SCALING &
POLISHING
WORK INDIA
What is scaling?
Dental health is an important part of your general health. Whatever
your age, you can and should have healthy teeth. Correct dental care
can help you keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime. Scaling is one
such procedure that keeps your gums healthy and firm. It is a
procedure used to remove infected deposits like plaque, calculus and
stains from the tooth surfaces. Such deposits, if not removed by
scaling, cause infection and loosening of the gums, ultimately leading
to pyorrhoea and tooth loss. Scaling is a safe and routine procedure
and does not damage the tooth surface in any way. It must be done by a
dental professional.
What is a plaque?
Dental plaque is a soft, sticky, colorless film of bacteria and
food particles that constantly forms on the teeth. The bacteria
colonize and multiply rapidly in this film and initiate infection in
the gums, often resulting in tender bleeding gums. If dental plaque is
not removed within 10-14 hours by brushing, it mineralizes into
calculus or tartar. Calculus once formed cannot be removed by brushing
and has to be removed by scaling by a dentist.
Why is scaling done?
Regular tooth cleaning by the dentist is important to remove calculus
or tartar that may develop even with careful brushing and flossing.
Professional cleaning includes scaling and polishing. Scaling is a
common non-surgical treatment for removal of infected deposits -
tartar or calculus - from the tooth surface. These deposits if not
removed lead to periodontal disease. In periodontal disease, the
pocket between the tooth and gum begins to deepen. This provides a
perfect environment for anaerobic bacteria to grow. The bacteria begin
to multiply rapidly and infect more of the gum and start dissolving
the bone supporting the tooth. This leaves the tooth progressively
loose. The treatment now becomes more extensive and complicated in
order to save the tooth. Surgery of the gums is required in order to
make the tissues around the tooth healthy.
What is the procedure?
Scaling involves a deep cleaning of the tooth above and below the
gum line in order remove any plaque and calculus that has accumulated
on the tooth. This involves the use of special instruments and/or
devices to loosen and remove deposits from the teeth. Commonly an
ultrasonic machine is used. It has a fine tip which vibrates at
ultrasonic frequency and which dislodges tartar and plaque from the
tooth surface. As the vibrations are extremely fine the process does
not damage the tooth surface in any way. Your dentist will also
schedule a follow-up appointment in the next 4-6 weeks to check on
your improvement. Many dentists recommend having the teeth
professionally cleaned at least every 6 to 12 months. More frequent
cleaning and examination may be necessary during the treatment of many
of the dental/oral disorders. Routine examination of the teeth is
recommended at least every six months.
How frequently should scaling be done?
Plaque formation on the teeth is a continuous process. If this is not
removed by brushing it starts mineralizing into tartar within 10-14
hours. Such persons may require periodic scaling, every 6 months or
so. The golden rule is to have a routine dental check up every 6
months. Your dentist will be able to advise you whether you need
scaling or not. He will also advise you on the correct home care for
healthy teeth. It must be emphasized again that scaling of teeth does
not weaken them but prevents gum diseases which bring about bleeding
gums and if not checked leading to more serious and extensive gum
problems.
What is the outcome?
Good oral hygiene prevents, and is vital to the treatment of many of
the dental and oral disorders. Good oral hygiene results in a healthy
mouth. Moreover, the mouth is the gateway to the whole body. a healthy
mouth ensures a healthy body to a great extent.
What is Oral Hygiene and Plaque?
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Oral hygiene refers to keeping the mouth, and
particularly the teeth, clean and free of dental plaque.
-
"Daily oral hygiene practices such as brushing and
flossing can prevent both caries and gingivitis."
-
The above should be combined with a daily fluoride
mouthwash.
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You are also advised to see your dentist twice a
year for professional cleaning.
What are dental plaque, calculus or tartar?
- Dental plaque is a thin film of bacteria and other organic
material that sticks to teeth.
- Plaque cannot be rinsed off, but it can be removed by brushing
and flossing.
- If plaque is not removed, it can cause periodontal disease.
- The longer that plaque is allowed to remain on teeth, the
greater are the risks of gum disease.
- If plaque is not removed, it can harden to form calculus.
- Calculus causes gum problems. It should be professionally
removed as regular brushing will not do so.
- Calculus occurs more often in older children and adults.
- Diets rich in soft, sticky, carbohydrate foods with high sugar
contents encourage plaque formation.
How will my teeth look and feel after treatment?
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Regular return or recall visits to the periodontist,
dentist or hygienist are therefore essential
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Shrinkage of the gums can result and teeth may look
longer.
-
When gum grafting has been done, the appearance is
improved.
-
Loose teeth should firm up after treatment.
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The exposed roots of the teeth may be sensitive to
hot and cold
What is the best way to control dental plaque?
-
Brushing and flossing will control plaque
formation.
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Brush and floss twice a day, after breakfast and
before bedtime.
-
Rinse daily with a fluoride mouthwash.
-
Eating less refined sugar will reduce plaque
formation.
-
Professional cleaning
Professional cleaning by the hygienist, dentist or periodontist will
include:
-
Scaling, which is the professional
removal of plaque and calculus.
- Root planning, which is the smoothing and polishing of root
surfaces.
- planning must be carried out regularly to control the disease.
- Regular return or recall visits to the periodontist,
dentist or hygienist are
therefore essential.
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