Teeth scaling is a procedure dentists perform on a regular basis to treat patients with gum disease and plaque accumulation through deep cleaning. Dental scaling goes far deeper than regular oral prophylaxis, which just deals with only the surface of the tooth. If your dentist recommends dental scaling and root planing for your teeth, you should understand what this entails so you can plan accordingly.
Why Undergo Dental Scaling?
For individuals with gum disease, your dentist may recommend scaling as a frequent dental treatment. This form of dental cleaning removes plaque accumulation below the gum line. Your dental hygienist sometimes refer to scaling and root planing as a thorough cleaning procedure. This treatment goes above and beyond the routine oral prophylaxis you receive during your annual dental exam.
Is Deep Cleaning that Important?
Plaque accumulation affects everyone in some way. Saliva, germs, and food debris in your mouth produce a thin coating that nearly always surrounds your teeth. When you consume food, the acid and sugar from your meal adhere to this film, forming plaque build up on your teeth. Bacteria found in plaque can cause gum disease and tooth decay. Regular brushing, flossing, using a mouth rinse, and frequent dental cleanings will assist in the removal of plaque and the prevention of more serious issues.
If your gums are healthy, the tissue will fit snugly around your teeth and keep plaque at bay. If gum disease develops, however, this tissue will loosen. Gums that are healthy connect to teeth 1 to 3 millimetres below the gumline. You’ll start to develop deeper pockets if you have gum disease.
These can get clogged with all the plaque, exacerbating your issues and creating unpleasant symptoms such as foul breath. If you have pockets of 4 millimeters or more beneath your gumline, your dentist may likely prescribe dental scaling to remove plaque behind the gumline and aid in the treatment of gum disease.
Scaling and Root Planing Process
Your dental provider recommends dental scaling for The eradication of plaque microorganisms from the tooth’s surface immediately below the gumline. He can perform teeth scaling in one of two ways. If your dentist utilises portable equipment, he can use a metal tool called a dental scaler and curette to remove plaque deposits off the tooth. he uses this tiny instrument and inserts it beneath the gum line to access plaque that your toothbrush cannot reach.
Alternatively, your dentist may opt to scale your teeth from hardened plaque using an ultrasonic device and a dental scaler. He may use this vibrating metal point coupled with a cold water spray in this device. As the water washes out the pocket, the tip chips away at the tartar.
Your dentist would perform a treatment called root planing after your dental scaling. Root planing goes under the surface of the tooth’s root to treat it. He accomplishes this in the same way as scaling. Root planing smooths down the root’s surface, allowing the healthy gums to reconnect correctly.
Deep Cleaning the Gum Line? How does it Feel?
You can feel pain with teeth scaling, especially if you need to remove hardened plaque on sensitive gums. Your dentist or dental hygienist may prescribe a local anaesthetic to numb your gum tissue and make the process more comfortable. If you’re worried about pain or discomfort during the procedure, talk to your dentist about your choices for desensitising the region.
Professional dental cleaning can require multiple visits, with each one focusing on a different area of the mouth. Some dentists split the mouth into four quadrants, while others divide it into two halves for dental scaling. Whether you’re worried about the procedure, ask your dentist if you can get it done in one visit.
Though this isn’t a possibility in every situation, if you have just moderate gum disease and are prepared to wait through a lengthy process, it may be an alternative.
Treating Gum Disease: What to Expect After
After your teeth scaling and root planing, your mouth may feel painful and sensitive. Following the surgery, some individuals may have edema or bleeding for a few days. To assist alleviate the discomfort, your dentist may recommend a desensitising toothpaste. You may also be given a prescription mouthwash to use after the operation to keep your gums clean. After you’ve had your teeth scaled, it’s critical that you brush and floss properly to prevent plaque from developing in the same places.
After your dental scaling, your dentist should arrange a follow-up appointment to inspect your gums, assess the depth of your gum pockets, and ensure that your mouth is healing appropriately. If your gum pockets have deepened after your scaling, you may need to consider further treatment options to keep your smile healthy.
For individuals with gum disease, dental experts recommend dental scaling as a popular therapy for having your teeth professionally cleaned. Gum disease affects over half of all people in the United States, so you’re not alone if your dentist suggests this surgery. Scaling your teeth as needed will help you fight invisible plaque and keep your mouth clean. If your dentist recommends a thorough cleaning, don’t wait to make an appointment. As a consequence, you’ll have a brighter grin that you’ll love.
Contact us now at (02) 8806 3763 to learn more about how we can help you purchase the most cost-effective and efficient dental cleaning tools possible.
References:
Scaling and Root Planing
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/scaling-and-root-planing
Teeth Scaling: What You Need to Know
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/teeth-scaling
What Dental Hygienists Do When Root Planing And Scaling Teeth
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