Teeth Cleaning

Teeth cleaning or scaling is a dental deep cleaning procedure that is performed to treat gum disease.
If you have symptoms of gum disease like bleeding gums, sensitivity, pain, swelling, redness of gums; your dentist most likely to recommend a tooth scaling treatment. By doing this, we can treat the condition and eliminate further damage to gums.

Types of tooth scaling

Teeth scaling is performed in two ways; hand scaling and ultrasonic scaling.

Manual scaling
Uses hand instruments like scalers to remove plaque and calculus.
Ultrasonic scaling
With the help of high frequency vibration and water, teeth scaling is done.
Scaling instrument (scaler tip) is placed on the teeth and under the gums to remove all the plaque and tartar accumulated above and below of your gum line.
It is most commonly performed technique as there is no or little discomfort.
Laser scaling
Use of laser technology, teeth scaling can be less uncomfortable.
Symptoms of gum and periodontal disease
Redness of gums
Pain and swelling of gums
Sensitivity
Bleeding gums
Mobility of teeth
Bone loss

Myths regarding teeth cleaning

Cleaning of teeth will cause mobility of teeth.
Cleaning will cause sensitivity of teeth.
Cleaning will cause gum disease.
Cleaning will cause spacing between teeth.
Cleaning will cause enamel removal.

Facts

Teeth cleaning keeps your teeth and gums healthy.
Teeth cleaning can treat gum problems and eliminate further destruction of gums and bone.
Many dental problems can be prevented by teeth cleaning every 6 months.

Procedure

A complete physical and oral examination will be carried out by your dentist.
Teeth cleaning procedure.
Ultrasonic scaling is most commonly used method of teeth cleaning. Dentist use very light gentle touch with scaler tips to remove the deposits and stains from your teeth.
The procedure will not be harmful to the natural tooth surface. A continuous water irrigation also done along with the mechanical removal. This water irrigation causes a cavitation effect and it makes the debris removal more effective.
Polishing
The dentist polishes your teeth.
Post procedure check up.
The dentist check to make sure that your teeth and gums are clean and there is no infection.

Instructions

Avoid eating too cold or hot foods.
Avoid spicy, salty, acidic foods.
Avoid hard foods.
Rinse your mouth 3-4 times a day with lukewarm salt water.
Avoid smoking
If you have tenderness or discomfort, take an analgesic prescribed by your dentist.
Schedule dentist appointments every 6 months.

Teeth scaling is a very simple and effective way to improve your gum health. By removing plaque and calculus, you can prevent gum disease and destruction of bone. Visit your dentist and make your gums healthy.