To ask whether your dental hygienist appointments have changed since Covid?

[ComingUpTrumps]

Silly thread in the grand scheme of things, I know, but I’m curious to find out whether your dental hygienist appointments have changed since the pandemic at all.

I generally go to the dental hygienist twice a year. Before Covid, they would use electronic brushes during the appointment for the scale, polish and any cleaning etc. I joined my current dentist during Covid (around summer 2020, I think), and ever since I’ve been there, all the hygienist appointments have involved doing a scale/polish manually, rather than with electronic brushes/instruments.

It’s not painful or anything - just uncomfortable. I thought they would revert back to using electronic brushes once the pandemic got under control, but they’re still using those same instruments in my appointments. It could just be that that’s how the hygienist at my dentist works, but I’m curious to know if anyone else has had this too.

I’m due to have a hygienist appointment in a few weeks, and hoping they’ll use electronic brushes/instruments instead. I guess I could just ask them to find out their policy/preference on this!

My private one is back to pre covid. I particularly hate that ultrasonic thingy.

Ours is back to normal amd has been for some time. I didn't like manual either

Mine is back to normal using electronic instruments- has been for ages. It is a private practice though.

I would politely enquire if electronic instruments could be used, if that's what you would prefer.

Mine's back to normal now too. Definitely ask your dentist.

Yes, they are now non-existent. Appointments were cancelled during Covid lockdowns. I had one hygienist appointment once they reopened. Then my dentist shut down and I haven't been able to find another.

The normal, horrible water pik things.

Mine have always been the same at different dentists in the last 20 years. All use a combination of electronic and manual tools.

Back to normal. They just cost 50% more.

They went back to water boarding at my dentist. Absolutely hate it

Back to normal but they do them by hand as my teeth hurt otherwise

Mine has some water spray type thing so I get a shower as well. This stopped during Covid but as now resumed so am resigned to leaving there rather damp every time

It seems that many dental practices adjusted their procedures during Covid, and some of those changes might have remained. For dental hygienists, the use of manual or electronic instruments may depend on personal preferences, the condition of your teeth, or the practice’s policies.
If you prefer electronic instruments, you can mention this during your next appointment. It’s always a good idea to ask questions about their methods and discuss your options.