Dental scaling is a common procedure performed by dental hygienists to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the teeth and beneath the gums. It is a crucial part of periodontal treatment and overall oral hygiene. The process involves the following steps:
1. **Assessment**: The dental professional examines your mouth to identify areas that require scaling and evaluates the extent of tartar buildup.
2. **Scaling**: Using specialized instruments such as ultrasonic scalers and hand scalers, the dentist or hygienist removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces, including the area beneath the gumline (subgingival scaling).
3. **Root Planing**: This step smooths out the roots of the teeth to help the gums reattach to the teeth and to prevent future plaque buildup.
4. **Polishing**: After scaling and root planing, the teeth are polished to remove any remaining stains and to smooth the tooth surface, making it more difficult for plaque to accumulate again.
Dental scaling is important for maintaining gum health and preventing periodontal disease. It can be slightly uncomfortable, especially if there is significant tartar buildup or gum disease, but it is generally well-tolerated. Local anesthesia may be used in some cases to minimize discomfort. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings, including scaling, are recommended to maintain oral health.
