However, we want to ensure our patients receive the very best dental care using the most advanced technologies which is why we prefer an ultrasonic scaler in combination with hand instruments when needed. Traditionally a hygienist will clean teeth manually, using a special instrument to hand-scale or gently scrape your teeth. Calculus is a calcified bacterial product that is extremely hard which is why it must be removed by a qualified dental hygienist or by a dentist. Most plaque biofilm is removed through daily brushing and flossing, but if you miss certain areas of your teeth which is almost inevitable, then the plaque biofilm hardens into calculus or tartar. The idea of a hygiene treatment is to disrupt bacterial plaque biofilms which attach themselves to the surfaces of your teeth and any exposed tooth roots every day. Most people need hygiene treatments every six months, but the exact frequency of your hygiene visits is based on your specific dental health. Donald Nimz highly recommends that everyone has their teeth professionally cleaned by our experienced dental hygienists. If you are a regular patient here at McLoughlin Dental Care, then you will know that our dentist, Dr.