Teeth scaling is part of a process called scaling and root planing, where the teeth and gums are scraped to get rid of plaque buildup in those hard-to-reach places. This process, of course, cleans deeper into the mouth than a standard cleaning does in a regular dental cleaning. This procedure is usually necessary for those who have or are showing signs of gum disease.

What leads to the scaling procedure?

Scaling and root planing are used for those who exhibit signs of gum disease or already have it. Signs of gum disease can be identified as the soft tissue around the teeth starts to loosen, allowing for bacteria and other debris to collect in these pockets. The longer the bacteria stay in these pockets, the more exposed the roots become, causing further damage not only to the roots but eventually to the overall mouth as well.

What goes on during the scaling procedure?

If the dentist decides that a deep cleaning is needed, then the first step in the process is the scraping of the plaque from the surface of the teeth and below the gum line, where bacteria reside the deepest. While doing so, the dentist will use special tools like:

1. Dental Scaler and Curette: This is a handheld metal tool that the dentist will use to gently scrape the plaque from the teeth and in the gumline. This is done in areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush.
2. Ultrasonic Instrument: This is an electric instrument that blasts a thin, but powerful stream of cool water and a metal rotating tip to help chip away at the plaque.

Is the procedure painful?

The gums and the roots of the teeth are very sensitive and easy to irritate. Therefore, to help make the procedure a bit more comfortable, the dentist will administer local anesthesia to the section they are working on. Anesthesia is made with medicine called anesthetics that work when injected; it begins blocking sensory signals to the brain from the nerves temporarily. Once fully activated, the patient will feel little to no pain when being worked on.

After the procedure, the anesthesia slowly starts to wear off, causing some slight discomfort in the area the dentist worked on. In some cases, the dentist may prescribe medicine to help with the pain. The pain usually goes away after a day or so. Another warning the dentist will give you is to avoid eating. Sometimes, the numbing solution may spread to other areas of the mouth, like the tongue or lips. If this happens, the patient can’t fully control their mouth and may end up biting their own lip or tongue.

It is important to make sure you visit the dentist on a routine basis to ensure your teeth and gums are free from signs of gum disease. In doing so, it can lessen the chances of developing symptoms or help keep the gum disease at bay if the patient is already showing signs. Dental deep cleans tend to be the second visit after the first typical cleaning and examination by the dentist.

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