There are some types of plaque that cannot easily be removed with just plain brushing or flossing. In some instances, plaque buildup becomes harder, or it forms in the deeper crevices or your molars and mandibles.
If left unattended, tartar will create cavities in the teeth, and cause gum disease. To prevent this from happening, you need to seek professional help. One of the services that dentists can offer is dental scaling. This procedure will remove tartar buildup from your teeth, and even underneath the gum line.
Although this method is effective, a lot of people are still hesitant to try it out due to lack of understanding. So to help clarify matters, this short post will provide a rundown of what this professional teeth cleaning service is all about, along with its advantages and disadvantages.
1. Overview
Dental scaling is done by using hand tools or ultrasonic devices. In some cases, both instruments are even required. The first thing that a dentist will do is to run your pearly whites through a series of examinations to further assess what needs to be done.
If the procedure fits your needs, the dentist will start eliminating the plaque using the ultrasonic equipment. Even the hardest tartar is no match against powerful sonic vibrations. Aside from removing the tartar buildup in the gum line, this device is also useful for removing the biofilm covering the surface of your teeth.
If there is some remaining plaque left, it will be removed using manual hand tools.
2. Will it hurt?
If you do not have diseased or sensitive gums and teeth, you will not feel a lot of discomfort during the procedure. But for people who have sensitive gums, dentists will use a desensitizing paste or anesthesia to numb the mouth.
Depending on the severity of the plaque buildup, you need to undergo teeth scaling for at least two times.
3. Advantages and disadvantages
One of the advantages of teeth scaling is that the process can penetrate the deeper periodontal pockets for a fuller cleaning experience. It is also more comfortable compared to other procedures because modern scaling tools have smaller tips that only use little pressure. Aside from removing tartar, scaling also eliminates bad breath caused by bacteria or gum disease.
On the other hand, this procedure also poses risks to the patients. If done excessively, scaling may cause the gums to recede by several millimeters or more. When the gums recede, the roots of your teeth become more exposed, thus, making them more sensitive. After the procedure, you may also expect that your gums will be swollen for a day.
To wrap things up, dental scaling can help clean your teeth in a more efficient manner. It also helps eliminate bad breath, and prevent gum disease. However, regular brushing and flossing should also be done so that plaque buildup will not be that severe.