Dental scaling is a fundamental procedure in dental hygiene aimed at removing tartar, plaque, and bacterial build-up from the teeth and gums. It is a non-invasive technique typically performed by dental hygienists or dentists to prevent gum disease and maintain oral health.
During the scaling process, specialized instruments are used to carefully remove deposits from the surfaces of the teeth, including below the gumline where traditional brushing and flossing may not reach. The procedure involves scaling away hardened plaque (tartar) and bacteria that can lead to inflammation, gum disease, and tooth decay if left untreated.
Scaling is often followed by another procedure called root planning, which involves smoothing the root surfaces of the teeth to discourage further plaque and tartar build-up and to promote gum tissue reattachment.
Regular dental scaling is essential for maintaining optimal oral health and preventing more serious dental problems in the future. It helps keep the gums healthy, reduces the risk of gum disease, and contributes to fresher breath and a brighter smile. In average, dental scaling should be performed every 6-9 months.
Patients may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity during the scaling process, but local anaesthesia can be applied if necessary to ensure a comfortable experience. Overall, dental scaling is a crucial component of preventive dental care and contributes significantly to maintaining a healthy mouth and overall well-being.
Why is scaling done?
Regular tooth cleaning by the dentist is important to remove calculus or tartar that may develop even with careful brushing and flossing. Professional cleaning includes scaling and polishing.
Scaling is a common non-surgical treatment for removal of infected deposits – tartar or calculus – from the tooth surface. These deposits if not removed lead to periodontal disease. In periodontal disease, the pocket between the tooth and gum begins to deepen. This provides a perfect environment for anaerobic bacteria to grow.
The bacteria begin to multiply rapidly and infect more of the gum and start dissolving the bone supporting the tooth. This leaves the tooth progressively loose. The treatment now becomes more extensive and complicated in order to save the tooth. Surgery of the gums is required in order to make the tissues around the tooth healthy.
What is dental Air Polishing ?
Dental AP is a professional hygiene procedure, which aim is to clean the teeth from the cavity and sediment by using air. Air-polishing devices are highly effective in removing plaque and extrinsic staining. Their application on root surfaces, however, may result in clinically relevant substance removal, limiting the use in patients with periodontitis, where denuded root surfaces are frequently found.
What are the indications for use?
- General anti-gum-disease prophylaxis
- Cleaning of fissures, even deep ones
- Interproximal cleaning
- Tooth preparation prior to etching
- Neutralisation of acid before other dental procedures
- Removal of temporary cement residues
- Surface cleaning (for exact tooth colour determination prior to selection from shade guide)
- Cleaning of bands and brackets directly inside the mouth
- Tooth cleaning prior to fluoridation