Dr. Winfield owns the practice. She does exams, fillings and crowns, and she goes over each patient's gum measurements with the hygienist, so you hear one plan, not two.
General dentists · Davenport, Iowa
Told you have gum disease? Start with a plain answer
At Hickory Grove Dental, a hygienist and a dentist measure your gums, explain what they found and set a visit schedule with you. Everything is written down, fee included, before any treatment begins.
The gum-health program
Four parts, in the order you will meet them
Most programs share the same parts. Your dentist adjusts them to what your exam shows.
Step 1: A gum check
The hygienist measures the space between each tooth and the gum and notes where gums bleed. The dentist reviews the numbers and tells you what they mean.
Measurements around every tooth
X-rays when your dentist decides you need them
Step 2: A deep cleaning
A deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line, where a regular cleaning doesn't reach. It is often done in two visits, one side of the mouth at a time, with numbing.
Numbing, and more on request
Home-care steps shown at the chair
Step 3: A maintenance visit
A maintenance visit repeats the measurements and cleans below the gum line again, so a change shows early. It takes the place of a regular cleaning.
Measurements compared with last time
A look at how home care is going
Step 4: How often
Your dentist sets the schedule from your exam. Many people start at every three to four months, and some move to every six. It is written on your visit plan.
Set by your dentist, not a fixed rule
Reviewed at every exam
Cleaning, or deep cleaning
A regular cleaning and a deep cleaning, side by side
Your exam decides which one you need. Here is how they differ.
| Regular cleaning | Deep cleaning | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Regular cleaningRemoves plaque and tartar above the gum line and polishes the teeth | Deep cleaningRemoves plaque and tartar below the gum line and smooths the root surfaces |
| Who it is for | Regular cleaningHealthy gums, or redness your dentist can follow | Deep cleaningGum disease that has moved below the gum line |
| Visits | Regular cleaningOne visit, with the exam | Deep cleaningOften two, one side of the mouth each |
| Numbing | Regular cleaningUsually none; ask if you would like it | Deep cleaningUsed for comfort, and more on request |
| Afterward | Regular cleaningGums may be a little tender | Deep cleaningGums sore and teeth sensitive for a few days; we give you care steps |
| Next visit | Regular cleaningA regular cleaning, as your dentist sets | Deep cleaningA check a few weeks later, then maintenance visits |
| Billing | Regular cleaningA routine visit code | Deep cleaningIts own code, which many plans cover differently; the estimate comes in writing first |
Who does what
Hygienists lead the visits. Dentists decide the plan.
Your hygienist does the measuring and the cleaning. One of our three dentists reviews what was found and talks it through with you. When we can arrange it, you see the same hygienist from visit to visit.
We are a general dental office. Gum care is part of our hygiene program, and if your exam points to care another office provides, your dentist tells you.
Measurements written down each visit
A dentist's review at each exam
Your records sent only with your permission
The people
The people who will see you
Three dentists and the hygienist who leads the gum-health program.
Dr. Tannous sees adults for exams, fillings, crowns and tooth removal. At maintenance visits she goes over what changed since your last measurements. She speaks Arabic and English.
Dr. Gustafson sees children and adults, and takes most of our emergency visits. He explains each step before he starts and stops when you ask.
Betsy Arriaga
Dental hygienist, RDH, and hygiene program lead
- Dental hygienist license (RDH) · IA License no. 000000
Betsy leads the gum-health program. She measures, cleans and teaches home care, and she plans maintenance visits with the dentists. She speaks Spanish and English.
Patients
What patients tell us
“She explained what the numbers meant before she started cleaning. I knew the plan before I left.”
Janice B.
“Nobody rushed me, and the fee was on paper before anything began.”
Lester T.
“They showed me how to clean between my teeth with the tool that fits my gaps.”
Melina R.
Sample reviews.
Gum health
Questions people ask after the exam
What is gum disease?
Gum disease starts when plaque and tartar stay along the gum line. At first the gums are red and may bleed when you brush. If it goes on, the gums can pull away from the teeth and the bone that holds them can wear down. Your exam shows which stage you are in.
Does a deep cleaning hurt?
We numb the area being cleaned, and more if you ask. Most people feel pressure, not pain, and we stop whenever you ask. Your gums and teeth may be sore for a few days afterward.
Can gum disease go away?
The early stage, gingivitis, often calms down with a thorough cleaning and daily care. Later stages usually don't reverse, and the goal is to keep them steady with regular visits. Your exam shows where you are, and results vary.
Why a maintenance visit instead of a regular cleaning?
After a deep cleaning, plaque and tartar can build up below the gum line again, where a regular cleaning doesn't reach. A maintenance visit measures your gums, cleans above and below the gum line and shows changes early.
What can I do at home?
Brush twice a day with a soft brush, clean between your teeth once a day, and tell your hygienist what you use now. She will show you a brush or a tool that fits your gaps.
What if my gums need more than you do here?
We are a general dental office. If your exam shows you need care that another office provides, your dentist tells you, explains why and sends your records with your permission.
Ask for a visit, and get the plan in writing
Tell us when to reach you. The front desk will call, text or email with a time.