If you’re nervous about the process, ask your dentist if you can schedule your scaling for a single visit. Some dentists divide the mouth into four quadrants, while others will perform dental scaling in two halves. Speak with your dental care provider about your options for desensitizing the area if you’re concerned about pain or discomfort during the process.ĭental scaling can take several visits, each one addressing a different portion of the mouth. Your dentist may offer a local anesthetic to numb your gum tissue and make the procedure more comfortable. What Does Scaling Feel Like?ĭental scaling can be uncomfortable, particularly if you have sensitive gums. Root planing smooths the surface of the root so the gums can reattach properly. This is done in the same manner as scaling. Root planing reaches deeper to address the surface of the tooth’s root. The tip chips tartar away as the water flushes out the pocket.ĭental scaling is typically followed by a procedure known as root planing. This features a vibrating metal tip combined with a cool water spray. The dentist will insert this thin tool beneath the gum line to access plaque your toothbrush can’t reach.Īlternately, your dentist may choose an ultrasonic instrument to scale your teeth. If your dentist uses handheld instruments, he or she will scrape plaque from the tooth using a metal tool known as a dental scaler and curette. There are two basic methods for scaling teeth. Scaling and Root Planing Proceduresĭental scaling involves the careful removal of plaque bacteria from the tooth’s surface just below the gumline. If you have pockets of 4 millimeters or more, your dentist will probably recommend dental scaling to remove the plaque beneath the gumline and help treat the gum disease. These can fill with plaque, worsening your problems and causing symptoms like bad breath. With gum disease, you’ll begin to develop deeper pockets. Healthy gums attach to the tooth just 1 to 3 millimeters below the gumline. However, if gum disease begins to form, this tissue will loosen. If you have healthy gums, the tissue will fit tightly around the tooth and keep plaque out. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings will help remove the plaque and prevent more serious problems. The bacteria that lives in this plaque can cause gum disease and tooth decay. When you eat, tiny particles, acids, and sugars from the food stick to this film, creating a buildup on the teeth known as plaque. The saliva, bacteria, and proteins in your mouth form a thin layer that covers your teeth at almost all times. When Is Dental Scaling Necessary?Įveryone experiences some form of plaque buildup. This treatment goes beyond the general cleaning that you receive with your regular checkup and annual visit. The process of scaling and root planing the teeth is often referred to as a deep cleaning.
This is a type of dental cleaning that reaches below the gumline to remove plaque buildup. Scaling is a common dental procedure for patients with gum disease. If your dentist suggests dental scaling and root planing for your teeth, it’s helpful to know what this means so you can prepare for what’s ahead. While a standard cleaning will address the surface of the tooth, scaling goes much deeper. Dental scaling is routinely performed to help patients with gum disease and excessive plaque buildup.
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