Teeth scaling is a procedure that removes the buildup of plaque and tartar from the teeth. It is a preventative measure that helps reduce gum disease and improves oral health.
The dental hygienist uses handheld instruments that have metal tips known as scalers or curettes. These are inserted beneath the gum line to eliminate plaque that isn’t accessible with toothbrushing alone.
Scaling
Teeth scaling removes plaque and tartar build-up on the surface of your teeth. It also helps reduce inflammation and bleeding in the gums. Your dentist uses traditional tools or an ultrasonic scaler to remove these deposits.
The next step, called root planing, smooths the rough surfaces of your teeth and roots. This helps your gums heal more easily and reduces bacteria that cause bad breath.
After a periodontal scaling and root planing appointment, you should resume regular oral care procedures like brushing twice a day and flossing. You should also eat a healthy diet and see your dentist for regular cleanings to prevent the condition from returning.
Some people may need more frequent dental scaling appointments, including those who smoke or have a medical condition that increases their risk of gum disease such as diabetes or a compromised immune system. Your dentist can discuss this with you during your visit. They may also recommend a mouthwash or oral antibiotics to treat any infection that occurs during or after your procedure.
Root Planing
During root planing, the etiologic agents which cause inflammation to the gum tissue and bone are removed. This non-surgical procedure is very effective for patients who have gingivitis and moderate to severe periodontitis.
Often, it will take several weeks for the gum tissue to heal after a deep cleaning. During this time, it is important that you brush your teeth twice daily and floss daily to prevent food from becoming trapped between the teeth and gums. It is also a good idea to eat soft foods and to rinse your mouth three or four times per day with an antimicrobial mouthwash or warm salt water.
During your follow-up appointment, the dentist will re-probe your gum pockets and may give you tips to help you maintain your gum health. It is possible that you may need additional treatment, including surgery, if the pockets don’t shrink. If your pockets remain deep, you will need to return on a more frequent basis for maintenance treatments.
Antimicrobial Agents
A common dental treatment to treat periodontitis (gum disease), scaling and root planing removes accumulated plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the sulcus area around your teeth. It also helps reduce gum pocket depth. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort.
Antimicrobial agents are added to the armamentarium of treatments for chronic periodontitis to enhance the clinical results achieved with scaling and root planing. They can be used either as an adjunct or on their own to improve probing depth reduction and gain in clinical attachment level (CAL).
The primary objective of this review is to determine whether locally applied chemical antimicrobials (i.e., tetracycline or minocycline) administered as adjunctive therapy to scaling and root planing (SRP) improves outcomes compared with SRP alone in adults with chronic periodontitis. We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for published primary research that addressed the key question. The search was limited to clinical trials that (a) enrolled adults with chronic periodontitis, and (b) tested one or more chemical antimicrobial agents administered in addition to SRP, and (c) reported outcomes for specified time periods.
Preparation
If the gum tissue that surrounds your teeth is tight and fitting, you will be less prone to plaque & tartar accumulation. However, as gum disease begins to develop this tissue will loosen & deeper pockets will emerge which will quickly fill with plaque. These pockets can also cause swollen & bleeding gums, bad breath and tooth sensitivity.
To help you avoid gum disease, your dentist will perform a comprehensive examination of your mouth including your dental and medical history. They will then visually inspect your teeth & gums, and may take dental X-rays to determine the extent of the plaque & tartar buildup that needs to be removed.
Contrary to popular belief, teeth scaling doesn’t damage your enamel if done by an experienced dental hygienist. However, you might feel pain or sensitivity in your mouth for a few days following the procedure. This is normal & will resolve on its own within a few days to a week.