Ever run your tongue across your teeth and feel a layer of gunk? That’s where dental scaling comes in. You might have heard your dentist mention dental scaling and brushed it aside as an unnecessary procedure.
However, you might just be missing out on the many benefits it has to offer. Dental scaling can remove stains and clean areas of your gums and teeth that a regular toothbrush cannot reach easily. Let’s learn more about dental scaling and why you should consider one.
What Does Dental Scaling Involve?
Opting for dental scaling means that your dentist will remove all the buildup eating away at your gums and teeth. They will reach into all the nooks and crannies that are hard to reach with a regular toothbrush. This process entails manually removing plaque and tartar with specialized tools and getting into the pockets of your gums.
With dental scaling, it’s all in the details. At the end of the treatment, you might feel like your teeth are brand new and shiny. It will also eliminate plaque and tartar, preventing dental health issues later on. Here’s how the procedure goes:
- Examination:
Your dentist will poke and prod, take a couple of x-rays, and make sure that they know exactly how much plaque and tartar are affecting your teeth. - Anesthesia:
Gums are sensitive tissues, and tools used to reach their crevices can feel uncomfortable. To reduce discomfort, anesthesia is applied to the surfaces where the treatment will be done. - Scaling:
This is where the process starts. The dentist will use handheld tools or ultrasonic devices to remove plaque and tartar. Hand-held scalers are usually used to carve and scrape out the buildup. - Root Planning:
The gum tissue will be gently moved to expose the roots of your teeth. This process is performed using the same tools used for scaling, but it’s to smooth out your dental edges. It’s an important step as it allows gums to reattach easily afterward. - Supporting Treatments:
Your dentist might also recommend tooth polishing following the scaling. This procedure uses a gentle motorized tool that spins across your teeth and cleans them deeply.
What To Expect After A Dental Scaling
After the procedure, you might experience more sensitivity in your gums than you’re used to. A sore feeling can also be expected. You might also feel like your teeth and gums have more texture in the following days. That’s completely normal and will go away with time.
Avoid drinking staining liquids like coffee, wine, or dark tea for the following one or two days. Additionally, you can brush your teeth after 12 hours as the areas might be too sensitive for some time. When your gums have healed a little, starting your regular dental hygiene routine is important.
You might also be asked to come in again for an appointment. This is to make sure that your gums are healing properly and if your gum pockets have gotten deeper. If the gum pockets have gained more depth since your scaling, some more treatment might be recommended.
But regardless, dental scaling will eliminate the tough stains and plaque your toothbrush failed against. The best part is you will immediately get a brighter, cleaner smile.
Takeaway
Dental scaling is a great chance to get your teeth examined and thoroughly cleaned of pesky build-up. It can save on other dental costs that can rack up when your teeth get cavities.
You can smile confidently and know that no embarrassing stains are visible. Schedule a dental scaling session with our skilled dentists at Lake Elsinore Dentistry. We’re just a call away at (951) 579-1010.