Dental hygiene
Dental hygienist in Crewe
A hygiene appointment removes plaque and tartar, the hardened deposits that brushing leaves behind, and checks the health of your gums. You also get practical advice for cleaning at home.
Private hygiene appointments start from £69.95 for a 30-minute scale and polish.
What to expect
What happens at a hygiene appointment
A clean and a gum check in one appointment of 30, 45 or 60 minutes.
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Looking at your gums firstYour hygienist checks the health of your gums before cleaning, noting any bleeding, inflammation or areas that have changed since your last visit.
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Removing hardened depositsPlaque that is left hardens into tartar, also called calculus, which only scaling will shift. Your hygienist removes it from the teeth and around the gum line with hand instruments or an ultrasonic scaler.
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Cleaning below the gum line where neededIf spaces called gum pockets have formed between your teeth and gums, your hygienist cleans below the gum line too. This can take more than one appointment, and they will tell you if that is likely.
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PolishingFinally, a polish lifts light staining and leaves your teeth feeling smooth.
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Advice for cleaning at homeYour hygienist shows you which areas need more attention and how to clean between your teeth, with brushes or floss sized for your gaps.
Gum health
Why gum health matters
Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque on your teeth. In its early stages it can usually be managed with better cleaning at home and regular hygiene appointments. If it progresses, it can damage the gum and bone that hold your teeth in place, and teeth can become loose.
Signs worth mentioning to us
- Gums that bleed when you brush, floss or eat hard food such as apples
- Gums that look swollen or red, or feel sore
Signs it needs attention soon
- Bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth
- Gums shrinking back from the teeth
- Teeth that feel loose
Bleeding gums are worth mentioning even when nothing hurts. Early gum disease is usually treated with hygiene appointments and better cleaning at home, including between the teeth with small interdental brushes. If your gums stay red, swollen or sore, mention it when you book, or contact the practice for advice.
Appointment lengths and fees
How much is a hygiene appointment in Crewe?
The length depends on your gum health and how much cleaning is needed.
Private hygiene fees
| Scale and polish, 30 minutes | from £69.95 |
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| Scale and polish, 45 minutes | from £84.95 |
| Scale and polish, 60 minutes | from £99.95 |
| Cosmetic jet polish, 30 minutes | from £119.95 |
| Scale and jet polish, 45 minutes | from £139.95 |
A jet polish uses a fine jet of air, water and powder to lift surface staining from tea, coffee or tobacco. It is available on its own or combined with a scale.
Choosing an appointment
Not sure which length to book?
Tell reception when you last had a clean and whether your gums bleed or feel sensitive, and they will book a sensible length. Your hygienist confirms what you need once they have looked, and results vary from person to person.
Membership patients
Two or four visits a year
Allen House Membership, £21.99 a month, includes two hygiene appointments a year. Enhanced Membership, £33.30 a month, includes four.
Compare the plansThe full list is on our private fee page.
Common questions
Hygiene questions
How often should I have a hygiene appointment?
Your hygienist will suggest how often, based on your gums and how quickly build-up returns.
Is a hygiene appointment painful?
Scaling can feel uncomfortable in places, particularly where the gums are inflamed or where cleaning goes below the gum line. Tell your hygienist if an area is sensitive and they will adjust what they are doing.
Do I still need a dental check-up as well?
Yes, because they do different jobs. Your hygienist cleans your teeth and checks your gums. Your dentist checks your teeth, mouth and any fillings or crowns at your dental check-up.
How much does a hygiene appointment cost?
From £69.95 for a 30-minute scale and polish. Longer appointments and the jet polish options are in the table above, and the full list is on our private fee page.
Can a hygiene appointment help with gum disease?
Yes. Hygiene visits and improved cleaning at home can help manage early gum disease. If it is more advanced, your dentist will explain the treatment needed.
Book a hygiene appointment
We have looked after Crewe from Hungerford Road since 1982. Request an appointment or ring reception, and if it has been a while since your last clean, say so and we will allow enough time. If your gums are very sore and swollen, or a tooth feels loose, please call us rather than using the form.
