What is Teeth Scaling?

Scaling is a term dentists use to describe a deep dental cleaning. The difference between scaling and a routine cleaning is that scaling is more focused around the gumline. You might need a deep cleaning if you have periodontitis, also called gum disease. Similar to scaling is root planing. Root planing is the process of removing tartar and plaque and smoothing the root of your tooth below the gumline, whereas scaling removes tartar and plaque on the surface of the tooth, above the gumline. Both procedures are vital for treating gum disease and maintaining good oral and dental health.

Scaling and root planing are essential for treating chronic periodontal disease. Scaling and root planing help close the pocket between your teeth and gums. By reducing that gap, you reduce your risk of experiencing bone, tissue, and tooth loss associated with periodontal disease.

Scaling Process: Step by Step

Depending on how many teeth require dental scaling, the procedure might take more than one visit to complete. Dental scaling can be uncomfortable, especially if you have sensitive gums. Your dentist may begin by using a local anesthetic to numb the area of the mouth they are working on. If local anesthesia is not mentioned before your appointment, speak with your provider about options for numbing the area to help minimize pain and discomfort.

After you are numb, the dentist will begin by using curved instruments called curettes and scalers to scrape plaque from the teeth. These specific tools can fit into the space between your teeth and gumline. They will insert the tool beneath the gumline to access plaque that your toothbrush cannot reach. Sometimes the dentist may even use an electric ultrasonic scaler, which is a small metal tip that vibrates while releasing a steady stream of water. This helps remove calculus, commonly known as tartar, more quickly and effectively. Dental scaling can be uncomfortable, especially if you have sensitive gums.

Recovery and Aftercare

After the procedure is complete, the dentist will likely want you back a few weeks later for a follow-up appointment to assess how effective the treatment was. They will measure the depth of your gum pockets to ensure they have not gotten deeper after the treatment.

Immediately after the appointment, your mouth may ache and throb, although it usually subsides after a few hours. Overall, pain should subside in one to three days. Your teeth may be sensitive to extremely hot or cold temperatures for the first few days. This is completely normal. You may also experience some slight bleeding, especially after brushing, but that should also clear up after a few days. Contact the dentist right away if you have worsening pain, the area does not heal properly, or you have a fever.

Dental scaling and root planing are very common treatments to help battle gum disease and maintain a clean and healthy mouth. If your dentist recommends scheduling an appointment, you will benefit from it for years to come. If you have any further questions or hesitations, please give the office a call.

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