Tooth cleaning, also known as dental cleaning or scaling, is an important procedure in dentistry. While its significance in maintaining oral health is of prime importance, misconceptions about the technique prevail, making it very difficult for patients to decide whether they should go ahead with the treatment or not. This blog aims to shed light on the tooth scaling procedure and its importance for optimal oral health, and debunk any common myths that surround it.
Procedure of Tooth Scaling
Dental cleaning or tooth scaling is a commonly-performed procedure in our dental clinic. Here’s a brief overview of how the treatment is done:
Assessment
A thorough check-up is done to check the extent of plaque and tartar buildup in your oral cavity by our dentist.
Scaling
Using an ultrasonic scaler, the dentist will carefully remove any plaque or tartar from the surfaces of your teeth, sometimes even extending below the gum line if needed. In certain situations, a manual scaler also may be used.
Polishing
Following scaling, polishing is done with a paste to remove any stains and to smoothen the tooth surface. This prevents the plaque from adhering to the tooth surface in the future.
Importance of Tooth Scaling
This is one of the most crucial practices in preventive dentistry. It helps to prevent plaque as well as tartar buildup on the tooth surfaces. Despite toothbrushing and flossing, there are certain areas in your oral cavity where cleaning may be difficult, leading to accumulation of plaque on those teeth. Over time, the plaque hardens into tartar, and this can only be removed by professional tooth scaling.
Tartar, if not removed, leads to gum disease known as gingivitis, which is seen as swollen gums and bleeding gums. This can further progress to the bone, in which case there will be loosening of your teeth.
To maintain optimal tooth and gum health, tooth scaling is recommended.
Common Myths About Tooth Scaling
1. Tooth scaling causes tooth sensitivity.
Mild sensitivity for 24 to 48 hrs after scaling is common, especially if the tartar buildup was significant. But this sensitivity is only temporary and usually subsides with time. Sensitivity can be easily managed with desensitizing toothpaste.
2. Scaling causes loosening of teeth.
When the plaque and calculus around your teeth are removed carefully, the teeth do not become loose. In fact, by not removing the tartar, there is potential damage to the gums and bone, which will eventually lead to the loosening of the teeth.
3. Tooth scaling is painful.
With modern equipment and use of local anaesthesia, scaling can be done with minimum discomfort to the patient. Some mild pressure or vibration can be felt by the patient, but these are usually well-tolerated.
We at Dr Nilanjana’s Dental Care perform tooth cleaning with utmost care and pain control. Remember, regular dental checkups and tooth cleaning are of paramount importance to maintain optimal oral health.
Don’t hesitate to consult us for personalised recommendations and guidance tailored to your specific dental needs.