Dental scaling is a common dental procedure that involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth, particularly below the gum line, to prevent and treat gum disease and excessive plaque buildup. Here are some key points about dental scaling:
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Procedure: Dental scaling involves the use of special tools, such as a periodontal scaler, to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and roots, both above and below the gumline.
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Root Planing: Root planing is often performed in conjunction with scaling. It involves smoothing out the roots of the teeth to help the gums reattach to the teeth.
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Purpose: Dental scaling is necessary for patients with gum disease and excessive plaque buildup. It is a deeper cleaning method that goes beyond the general cleaning received during regular checkups.
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Types of Scaling: There are different types of dental scaling, including prophylaxis cleaning and scaling and root planing, each serving different extents of cleaning.
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Benefits: Dental scaling helps protect tooth enamel, gum tissue, and prevents tooth loss and other effects of poor oral care.
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Tools: Dental scaling can be performed using handheld instruments, such as a dental scaler and curette, or an ultrasonic instrument with a vibrating metal tip combined with a cool water spray.
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Prevention: Dental scaling can reduce the risk of needing more intensive and expensive treatments in the future, such as root canals, tooth extraction, or fitting crowns or veneers.
Dental scaling is an important preventive and treatment measure to maintain oral health and prevent the progression of gum disease.
