Dental hygienist - helping you maintain oral health
Specialist in the article
Revised 12/22/2022
Dental hygienist services in a nutshell
- Your dental hygienist will clean your teeth of tartar and stains and help you prevent oral diseases.
- You will receive personalised advice from your dental hygienist to help you take care of your teeth.
- Make an appointment with a dental hygienist when your teeth need cleaning. Your dentist may also refer you to a dental hygienist.
What does a dental hygienist do?
A dental hygienist is an expert in oral health and early prevention of dental and oral diseases.
They will clean your teeth of tartar and stains and you will receive personalised advice from your dental hygienist to help you take care of your teeth. Many people ignore their oral health, even though periodontitis, for example, has been proven to undermine overall health. Any oral inflammation must be treated as soon as possible.
When you visit a dental hygienist on a regular basis, you can more easily prevent, for example:
- gingivitis and periodontitis
- the development of dental caries
- tooth erosion
In addition, a dental hygienist can attach dental jewellery, and some of our dental hygienists also provide masticatory muscle massage to those suffering from tooth grinding.
Here's how an appointment with a dental hygienist proceeds
The dental hygienist asks how you take care of your teeth: how often you brush your teeth, what kind of toothpaste you use, and whether you clean between your teeth. Don't worry, we won't judge! You can come to us as you are.
Your dental hygienist will check the condition of your gums and mucous membranes, as well as the amount of tartar and stains. Measuring the gingival pockets will reveal any deepened gum pockets, which are a sign of periodontitis.
The dental hygienist will remove tartar, stains and roughness from the surfaces of your teeth. They use ultrasound, powder cleaners and hand instruments to help.
Finally, you'll get good advice on oral self-care: which instruments to use to clean between your teeth, how to use fluoride and xylitol correctly, and how to prevent tooth decay.
Does tartar removal hurt?
The healthier the gums, the less painful the teeth cleaning. That's another reason to take good care of your teeth!
If you have gingivitis, cleaning your teeth and removing tartar can feel miserable. Our dental hygienists always aim to clean your teeth as gently as possible. If you wish, you can have either anaesthesia or topical anaesthesia for the cleaning.
If your gingivitis has become severe, the cleaning may be split into two sessions. In the first session, the dental hygienist will clean most of the tartar. If you take good care of your teeth, the gingivitis will start to heal - and the second time will be much more comfortable.
Let your dental hygienist know if you're nervous about having tartar removed. We want to create a good dental experience for you.
Also remember that not all cleaning steps hurt. For example, powder cleaning can feel a bit like washing your teeth with a small pressure washer.
As of March 15, 2023, the polyclinic fee does not have to be paid after more than five reception visits during the calendar year. After the fifth payment, the polyclinic fee is €0 for visits for the rest of the calendar year.
If you visit our clinic and do not pay for your appointment using the available payment methods, we will send you an invoice for your appointment. The invoicing fee is EUR 5.20.
If the procedure is booked with a specialist dentist, the prices are increased by 30%.
Check out Hammas Mehiläinen's flexible payment methods
Service | Price estimate |
---|---|
Dental check-up | 54,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 84,00 € |
Dental check-up for patients with dental fear | 91,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 121,00 € |
Children and young people dental check-up Prices include the clinic fee (€33.90). Book a dental check-up for children and young people Prices 207,75–239,75 €, without Kela reimbursement 227,90–259,90 € | 207,75 € Without Kela reimbursement 227,90 € |
Dental X-ray of the teeth and jaws | Mobile Benefit 98,00 € The price with a doctor's referral after Kela compensation is €86. 109,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 118,00 € |
Tartar removal 30–45 minute appointment with a dental hygienist. Book an appointment for tartar removal Explore different payment methods Prices 130,00–183,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 138,00–195,00 € | from 130,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 138,00 € |
Tooth jewellery application The price does not include the price of tooth jewellery. | from 68,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
Dental fillings 1–3 surfaces. Prices 94,00–262,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 104,00–285,00 € | from 94,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 104,00 € |
Ceramic filling of the tooth 1–3 surfaces. Explore different payment methods Prices 279,00–561,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 279,00–618,00 € | from 279,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 279,00 € |
Dental ceramic crown Laboratory costs are not included in the price estimate. Explore different payment methods Prices 616,00–798,00 € | from 616,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
Chipped tooth Prices 94,00–262,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 104,00–285,00 € | from 94,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 104,00 € |
Tooth extraction Explore different payment methods Prices 109,00–732,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 119,00–794,00 € | from 109,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 119,00 € |
Tooth whitening Price estimate given at the free consultation appointment. Book an appointment for a free whitening consultation Prices 101,00–455,00 € | from 101,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
Whitening consultation appointment Includes an individual price estimate for teeth whitening. Book an appointment for a whitening consultation. | Free No Kela reimbursement |
Anaesthesia Prices 38,00–39,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 41,00–42,00 € | from 38,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 41,00 € |
Irrevocable absence Prices 74,00–96,00 € | 74,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
Initial assessment of sleep apnea Learn more about sleep apnea and book an appointment (in Finnish) | from 57,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 84,00 € |
Bite guard Includes clinical work and the bite guard. Prices 638,00–685,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 695,00–742,00 € | 638,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 695,00 € |
Related symptoms
Aphthae
Painful and itchy ulcer on the oral mucosa.
Bad breath
Often behind the smell is a problem that needs the help of a dentist.
Bruxism or teeth grinding
Tooth damage, sore bite muscles or headaches.
Chipped tooth
A piece of a tooth or a filling has come loose. Make an appointment with your dentist.
Dental cavity
Can feel like an enmity or a toothache - or you don't feel anything special.
Dental staining
Can be caused by a number of factors, such as cavities, enamel development disorders or foods.
Gingivitis
Bleeding from the gums, bad breath, bad taste in your mouth and sore gums.
Mucosal and oral diseases
The cause of severe or persistent mouth symptoms should be investigated by a dentist.
Periodontitis
A common disease of the connective tissue underneath the gums which is caused by gingivitis.
Sensitivity
Pricking and sudden pain, often caused by cold, hot or touching the tooth.
Tartar
Is a bacterial plaque hardened by salivary minerals.
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)
Pain and dysfunction of the jaw joints and masticatory muscles.
Tooth enamel damage
Tooth enamel damage is caused by tooth wear or problems with biting.
Toothache
Can be caused by a cavity or an inflamed tooth, as well as a partially erupted wisdom tooth.
Other related services
Dental check-up
Assessment of oral and dental health and recommendations for further treatment.
Dental fear
Non-urgent consultation with a dentist specialized in treating patients with dental anxiety.
Cosmetic dental care
Can be used to alter the appearance of teeth and fix functional issues.
Dental laminates or veneers
Can be used to correct colour defects, straighten individual teeth on the dental arch without orthodontic treatment.
Dental staining removal
Dental staining removal by a dental hygienist, including soda cleaning.
Laser teeth whitening
A gel is applied to the surface of the teeth and the effect is enhanced by light.
Tartar removal
Removal of tartar performed by a dental hygienist, including soda cleaning.
Teeth whitening
The safest and best teeth whitening is performed by a dental hygienist or dentist.
Tooth jewellery application
A dental hygienist applies tooth jewellery safely and durably.
White Spot treatment
Fading or removal of tooth discolorations.
Whitening consultation (free)
The purpose of the consultation is to identify a possible need for treatment.
Frequently asked questions about the services of a dental hygienist
For some, it's a year. For others, it's just three months. Your dental hygienist will tell you the right frequency for you.
A dental hygienist is a specialist in oral health. They will clean your teeth, remove tartar and stains and give you personalised advice on how to take care of your teeth.
Regular visits to a dental hygienist will help you prevent gingivitis and tooth decay.
When the services of a dental hygienist are based on the examination and follow-up of a dentist or a dental specialist, the treatment is subject to Kela reimbursement.
You can pay for your dental treatment by invoice or by instalment, for example. Read more about Hammas Mehiläinen's payment methods.