Dental Scaling
Dental scaling and polishing is a non-invasive procedure performed by dental professionals to remove accumulated plaque, calculus, and stains from the surfaces of teeth. The process involves two primary steps:
1. Dental Scaling: During scaling, dentists use specialized instruments (ultrasonic scaler) to remove plaque and hardened deposits on the teeth, particularly in back tooth areas. These deposits, if left unaddressed, can lead to the development of gum disease, bone loss, cavities, and other oral health issues.
2. Polishing: Following scaling, teeth are polished using a dental brushes and a mildly polishing paste. This step removes surface stains, creating a smooth, clean surface that is less conducive to plaque buildup. Polishing also contributes to a brighter and shinier smile.
FAQ
It is called the ultrasonic handpiece. A cleaning tip is attached to the handpiece, which will then vibrate the tip in ultrasonic speed, thus producing a high-pitch sound. Hardened deposits on the tooth are dislodged upon contact with the vibrating handpiece tip.
Since vibration is used to remove the calculus on the surface of the tooth, patient may experience the vibrating sensation (sometimes sensitivity) when the instrument tip contacts the tooth.
If you find the sensation difficult to tolerate, you can always request the administration of local anesthetics before commencing the scaling procedure.
The dental scaling procedure itself will not lead to a loose tooth.
When someone has substantial and dense calculus buildup on the tooth, bone loss will occur. This loss of bone is often masked by the continuous accumulation of thick calculus. Scaling removes this accumulated calculus, revealing the reality of insufficient bone support for the teeth. Consequently, patients might mistakenly perceive that scaling is causing the teeth to become loose.