What is Teeth Scaling?

Teeth scaling is a common dental procedure for patients with gum disease or excessive plaque buildup. Standard cleaning during regular visits to your dentist treats the surface of your teeth, but scaling is a more extensive cleaning process.

All patients have plaque buildup. The saliva, bacteria, and proteins in your mouth form a thin layer that covers your teeth at almost all times. When you eat, tiny food particles, acids, and sugars stick to your teeth, creating a filmy buildup called plaque. Bacteria in the plaque can cause gum disease and tooth decay. Brushing twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and twice-yearly dental cleanings help remove plaque and prevent more serious dental problems.

If you have healthy gums, the gum tissue fits tightly around your teeth, which helps keep pockets from forming where plaque can accumulate. But the tissue pulls away from your teeth if you develop gum disease, causing more serious dental issues.

What Should I Expect During the Procedure?

Teeth scaling is a type of dental cleaning where your dentist removes plaque buildup below the gum line. Your dentist will use one of two procedures.

Handheld Instruments. If your dentist uses handheld instruments, he or she will scrape plaque from your teeth using a thin metal tool called a scaler. Your dentist will insert the scaler beneath your gum line to remove the plaque you cannot reach with your toothbrush.

Ultrasonic Treatment. Your dentist may use an ultrasonic instrument for teeth scaling, a type of dental tool that uses a vibrating metal tip combined with a cool water spray. The thin metal tip removes tartar, while the water flow flushes the plaque out of the gum pocket.

Root Planing. Teeth scaling typically includes an additional procedure called root planing. Your dentist treats the roots of your teeth by smoothing the surface so your gums can reattach properly.

Teeth scaling can be uncomfortable, especially if your gums are already sensitive. To make the procedure more comfortable, your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb your gum tissue. Discuss options for desensitizing your gums with your dentist beforehand if you are concerned about pain or discomfort during treatment. Teeth scaling can take several visits, as your dentist will most likely need to treat more than one area of your mouth.

What Should I Expect After the Procedure?

Nearly half of American adults have gum disease, making teeth scaling a very common treatment dentists provide for their patients. The teeth scaling procedure can help you rid your mouth of harmful, unseen plaque for better oral health.

Your mouth may feel sore and sensitive after teeth scaling and root planing. You may also have swelling or bleeding for a few days afterward. Your dentist will suggest options to help you deal with discomfort, including desensitizing toothpaste and prescription mouthwash to help keep your gums clean and reduce swelling. After your procedure, proper brushing and flossing are essential so that plaque does not form again in the same areas of your mouth.

Your dentist will schedule a follow-up visit to examine your gums, measure the depth of your gum pockets, and make sure your mouth is healing properly. If your gum pockets have become deeper since your initial teeth scaling appointment, your dentist will discuss additional treatment options with you.

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