What is Dental Scaling?

What is Dental Scaling?

 Teeth scaling is sometimes referred to as deep dental cleaning. This type of deep cleaning treatment is one of the dental services that removes plaque and calculus (tartar) from above and below the gum line.

American Dental Association (ADA)
“Dental scaling is essential for maintaining good oral health. It helps to remove plaque and tartar that can lead to gum disease.”

Dental Scaling Methods

In general, dental scaling techniques are divided into three categories:

Traditional Dental Scaling 

The traditional method, called manual scaling, involves using manual dental tools to remove microbial plaque and may cause mild discomfort.

Ultrasonic Dental Scaling 

Ultrasonic tools vibrate a metal head to remove plaque from teeth, and water is also sprayed to wash the plaque off the teeth and keep the device’s head cool. 

This procedure is typically performed in a single 30-minute session. However, if gum disease is advanced, two sessions may be required. 

After this stage and the removal of all tartar and plaque, it is time for dental brushing. 

The dentist applies a special paste to the teeth and uses a rotating brush to polish the surface, creating a smooth and shiny finish. This removes colors and stains that do not adhere well and whitens the teeth.

Surgical, Dental Scaling 

It is used when the extent of dental tartar is high, in this case, to avoid the surgical method.

Difference between Scaling and Brushing

Why are both important?

Dental scaling and brushing are two key processes for maintaining tooth health and beauty, but they are often mistakenly considered the same. 

Scaling is a process for removing hard and soft plaque from the surface of the teeth and beneath the gums. 

This process involves using hand or ultrasonic instruments and helps remove microbial plaque that can lead to serious gum problems and tooth decay. 

This process should be done regularly to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

 National Health Service (NHS)
“Scaling and polishing are important techniques used by dental professionals to maintain oral hygiene and prevent gum disease.”

In contrast, dental brushing, which is usually done after scaling, is more concerned with the cosmetic aspect of teeth. 

This procedure uses a special paste and a rotating brush to polish the surface of the teeth, removing surface stains and discoloration. 

Brushing helps to enhance the appearance of teeth by creating a smooth and glossy surface. 

In other words, while scaling is related to maintaining the health of teeth and gums, brushing is dedicated to improving the beauty and shine of teeth.

Dental Scaling FAQs

How often should we have a dental cleaning? 

Be sure to include a dental cleaning once a year in your health plan. Of course, depending on the type of saliva, it may be necessary to have one sooner or later. 

Remember, brushing your teeth properly will minimize the formation of tartar. 

If you see blood coming from your gums when brushing your teeth, know that that area is in trouble and see your oral and maxillofacial specialist.

Does dental cleaning hurt? 

Many people who are going to have dental cleaning in Isfahan for the first time ask, “Does dental cleaning hurt?” It should be noted that this treatment method is generally not painful and does not require anesthesia. 

However, if a patient has a high proportion of tartar on their teeth, that patient will experience more pain and sensitivity.

Does dental cleaning whiten teeth? 

As we age and consume dark foods and beverages like coffee, tea, and tobacco, our teeth can become yellow and discolored. 

Teeth whitening, or bleaching, is a cosmetic procedure that lightens the pigments inside the teeth using a special gel and laser. 

Scaling is a method that removes plaque and stains from the outer surface of the teeth, reducing the risk of gum disease. However, if your teeth are very yellow, scaling may only restore their original color and not provide whitening. For a whiter smile, consider the laser teeth whitening method.

Does scaling damage tooth enamel? 

Please erase this misconception from your mind forever. Scaling is an absolutely necessary treatment for patients with excessive plaque and gingivitis. In fact, it removes plaque below and above the gum line using an ultrasonic device and has nothing to do with tooth enamel. 

It should be noted that the vibration of ultrasonic devices used for scaling is not enough to destroy tooth enamel; thus, it is a misconception that scaling causes damage to enamel. 

In fact, this removes plaque and deposits on the teeth and does not damage tooth enamel.

 Is scaling dangerous? 

Most people believe that scaling damages tooth enamel and causes tooth decay, but you should know that plaque on the teeth and gums causes serious damage to tooth tissue and continues to multiply as microbes accumulate in the mouth. 

Therefore, plaque in the mouth is harmful and must be removed.

Conclusion

American Academy of Periodontology
“Regular dental cleanings, including scaling, are crucial for preventing periodontal disease and maintaining overall dental health.”

Perhaps scaling is the simplest and least expensive treatment, but it is also the most useful. 

Scaling does not damage tooth enamel and does not lead to tooth mobility issues. It is also a beneficial and necessary treatment method that significantly contributes to gum health and prevents gum and periodontal problems, bone loss, and loose teeth.

Sources:

https://www.perio.org/consumer/faq

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dental-check-ups/scaling-and-polishing/

https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/scaling