Performing intraoral procedures more often than not, encompasses the majority of a

dental hygiene appointment. Intraoral procedures include but are not limited to, an intraoral

exam, periodontal probing, calculus detection, scaling and root planing, polishing, and

administering local anesthetic.

An intraoral exam evaluates the hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. This exam is

used to detect any variations of normal and abnormal conditions. The exam begins the

appointment and continues on throughout treatment. Periodontal probing is done to measure

bone level, clinical attachment and bleeding. This intraoral procedure is a valuable tool to help

determine the patient’s overall periodontal health. Scaling and root planing is an intraoral

procedure done to remove calculus and plaque biofilm from the enamel and cementum of the

patient’s teeth along with any prosthetic patient may have, such as a bridge or crown.

Removing calculus is extremely important because calculus will always have plaque biofilm and

disease causing bacteria present. Calculus also prevents firm tissue attachment as it acts

similarly to a sliver beneath the gingival tissue. Polishing is performed to remove plaque biofilm

from the patient’s dentition. It is important to note that polishing is not necessary or

recommended for every patient, at every appointment. Polishing should be performed as

needed and selectively, due to the heat and abrasion from the polisher, this can result in

damage to enamel, cementum or exposed dentin. Administering local anesthetic is extremely

helpful in treatment of patients that have deeper sulcus depths and moderate to heavy

inflammation and heme present. Local anesthesia provides patient and clinician comfort during

treatment and if using a local anesthetic with epinephrine or levonordefrin, it can provide heme
control. This allows for better access to the base of the sulcus and better visualization during

treatment.