Oral hygiene plays a big role in keeping you healthy. And regular dental cleanings are an important aspect of it. Treatments involving scaling and polishing are pretty important because they keep your teeth free of plaque, tartar, and other unwanted deposits. In this article, we will explain more broadly what these treatments include, their benefits, and why you need them as a dental treatment.
Source: https://thedentalcure.com/cleaning-teeth-scaling-polishing/
Teeth scaling and polishing is one procedure that removes plaque, tartar, and stains off the gum line and the surface of the teeth. These treatments help provide prevention against the gums' disease, maintaining good oral health.
The procedure takes out plaque and tartar that covers the outer layer of the teeth and the area beneath the gum line. To facilitate the removal of hardened deposits, dental tools like ultrasonic scalers or handheld instruments are used to dislodge them before clearing the area near the gums.
Teeth polishing is the sequel to scaling and often helps smooth your teeth' surface. This removes small surface stains that contribute to the cleanliness and shine of your teeth. Usually, a paste is used with a brushing tool.
Plaque and tartar collect in the gum, which leads to inflammation and disease if left uncleaned. Healthy gums are maintained through the assistance of teeth scaling as all those destructive deposits are removed.
Scaling and polishing decrease the chances of cavities, tooth decay, or halitosis due to the removal of infected tartar.
Teeth polishing removes the surface stains, leaving your teeth looking more hygienic and shiny. The more frequently you polish your teeth, the better you get in maintaining a more attractive smile.
Clean, well-groomed teeth can work magic on your self-esteem. A healthy look of a smile usually translates to good health and hygiene.
Your dentist will examine your teeth first and understand the extent of the plaque and tartar deposits. X-rays might be taken for an even better understanding of the areas below the gum line.
The dentist will brush away plaque and tartar from the teeth and gumlines with a scaler or an ultrasonic device. This will work by breaking hardened deposits using vibrations and then flushing water to remove debris.
After scaling, the dentist will polish your teeth using a soft rubber cup and a polishing paste. This is a process for polishing the tooth surface and removing superficial stains.
When the scaling is complete, you will be asked to rinse, and the dentist will do a final check on whether there are still deposits in your mouth.
Scaling and polishing should be done for everybody as part of routine oral hygiene. The procedures are especially beneficial to some, like:
By eliminating gum disease, scaling and polishing significantly reduce the risks of tooth loss through infection or decay.
Its ability to eliminate irritants that occur below the gum line is another benefit of scaling. It encourages healthy tissue and reduces inflammation.
Plaque is the cause of bad breath. If you get scaling and polishing regularly, your breath will be sweet and fresh.
You will look fresher and can give you more trust in your smile if your smile is clean and polished.
The frequency of scaling and polishing depends on your oral health. Normally, it should be once every six months or with your routine dental check-up. While for others who have gum disease or have heavy plaque buildup, it may depend upon the advice of the dentist on how often one needs to visit.
Teeth scaling and polishing are safe if done by a professional but there are risks involved including:
1. Is teeth scaling and polishing painful?
Most people consider scaling and polishing of teeth to be painless; however, for those with sensitive gums or those already suffering from advanced gum disease, they might feel some level of discomfort. Dentists can employ local anesthesia if the patient would request less pain.
2. How long does it take for the scaling and polishing?
This usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, though this could be determined by the severity of plaque and tartar buildup.
3. Is teeth scaling and polishing covered by insurance?
Most dental insurance covers routine teeth cleaning that includes both scaling and polishing. The details will depend on your provider, so it is best you look at them individually.
4. Can I eat right after teeth scaling and polishing?
Don't eat or drink anything in the first 30 minutes after this procedure so that your teeth settle. Avoid acid and sugar foods as well after this scaling and polishing process.
5. How do I keep my teeth clean after scaling and polishing?
To keep your teeth clean and maintain the outcome of scaling and polishing, keep practicing good oral hygiene, which involves brushing at least twice a day and flossing along with an antibacterial mouthwash.
Scaling and polishing of the teeth are perhaps one of the very important services of your dentist. This is something that polishes your smile but also comes with some importance in enhancing your entire oral health. Removal of plaques, tarts, and stains from the treatment assists in preventing gum disease and further tooth decay for a proper healthy mouth; cleanings must be a normal part of dental care in having for years to come a bright, confident smile.