Our Services

Description

The objective of this service is to assist clients, young, adults and old and from all strata of society to attain and maintain an optimum level of oral health. Dental hygienists help to prevent dental decay and gum disease by removing calculus from the surfaces of the patients’ teeth and providing them with education about how to care effectively for their teeth and gums, and the affects of diet, smoking and other habits on their oral health and general health.

Procedure

All persons who are referred by a Dentist can benefit from the services of a Dental Hygienist. An appointment will be given within a reasonable time frame.

Eligibility

All citizens of Malta. Foreigners married to Maltese, foreign workers who pay National Insurance, detained immigrants and persons who hold a refugee status.

Required Documents

Maltese ID Card, refugee status Card, Marriage certificate if married to a Maltese or birth certificate if under 14yrs.

Therapeutic Process

After a dental check-up by a Dental Surgeon, an appointment will be given to see the Dental Hygienist. The Dental Hygienist will ask a number of questions related to general and oral self-care to inform the oral hygiene process of care. Then, an evaluation of the oral condition is performed. Clients are asked to bring their toothbrush on their first visit. This is done so the Dental Hygienist can assess the type of toothbrush that the client is using and also can demonstrate in the client’s own mouth how to brush his/her teeth effectively. The Dental Hygienist may also recommend different toothbrushes, mouthwashes and specialised brushes to assist in maintaining an adequate level of oral hygiene. If necessary, a follow-up appointment may also be given.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Is it true that dental cleaning causes teeth to become weak and loose?

Answer: If the condition of your teeth is good and you visit the dentist and dental hygienist regularly this is very unlikely to happen. But sometimes what happens is people only come in for treatment after they notice a problem, by this time the infection is bad and there is already some bone loss around the teeth. After a deep cleaning some individuals might complain that their teeth are sensitive. They use this as an excuse to never go back again. Then years later their teeth start to loosen further because of more bone loss and eventually fall out and they blame the dentist/dental hygienist whose recommendations they did not follow.

Question: What are some of the possible signs of gingivitis and/or serious gum disease?

Answer: If detected in its early stages gum disease is reversible.

Some of the more common signs include:

• Bleeding and red, swollen, or tender gums
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Pus between the teeth and gums (when you press on the gums)
• Bad breath
• Permanent teeth that are loose or moving away from each other
• Changes in the way your teeth fit when you bite
• Changes in the fit of partial dentures or bridges

If you have any of the above, see your dentist or dental hygienist.

Since many questions are personalised, and no two answers apply to different people, we recommend you speak to your hygienist before the treatment starts about any concerns/questions you might have.

Other Links

Malta Association of Dental Hygienists

How to Contact Us

You can contact us by:

• Coming personally to our office
• Contacting us via phone
• Writing to us

Our Office

Address

Periodontal Unit
Dental Surgery Department
Mater Dei Hospital
Triq Tal-Qroqq
Msida

Telephone

• Main Reception: 2545 4801/00
• Dental Appointments: 2545 4817/8/9
• Orthodontics (braces): 2545 4863
• Periodontology: 2545 4869

Opening hours

We are open during the following hours:

• Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Saturdays: 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

When you visit our Office we will:

• Be quick, courteous and helpful
• Welcome you in a clean and friendly environment

When you phone us you can expect us to:

• Answer promptly
• Identify ourselves