• Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface.  Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.

• Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth.  It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva.  The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums.  This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!

• Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

Are all you dental staff hygienists?

No. Some of Dr. Nix's clinical staff are certified dental assistants. Certified dental assistants who are licensed to do tooth polishing will sometime see children patients, but all adult patients of Dr.Nix's will be seen by his registered dental hygienists for their cleanings!

Some dentists have dental assistants clean their adult patients. Dr. Nix feels strongly that the adult cleaning performed at their regular recall visits should always be completed by a registered dental hygienist. This cleaning preventive visit is a vital key to your dental health and Dr. Nix wouldn't want anyone but someone who is professionally trained in tooth and gum cleanings helping his patients.

All of our dental hygienists are graduates of a certified Dental Hygiene Program of higher education with a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) degree. Besides cleaning teeth, Dr. Nix's hygienists are certified to perform soft tissue gum/root treatments below the gumline, Laser gum treatments, place tooth sealants, and give local anesthetic (shots).  

Dental assistants can only do tooth polishing above the gum line, and are NOT certified to treat root surfaces or tooth surfaces and tissue below the gumline!