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What Is Tooth Scaling and Why Is It Necessary?
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Deep cleaning or tooth scaling is a procedure used by dentists to remove the build-up of plaque around the teeth to avoid gum disease. It is used along with root planning and is more intrusive than a simple dental cleaning.

Patients who have severe periodontal condition need tooth scaling to reduce the risk of gingival recession. The accumulation of plaque and tartar is a result of improper brushing and poor oral health.

Thus, Hope Island dentist perform scaling when deposits are created between the teeth and the gums. It can lead to gum disease and various other health issues, including heart problems and stroke. Let us understand what tooth scaling is and how it can help.

What Is Tooth Scaling?

Tooth scaling removes the plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the gumline. However, if there are too many deposits, it can take more than one visit to the dentist. The practitioner may give a local anaesthetic to patients who are unable to bear the sensation and slight pain around the gums during the procedure.

It involves scraping of the tartar from the teeth and removing the build-up of bacteria in pockets between the teeth and the gums. The next part is root planing, wherein the roots of the teeth are smoothened with dental instruments to fill the gap created by the deposits and get the teeth fixed to the gums once again.

If the deposits of tartar are not removed, they create pockets of bacteria, and the gums pull away from the teeth, which loosen them and make them fall eventually.

Why Is Tooth Scaling Necessary?

The hardened plaque accumulated over a long period of time cannot be removed with brushing and flossing and needs scaling. If it is not treated by the dentist, it can lead to loss of teeth.

Tooth scaling is needed when the pockets created by the plaque damage the connective tissue between the tooth and the gum line and make the gums recede. Such a condition requires both scaling and planning to allow the tooth to get attached back to the gum.

Chronic periodontitis needs scaling so that the calculus is removed completely from the pocket and the teeth. It requires the use of a scaler, curette or an ultrasonic instrument that scrapes the calculus with its metal tip and expels out the plaque from the pocket with a water spray.

If required, the practitioner will prescribe medicines in addition to the procedure for the gums to heal quickly. It is the most successful treatment for reducing the gaps between gums and teeth.

Does Tooth Scaling Damage Teeth?

Tooth scaling is perfectly safe and does not weaken the teeth. It does not make the teeth loose. Instead, it removes the pockets formed between the teeth and gums to avoid tooth loss that can create a gap, but root planning helps the teeth to reattach to the gums.

Thus, there is no damage to teeth or loosening after scaling. It prevents tooth loss in chronic conditions. The only side effect of the treatment is the sensitivity that lasts only for one or two days. The practitioner will provide you with a sensitivity toothpaste for relief.

Some dentists also insert the medicine directly into the gums to reduce the discomfort. Avoiding scaling can worsen gingivitis and lead to periodontal disease. You must get your teeth examined by the dentist if you experience swelling and redness of your gums.

You may also witness gum bleeding while brushing. All these are signs of gingivitis, and if left untreated, it can create the build-up of bacteria and bring along a lot of health issues.

Benefits of Tooth Scaling?

Tooth scaling prevents the risk of chronic gum disease by removing all the deposits and strengthening the teeth. Removal of plaque ensures that bacteria are not able to accumulate on the gumline and wreak havoc in the mouth.

It saves teeth from falling off due to the receding of gums and reduces the need for dental implants. Avoiding scaling because of the cost involved does not make sense because when left untreated, it can affect the whole body, including the heart and the brain.

It reduces the risk of cavities as it removes all the plaque and does not allow bacteria to damage the teeth.

It aids in reducing bad breath that results from the presence of bacteria. It eliminates plaque, calculus, bacteria and keeps the mouth healthy.

Scaling helps in teeth whitening as it gets rid of the stains caused by overconsumption of tea, coffee, red wine, tobacco, alcohol, and packaged fruit juices.

Preventive Measures

Make sure that you brush with fluoride toothpaste in the morning and before going to bed. Floss once a day to remove the food stuck between the gaps and use a soft-bristled brush at a 45-degree angle to avoid damaging the tooth enamel.

In addition, you need to eat healthy foods that strengthen your oral and overall health and stay away from junk food and tobacco products.

Conclusion

Visit your dentist in Hope Island every six months for regular check-ups so that they can identify dental issues in the early stages and provide you with the required treatment.