WHAT IS SCALING?
Scaling is one such procedure that keeps your gums healthy and firm. It is a procedure used to remove infected deposits like plaque, calculus and stains from the tooth surfaces. Such deposits, if not removed by scaling, cause infection and loosening of the gums, ultimately leading to pyorrhoea and tooth loss. Scaling is a safe and routine procedure and does not damage the tooth surface in any way. It must be done by a dental professional. Dental scaling should be done once every six months.
MYTHS ABOUT SCALING OF TEETH:
- Teeth become weaker
- Gaps are increased than before
- Teeth become shaky or mobile than before
- Sensitivity appeared which was not there prior to the scaling procedure.
SCIENTIFIC REASONING AGAINST THE MYTHS
- In some cases there are gaps between teeth which gets covered by tooth coloured tartar. On removal of this tartar the patient feels the gap has occurred due to Cleaning of teeth which is wrong.
- Mobility of teeth post scaling is a myth as teeth can only get better and healthier after scaling. Tartar presence holds the shaky teeth intact psychologically, but actually it is causing a negative impact on the natural attachment of gums and teeth.
- As the tartar is removed the concealed part of the teeth is exposed to the oral environment thereby causing mild to moderate sensitivity to the teeth which is transient. This sensitivity vanishes in a day or two. Most of the patients do not even experience this sensitivity.
RISKS
Root planning and scaling can introduce harmful bacteria into the bloodstream. Gum tissue is also at risk of infection. You may need to take antibiotics before and after surgery if you have a condition that puts you at high risk for developing a severe infection, such as:
- Damaged or artificial heart valves.
- A congenital heart defect
- An impaired immune system.
- Liver disease (cirrhosis).
- An artificial joint, such as a hip replacement.
- A history of bacterial endocarditis.
PROCEDURE
Scaling can be done in single visit or 2-3 visits depending upon condition of your teeth. Scaling involves a deep cleaning of the tooth above and below the gum line in order remove any plaque and calculus that has accumulated on the tooth. Scaling involves a deep cleaning of the tooth above and below the gum line in order remove any plaque and calculus that has accumulated on the tooth. This involves the use of special instruments. We use ultrasonic instruments. It has a fine tip which vibrates at ultrasonic frequency and which dislodges tartar and plaque from the tooth surface. After scaling teeth can be sensitive to extreme hot and cold for first 24- 48 hrs. Teeth may feel light or little loose for some time. Continue with the mouthwash as prescribed by us.
