Dentist Near Edgewater NJ Discusses Scaling Procedure

While traditional dental cleanings take care of the surface of your teeth, scaling goes one step further and provides a much deeper cleaning. Dental scaling is typically performed on patients with advanced gum disease and extensive plaque or tartar buildup. 

 

Below, we’ll look at dental scaling to help you understand the procedure and what it means.

 

What is Scaling?

 

Scaling is a common dental procedure for patients suffering from gum disease. It is a procedure that cleans below the gumline and removes plaque and tartar buildup. Sometimes, this is simply referred to as a deep cleaning since it goes above and beyond a traditional cleaning that you would receive during your routine visits to the dentist.

 

When is Scaling Needed?

 

For those with healthy gums, the tissue fits tightly around their teeth and prevent bacteria from getting in. On the other hand, when gum disease begins taking shape, the gum tissue begins to loosen from the tooth. As the gum disease progresses, pockets will begin to form, which provides the perfect place for plaque bacteria to get trapped and cause problems such as bad breath and tooth decay.

 

Scaling

 

Scaling involves carefully removing plaque bacteria from just below the gumline. For this, there are two methods that can be used by your dentist. 

 

The first method involves using handheld tools to scrape plaque away from your teeth. Your dentist will use a scaler and a curette, and will manually insert the tools below the gumline to reach plaque that your toothbrush left behind.

 

Secondly, your dentist may use an ultrasonic tool to scale your teeth. This device uses a vibrating tip to chip away plaque and tartar buildup, as well as shooting a jet of water to help flush out any buildup trapped in pockets.

 

After a dental scaling is complete, your dentist will likely follow up with a procedure known as root planning. This involves reaching deeper below the gumline to smooth the surface of the tooth’s root. This allows the gum to reattach itself properly to the tooth and promotes healthier gums.

 

Is Scaling Painful?

 

For people with sensitive gums, dental scaling can be slightly uncomfortable. Dentists may choose to apply a local anesthetic to numb the area making the procedure more comfortable for the patient. Therefore, if you’re concerned about pain, be sure to discuss this with your dentist near Edgewater NJ before they begin the procedure.

 

In severe cases, scaling may take several visits to complete. During each visit, your dentist will address a different portion of your mouth, performing a thorough cleaning of each individual area.

If you’re nervous or anxious about the procedure, talk to your dentist and see if they’re able to schedule the procedure for a single visit. This might not always be possible; however, it may be if you’re only suffering from moderate gum disease.