Scaling and Polishing

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 that get covered by tooth-colored tartar. On removal of this tartar, the patient feels the gap has occurred due to the 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.
History of bacterial endocarditis.

Procedure

Scaling can be done in a single visit or 2-3 visits depending upon the condition of your teeth. Scaling involves a deep cleaning of the tooth above and below the gum line in order to 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 to 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 that 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 the first 24- 48 hrs. Teeth may feel light or a little loose for some time. Continue with the mouthwash as prescribed by us.

Why do you need to do scaling & polishing?

Dental cleanings involve removing plaque (a soft, sticky layer of bacteria, food & saliva) and hard tartar (calculus) deposits that have built up on the teeth over time. Your teeth are continually bathed in saliva which contains calcium and other substances which help strengthen and protect your teeth. While this is definitely beneficial, it, unfortunately, means that we tend to get a build-up of calcium deposits on the teeth. This chalky substance will build up over time, almost like the limescale deposits at the base of your kettle. Usually, it is tooth-colored and can easily be mistaken as part of the teeth, but it can also vary from brown to black in colour.

If this tartar is allowed to build upon the teeth, it will, unfortunately, provide the right conditions for bacteria to thrive beside the gums. The purpose of cleaning and polishing is basically to leave the surfaces of the teeth beautifully clean and smooth so that bacteria are unable to stick to them and so provide you a better chance of keeping the teeth clean during your regular daily hygiene regime.

To remove stains caused by food (coffee/tea) or tobacco.
To remove tartar or calculus – this helps prevent gum diseases which are the main cause of gum recession, loose teeth and subsequently, tooth loss.
To allow screening for oral diseases like decay and any cavities.

What Are The Procedures Involved In Scaling & Polishing?

Scaling

Specialized instruments are used to gently remove plaque and calculus deposits without harming your teeth. The ultrasonic scaler uses vibrations to loosen hardened tartar that sticks to the teeth/in between teeth. Water spray is also used to wash away the debris. There may be a high pitch buzzing sound heard from the scaler during the scaling process.

Polishing

Polishing is usually carried out after scaling to remove stains and make your teeth feel smooth and shiny. Polishing is done with a soft rubber cup that spins. Prophylaxis paste – a special toothpaste-like material is scooped up into the cup and spun around on the teeth.

Prophy jet polishing uses a pressurized spray of air and water with sodium hydrogen carbonate powder to remove stains, plaque and soft debris from your teeth. It may taste slightly salty.

Does It Hurt To Have Your Teeth Whitened?

Most people find that cleanings are painless, and find the sensations described above do not cause discomfort. Many of our patients tell us they actually enjoy cleanings and love the beautifully smooth feel of their teeth afterwards! If the experience is less pleasant, this can be due to a variety of factors: exposed dentine or root surface (not dangerous, but can make cleanings a little sensitive), or infected gum tissues.

What Is The Difference Between Teeth Whitening, Scaling and Polishing?

Teeth can become more yellow with age and with continuous consumption of dark staining foods like coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco.

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that lightens pigmentation within the teeth. Scaling and polishing is a procedure that removes dental plaque, tartar, and extrinsic stains that are present on the outer surface of the teeth.

Scaling and polishing clean your teeth, preventing and controlling the severity of gum diseases. After scaling & polishing, teeth can appear lighter if there are many stains on the outer surface of the teeth. If the intrinsic color of teeth is very yellow, there will be no changes after teeth cleaning as the yellow color comes from inside the tooth.