Scaling teeth is a dental cleaning procedure done by a dentist or hygienist to remove plaque bacteria, and hardened deposits called tartar (calculus) from the surfaces of teeth and along the gum line. The process is often performed as part of a deep cleaning or periodontal maintenance appointment.
Brushing twice a day and flossing daily help keep your teeth clean, but there are areas that regular brushing can’t reach. Dental scaling can treat these hard-to-reach areas to prevent gum disease.
Preparation
Teeth scaling is a non-surgical procedure to remove the sticky plaque that causes gum disease from the surface of your teeth and the area beneath your gum line. It is an important preventative measure to reduce gum diseases, tooth decay and chronic halitosis (bad breath).
Before the treatment begins your dentist will examine your teeth and gums. This will help them understand how much tartar you have and the condition of your gums. They will also need to know your medical history and any medication you are taking.
After the examination your dentist will apply a local anesthetic. This will numb the area being treated so you don’t feel any discomfort during the procedure.
Your dentist will then use a scaler, a small hook-shaped instrument, to scrape the bacteria-filled plaque off of the surface of your teeth and from under the gum line. They may also use a curette to smooth the rough areas of your tooth roots.
You may experience some pain or sensitivity after this procedure, but it will quickly pass. Your dentist will give you special mouthwash and antibiotics to take if necessary to avoid infection and ensure healthy healing of your gum tissues. You can also rinse with warm salt water a few times a day to relieve any pain and sensitivity.
Scaling
Dental scaling is often necessary to prevent and treat gum disease, which causes pain, discomfort and tooth loss if left untreated. The procedure is usually performed by a dentist or hygienist with the help of specialized tools to remove hardened plaque and tartar from the teeth above and below the gum line.
The patient feels very little discomfort during the process as the gums and teeth are numb with a local anesthetic. However, this can sometimes take a long time as the dentist or hygienist must use their tools to reach deep into the gum pockets and scrape away all the deposits.
After the teeth are cleaned the hygienist will perform root planing which involves smoothing any rough spots on the roots of the teeth that can trap and hold bacteria. This will help the gums heal and prevent bacteria from re-growing in these areas.
Patients typically experience some discomfort or sensitivity after the treatment but this should subside within a few days. It is recommended that patients follow their dentist’s instructions on oral care to aid in the healing process and to avoid further complications from occurring. Dental scaling is a relatively inexpensive treatment when done regularly and can reduce the need for more intensive and expensive dental work down the road.
Root Planing
In this part of the procedure, a dental hygienist or dentist will use a tool called a root planer to smooth the surface of the teeth and roots. This will help gum tissue heal more easily. It also makes it harder for plaque to stick. You may experience sensitivity to hot or cold foods for a day or so after this treatment, but it should subside quickly.
The teeth scaling and root planing is usually completed in a single visit, but it can take longer than a regular cleaning. Some people require multiple visits. It is recommended that you schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your healing.
Ideally, dental scaling and root planing should be conducted before your gum disease progresses to the point of periodontal disease. It’s best to avoid smoking, dairy products, red wine and processed foods to make it easier for your mouth to heal after the process.
A tooth scaling and root planing is an important first step in treating gum disease, which can lead to loose or missing teeth, receding gums, bad breath, and jawbone damage. It’s a good idea to get this deep cleaning done every six months, along with regular brushing and flossing. This will help to keep plaque at bay and prevent gum disease from developing.