What is Teeth Scaling?
If you have been to the dentist for a routine check-up and cleaning recently, then you have had a tooth scaling procedure. Dental scaling, or teeth scaling, is a cleaning procedure designed to eliminate excessive plaque buildup on the teeth and prevent gum disease. The dental scaling procedure when performed by itself is used for more intense deep cleaning of the teeth. If you haven’t had a professional cleaning for a few years, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning, including dental scaling, to return your teeth and gums to a healthier state. Here is more information about the teeth scaling procedure and what is involved.
The teeth scaling procedure
The goal of a dental scaling procedure is to reach and remove plaque buildup that has occurred below the gumline along the bottom of the teeth. The scaling that occurs during regular dental cleanings targets the plaque buildup that forms along the gumline. When plaque has been left untreated, and regular dental cleanings have not occurred, the buildup advances and moves below the gums. There are two popular approaches to scaling:
- Handheld scaler: Using a handheld metal scaler, your dentist will scrape away plaque from the tooth and beneath the gum line to remove the plaque your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Ultrasonic scaler: An automatic ultrasonic scaler has a metal tip combined with a water spray and vibrates at a low frequency. The vibration helps the tip break up the plaque while the water flushes the debris away.
When is dental scaling necessary?
Routine professional cleanings are important to help maintain good oral health and prevent gum disease. Even with daily brushing and flossing, plaque builds up on the teeth due to the consumption of foods and beverages. Professional cleanings help to remove this build up. If left untreated, the bacteria in the plaque can cause gum disease over time. If plaque is not removed, as it builds up along the gumline it will cause the gums to pull away from the teeth and form pockets. If these pockets continue to worsen then the gum tissue becomes loose and tooth loss becomes a threat. Additionally, once these pockets start to form, they will fill with more plaque and cause the pockets to worsen. It is a common rule of thumb that dental scaling is needed if pockets advance to 4 millimeters or more. The goal of the dental scaling procedure is to eliminate this plaque below the gumline and help the gums return to a healthy state.
Post-scaling treatment
After the scaling treatment it is common to experience soreness and sensitivity for a few days. The more invasive the procedure is the more soreness and swelling to expect. Some individuals experience swelling and light bleeding for a few days. If your dentist expects that you will experience a lot of discomfort, they may suggest a desensitizing toothpaste or a prescription mouthwash to use after the procedure. Additionally, your dentist will schedule a follow-up visit after the procedure to examine the gums and check in on the healing progress.
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