One of the oft recommended procedures for better oral health, as well as, prevention and treatment of gum disease, is teeth scaling. This procedure, performed by Best Dentist in Lahore is indicated for everyone looking to eradicate gum disease and restore oral health. Read on to know more about scaling, and how often should you get it done:
What is scaling?
Scaling deals with excessive buildup of plaque and gum disease subsequent to this buildup. While brushing and flossing deal with the surface of the tooth, scaling deals with deeper cleaning. The dental care provider removes plaque and tartar along the base of the tooth and gum line, while making the teeth healthier and cavity-free.
Scaling begins with gentle scraping of this buildup from the gum line and gum pocket. Thereafter, the root planning process takes place to reattach the tissues to the teeth, thus minimizing the chances of infection. Once the tooth root is smoothed, it is harder for bacteria and plaque to stick to the tooth surface.
Scaling is generally completed in a single visit, the process averaging an hour. For individuals with higher buildup, the process could extend to two-hours or even multiple sittings. In such patients, local anesthetic may also be used by the dental care provider, especially in individuals with receding gums, to ease the discomfort.
Who should get scaling done?
Scaling is recommended for everyone, but it is particularly important for individuals with chronic periodontal disease, with symptoms such as:
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Change in the bite
- Inflammation of gums
- Shifting of permanent teeth
How often should you get teeth scaling?
For individuals who undergo regular dental checkups, scaling is recommended twice a year. For people with periodontal diseases, scaling can be done every three to four months, as per the discretion of your dental-care provider. Between appointments, it’s important for the patient to maintain good oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing.
What are the advantages of scaling?
Scaling has many benefits, including:
- Treating periodontal disease: the basis of many periodontal diseases is plaque buildup. It impairs the gums and causes loosening of teeth. Deep cleaning and scaling help to guard the gumline and get rid of plaque, thereby preventing and treating many periodontal diseases.
- Avoid tooth decay: tooth decay is a natural consequence of plaque buildup. Scaling prevents this plaque from building up and causing damage to the outermost layer of the tooth called enamel. Proper oral hygiene and scaling twice a year, helps to keep cavities and plaque at bay.
- Removing stains: people who consume a lot of tea, coffee, tobacco and other colored liquids have stained teeth. Scaling helps to clean these stains and pigments from the teeth and whiten them. Thus, for individuals with stained teeth, regular scaling is helpful.
- Preventing bad breath: plaque formation traps bacteria and results in bad breath or halitosis. Daily brushing and flossing provide temporary relief from halitosis, but for long-term relief from bad breath, scaling is necessary.
What to expect after scaling?
Scaling is a safe procedure, recommended with a time gap of about five to six months. Following the procedure, there may be sensitivity and soreness often with bleeding for a few days. To ease this discomfort, your dentist may suggest a sensitivity toothpaste or a prescription mouthwash and antibiotics.
After the procedure, one can return to brushing and flossing right away, to stop the deposition of plaque again. For people with history of periodontal disease, the dentist may schedule a follow-up visit to ensure that healing is occurring properly.
What are the risks of scaling?
The risks of scaling are minimal. However, some adverse effects such as increased sensitivity, tenderness in the gums and pain, are normal. These side effects clear up in a few weeks; however, if there is fever or worsening pain, help from the dental care provider at Shifa International Hospital, must be sought.
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