. A dental hygienist is recognised by the law and is legally authorised to carry out treatments. A dental hygienist is familiar with the background from problems in the mouth and is able to put together a treatment plan. Check the website http://www.kwaliteitsregistermondhygienisten.nl.
Is it better to use an electric toothbrush than a manual one?
Research has shown that electric toothbrushes are more effective and remove more plaque than with manual toothbrushes. An electric toothbrush makes the cleaning movements for you, you only have to concentrate on the placing of the brush. With an electric toothbrush, you remove more plaque. With a manual toothbrush, more pressure is applied during brushing. A high cleaning pressure can damage gums. We, therefore, advise using an electric toothbrush.
Will I always be treated by the same dental hygienist?
Our dental hygienists rotate amongst our clients. We do this deliberately so that someone with “fresh” eyes looks at your teeth. If this is something that you do not prefer, let us know and we’ll make appointments with your “favourite” dental hygienist. During a so called “parotrjact” you’ll remain with the same dental hygienist.
Contact with your dental hygienist in Lelystad
Would you like more information about the treatment trajectory or do you have other questions? Then please contact us via the contact formula below or call us on 0320 33 15 60