Professional Dental Scaling
Professional scaling is a dental procedure that removes tartar and plaque from the surface of teeth. Tartar is a hard plaque that mineralizes over time when plaque is not effectively removed by brushing and flossing. Professional scaling can help prevent gum disease such as gingivitis and periodontitis and help maintain oral health.
What is tartar?
While plaque (food debris) and stains can be removed by a proper brushing, tartar (which is mineralized plaque) can only be removed by professional means. In addition to poor hygiene, factors such as the amount of saliva or the mineral content of the food you eat also contribute to tartar formation.
Drinking a large volume of fluids leads to the production of more saliva, which helps to naturally remove food particles temporarily deposited on teeth. Some foods may contain a higher amount of minerals that are more easily deposited on teeth. But the most common cause of tartar build-up is improper hygiene, i.e. brushing incorrectly.
Once deposited on the tooth surface, tartar is the ideal environment for the growth of bacteria that are responsible for gum disease. Furthermore, tartar-covered teeth can no longer be cleaned properly and become prone to cavities. Tartar deposits on natural teeth as well as on fillings, dental bridges, dentures or orthodontic appliances, inflames the gums and can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis.
Dental tartar can be localized in several areas of the teeth and gums. Depending on the place of formation, two main types of tartar are distinguished:
- Supragingival tartar – is located on the surface of the teeth, above the gum line. It can usually be seen as a yellowish-white or brownish deposit, especially on the front and upper teeth.
- Subgingival tartar – is located below the gumline, i.e. in a place invisible to the naked eye. This type of tartar forms when plaque is not removed by tooth brushing and builds up under the gum. Subgingival tartar can lead to inflammation of the gums and over time to gum recession and tooth root stripping. If tartar remains lodged on the teeth for several months, there is a risk of caries. Bad breath may also occur due to tartar.
In Doctor White Clinic Professional Scaling is performed in three stages:
1. Ultrasonic dental hygiene
The dentist uses an ultrasound machine to remove the toughest deposits – tartar. This procedure is painless, but if there is enamel hypersensitivity, local anesthetic is used to prevent discomfort. The ultrasonic machines perform mechanical vibrations at a very high frequency, these vibrations destroy the tartar deposits, and the water jet accompanying these vibrations removes the debris left after the tartar deposits are broken up, and acts as a soothing agent for the gums.
The result is a smooth surface that is easier to clean in the future.
2. Air Flow dentar
Air Flow is a dental procedure in which teeth are cleaned of any stains. A slight whitening and brightening effect appears after Air Flow cleaning. The procedure is carried out using a machine that sprays a special substance onto the surface of the teeth at high speed. It contains sodium carbonate crystals, which clean the tooth enamel of stains or other deposits that could not be removed by professional scaling and brushing, and has a pleasant fruity taste.
Air Flow does not damage tooth enamel and does not create abrasion or tooth sensitivity. It is recommended for anyone who wants professional teeth cleaning. For patients who wear braces this is sometimes the only method of plaque and stain removal. Doctors recommend Air Flow teeth cleaning every 6 months. The complete removal of tartar and stains from the teeth guarantees the prevention of cavities and long-term dental health.
3.Teeth polishing
The third stage of tooth brushing involves polishing your teeth. The dentist will polish your teeth with an electric toothbrush and toothpaste. After polishing the teeth, the dentist will also perform interdental cleaning to reach hard-to-reach places. The tooth polishing process at the end of professional scaling involves not only the use of tools, but also pastes of several types with different degrees of abrasion. In addition to the abrasive particles, polishing pastes contain elements that are involved in strengthening the teeth.
Who needs professional teeth scaling?
Professional teeth scaling is necessary for all people who want to maintain the health of their teeth.
When should you schedule a scaling?
- When you have persistent bad breath
- If you notice pigmented spots on your enamel that may be caused by smoking, coffee or other staining products
- Before getting braces or dental implants
- Before therapeutic treatment (incipient caries can sometimes only be seen after plaque removal)
- To prevent periodontal disease (plaque causes the development of pathologic periodontal processes)
- In case of gingival bleeding
- Before the installation of prosthetic work
- Before and after orthodontic treatment
