Teeth scaling is a routine procedure intended to clean and polish the surface of your teeth with the goal of a healthy mouth and teeth.
It includes techniques such as ultrasonic scaling of teeth, which produces vibrations to clean the line below the gum and treating the hard deposits called tartar. Indeed, scaling is good for teeth, as it helps to prevent diseases of the gums and has an expressed positive effect on breath.
But like every operation, we have to consider the advantages and disadvantages. So, to help you understand what happens before, during, and even after scaling, let’s dive in and take a closer look at what scaling involves.
What is Teeth Scaling?
Teeth scaling is a process by which extra hard deposits of plaque and tartar gather on the surface of the teeth. The method also includes ultrasonic scaling, in which high-frequency vibrations are used to break down hard deposits on the tooth and in the subgingival area.
Scaling is also familiar for teeth since it helps to maintain gum health, decrease inflammation, and prevent gum diseases. Some people always ask, “Does scaling hurt?” Though patients may feel a little uneasy, the procedure is done gently. Moreover, where the area is sensitive, dentists can offer anesthesia to the patient.
When You Need?
A case of teeth scaling might be necessary if signs such as bad breath, comforting gum or bleeding upon brushing are noticeable. It’s especially advisable to use scaling if you are seeing signs of bacterial buildup on your teeth, or if you’ve had some signs of early gum disease.
This procedure involves cleaning the plaque and bacteria that lie beneath the gum line and lead to gum shrinkage. It is advisable to go for scaling so that the dentist can help you have a clean mouth without diseases affecting the gums. It also saves your teeth from weakening, hence maintaining the health of both your teeth and gums in the long run.
Teeth Scaling Benefits
Normal or ultrasonic scaling of teeth is useful for removing plaque and checking the condition of the gums.
Prevents Gum Disease:
Scaling enables cleaning beneath the gum line, thus stopping plaque and tartar from causing inflammation and infection of the gums. It prevents diseases, such as gingivitis or periodontitis, Scaling is beneficial for the teeth because the gums remain firmly connected to the teeth after the scaling and the risk of gum retraction is minimized.
Reduces Bad Breath:
Bad breath is a result of bacterial formation around the tooth and gums. These bacteria are especially easily removed by teeth scaling and this leads to better breath. That is especially the case where someone has chronic halitosis but otherwise observes proper oral hygiene practices.
Prevents Tooth Decay:
Plaque also forms tarter, which entraps bacteria and food debris and eventually develops cavities and tooth decay. Scaling removes such deposits, thus reducing the chances of decay and cavities. In the opinion of experts, autonomous scaling, especially with ultrasonic tools, helps maintain strong teeth that do not corrupt enamel.
Brightens Your Smile:
It eliminates the stains from food particles, beverages, and tobacco to give you a whiter appearance. Scaling and early depigmentation of tartar and plaque make teeth appear shiny and white.
Side Effects of Teeth Scaling
It is the general need for our teeth is very crucial but while undergoing the process there are aspects that one has to experience. To this, one should have adequate information so that he can go through a process despite the temporary discomfort.
Sensitivity After Scaling:
There are plenty of people who experience a certain level of sensitivity after scaling. It is quite normal. Teeth and gums may get irritated and this is most likely to be when taking foods that are hot or cold.
This occurs because ultrasonic scaling of the teeth results in the detachment of tartar, thus increasing the chances of an exposed tender part of the tooth. This sensitivity is normally transient and normally disappears after a few days.
Bleeding Gums:
Some moderate bleeding may occur after scaling. Scaling and root planning of deposits in or under the gum margin may interfere with the delicate tissue and thus cause some bleeding. This usually only lasts for a day or two; however, if it persists, you should see your dentist.
Gum Swelling:
Another potential side effect of teeth scaling is swelling. It is general knowledge that anytime tartar is scraped off; the gums may experience slight inflammation. This is quite a normal reaction and does get better mostly within a short period. Drinking warm teas with salt water can help slow down the swelling of the gums and reduce inflammation.
Risk of Infection:
In this, it is very rare to have a slight risk of infection in some people especially those with pocket depth around the gums area. To reduce this risk dentists may prescribe an antibacterial rinse to make scaling not only safe but effective as well.
Temporary Tooth Discoloration:
Tartar stains might disappear a little after scaling, but sometimes teeth look a little stained otherwise. This is because, for instance, fresh stains that were previously obscured by tartar are often discovered. An application of another layer can polish the tooth to regain its smooth and bright finish.
Is Scaling Good for Teeth?
It is perfect for the teeth in general because it helps to clean them from tartar and other pathogenic bacteria. The only consequence I can see is that there might be temporary side effects which are not very severe most of the time.
To avoid post-scaling discomforts, it is wise to seek a competent dentist’s advice on how to get the best treatment to avoid the discomforts or to consult him/her when you develop the discomforts.
Difference Between Teeth Scaling and Other Dental Treatment
Teeth Scaling vs Cleaning
Teeth cleaning and scaling are both preventive dental techniques, but they are unique to each other. All the teeth cleaning processes aim to remove surface deposits of stain and plaques. It comprises brush, floss, and occasionally a polish as is done at the dental surgeon’s office. Teeth scaling, however, works deeper than just this. Removes tartar and plaque deposits just below your gums, an area that traditional brushing cannot reach.
Ultrasonic scaling of teeth involves using high frequency to vibrate and break tartar. It is advisable to dental patients who present initial symptoms of periodontal disease.
Dental Scaling vs Polishing
Although scaling and polishing are carried out most of the time concurrently, they have different functions. Teeth scaling scrapes off the tartar and plaque, especially on the gum line. This is quite an important procedure for maintaining gums fit and also helps in the control and prevention of the growth of bacteria.
Polishing, however, is considered the last process of tooth surface treatment that makes it difficult to approach the new formation of plaque. Polishing also removes slight remnants of discoloration from coffee, tea, or smoking, making the teeth seem cleaner and shinier.
Scaling vs Root Planing
Scaling and root planing are two common treatment methods for periodontal diseases; their main difference is their aggressiveness. Teeth scaling is the process of scraping off tartar that was formed on or beneath the gum line to avoid or treat gum disease. Root planning entails removing rough surfaces on the root. It prevents the bacteria from holding on while gums heal and reestablish themselves on the tooth.
Scaling is done when root planing cannot be done due to advanced gum disease. Therefore, ultrasonic scaling of the teeth and root brushing after scaling come in handy. It helps decrease inflammation, strengthen the gums, and prevent the recurrence of sensitivity in the future.
Measures to Be Taken After Scaling of Teeth
The following is important to observe after the teeth scaling to avoid harming or causing clients a lot of discomfort. As the dentist already pointed out, the teeth may be sensitive after scaling, which may involve ultrasonic scaling of the teeth.
Although usually only slightly so, hot, cold, or spicy food should be avoided for the time being. Go for milk products such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, grains such as oats, and other gently cooked foods such as eggs. Do not eat sticky, hard, sharp-edged, or cold foods such as nuts, chips, or raw vegetables for at least the first two days.
Plus, to reduce the build-up of bacteria, one should drink a lot of water, and rinsing with some warm salty water can help relieve the gums. The hygiene of the oral cavity requires gentle brushing, and flossing should be continued, but when it comes to the area of these lesions, it shouldn’t be brushed hard.
By following these recommendations, you will minimize the risk of having a sensitive tooth. This means that your gums will heal well and rapidly after scaling, and you will be able to maintain the healthy smile that you deserve.
FAQs
Is scaling harmful to your teeth?
Scaling does not bring any harm to your teeth but instead improves their condition and health. Instead, it helps firm them by removing plaque and tartar that cause decay and gum diseases.
How long does it take to scale teeth?
Most scaling procedures last 30 minutes to 1 hour because the treatment duration depends on the intensity of tartar buildup and cleaning.
Does scaling remove cavities?
No, when scaling is done, it does not eliminate cavities. It can clean between the gum and the teeth to get rid of any build-up of plaque and tartar, but flossing does not fix decay. Spaces require some filling.
Is scaling of teeth painful?
Scaling may be slightly painful in some areas, mainly due to the presence of hard deposits or sensitive gums. However, many dentists do not perform this painful procedure and prefer to use ultrasonic tools.
Does scaling whiten teeth?
Yes, scaling can, to some extent, whiten teeth as it rids the teeth surface of stains caused by food, drinks, and smoking. Nevertheless, professional bleaching procedures may have to be applied for greater teeth lightening.
It is frustrating and even worrisome to have black stains on your teeth. These dark spots can affect your smile Read more