Dental scaling is defined simply as removal of dental plaque and calculus from the surface of the teeth. Dental scaling uses a special tool which helps remove built up pockets of plaque and calculus below the gumline.
Scaling and root planning are commonly referred to as a deep cleaning. A variety of dental scaling tools may be used to do this procedure, many are ultrasonic or hand instruments such as periodontal scalers and curettes.
What Is Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning by a dental scaling tool helps alleviate the causes of gum disease. Like cavities, gum disease is caused by a buildup of the following:
Dental plaque
Dental tartar
Dental calculus
Deep cleaning removes the calculus from the pockets created by plaque below the gums.
What is Dental Calculus
When plaque and other bacteria build up around the gumline it works its way below under the teeth forming pockets within the gums. The larger these pockets get, the more room there is for buildup of organisms inside these pockets. These organisms are calculus which can eat away at the bone from below, causing the teeth to eventually rot and fall out. The non-surgical method of removing calculus is called scaling and uses a special dentist scaling tool.
Dental scaling is the first step in a series of procedures used to treat gum disease. During scaling, the dentist scaling tool is used to remove the plaque and calculus from under the gums. While it is common still to manually scrape away the deposits, there are many dentists who use an ultrasonic scaling tool. These ultrasonic scalers use ultrasound vibrations to break up the calculus build up.
Planning
After the scaling is complete, the appearance of a jagged area. Because of this, Planning is the next procedure used. This helps smooth the tooth’s root after the scaling tool is used. Dentists do this to help the gums heal. It is easier for the gums to reattach themselves to smooth roots than one fighting gum disease. A smoother surface also prevents plaque from reattaching to the tooth root. This will help maintain the gums after scaling.
Does The Procedure Hurt?
Although use of the dentist scaling and planning tool isn’t painful, anesthesia is available most of the time for patients who have extreme sensitivity in the mouth. Most people can return to their daily activities immediately after the procedure. Your dentist can prescribe treatment for later discomfort if you are worried about this.
In various cases, scaling is a part of an ongoing periodontal program. This is most likely due to extreme gum disease and deterioration. If the deterioration continues there may be additional treatments required.
Preventative Measures Afterward
Once the scaling procedure is completed, preventative care is required to continue positive results from the scaling tool. Dentists will most likely advise the use of a dental care tool such as a specialized toothpaste or flossing. The Dentist will also recommend a daily regimen of brushing and flossing along with regular visits to the office for regular cleanings.
If you have gum disease, visit your dentist as soon as you can. A simple procedure such as scaling can reduce the effect and bring gums back to a healthy state. Gum tissue, once lost, doesn’t grow back. If you allow gum disease to progress too far, there will be permanent damage.
