Scaling is a procedure that removes tartar. Why is there a tartar on our teeth, why should it be removed and what is the difference between supragingival and subgingival scaling?
Contents:
- Tartar - causes of its formation
- Scaling - what does it look like?
- Scaling - recommendations after the procedure
- Scaling - contraindications for the removal of tartar
Scalingis a treatment to removetartar . But let's start with where the plaque comes from on our teeth?
Tartar - causes of its formation
Tartar is a hard deposit that protrudes from the tooth surface. Why is there a tartar on the teeth?
Plaque is the culprit. It is a soft coating created by bacteria found in saliva on our teeth. If we regularly remove plaque by brushing and flossing our teeth, it is harmless to us. The problem appears when we avoid some tooth surfaces with the brush and the plate stays on them longer.
Plaque then mineralizes to form a hard stone that clings to the teeth, and the bacteria inhabiting it are becoming "smarter" and can lead to caries, gingivitis or periodontitis, called periodontitis.
When brushing the teeth, we most often avoid the surfaces between the teeth. Unfortunately, even the best toothbrush cannot clean them properly. Therefore, it is necessary to floss your teeth daily. Thanks to this, we remove the plaque from the interdental spaces. These are very narrow and small gaps that we often forget. But if we add them up, we get an area equal to the area of the inside of our hand!
When we avoid these places while brushing our teeth, inflammation very quickly develops. Its symptom is usually only a slight bleeding of the gums. If left untreated, inflammation of the gums can lead to periodontitis, or periodontitis. It is a disease of all the tissues that hold the teeth in the bone and can lead to their loss.
It manifests itself with bleeding gums, exposed tooth necks, teeth mixing and mobility. Not all symptoms are always present at the same time. Bacteria that lie under the gum penetratecirculatory system and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. They are also dangerous for pregnant women - they can lead to premature birth and reduced birth weight of the baby.
Scaling - what does it look like?
We cannot remove tartar with a toothbrush. It can be done by a hygienist or dentist using an ultrasonic scaler which, thanks to gentle but very efficient vibrations, breaks the stone into small particles and removes it from the surface of the teeth.
- Supragingival scaling- This is a preventive treatment. It consists in the removal of tartar from the surface of the tooth crown. It is the most popular procedure performed in practically all patients. The cost of supragingival scaling: about PLN 60 for 1 arch.
- Subgingival scaling- This is a preventive and curative treatment. It consists in removing tartar and bacteria that accumulate under the surface of the gums and are not visible to the naked eye. This type of tartar and bacteria is the most harmful to our gums. This treatment is dedicated to patients who already have symptoms of periodontitis. It is completely safe. For the patient, it does not differ much from supragingival scaling, but it should be performed more often (once every 3-4 months).
After scaling it is necessary to thoroughly polish the tooth surface.
The most important part of the visit is hygiene instruction. A hygienist or dentist shows how to properly brush and floss your teeth so that tartar does not build up again.
Scaling - recommendations after the procedure
After the procedure, the patient may experience temporary tooth sensitivity. It can be eliminated by performing a fluoridation treatment, which at the same time protects the tooth surfaces against the formation of caries.
Is scaling painful?
Currently, we have equipment with No Pain technology, which enables the procedure to be performed painlessly and comfortably for the patient. In the case of increased tooth sensitivity, anesthesia is performed before the procedure.
Is scaling a safe procedure?
The scaling treatment is safe for our teeth and for our overall he alth. Currently used ultrasonic scalers and a properly selected scaler tip do not adversely affect the tooth and gum tissue.
How often to perform scaling?
A check-up at the dentist's office should take place every six months. During this period, we should remember to take care of oral hygiene so that the limescale is deposited in as little amount as possible.The dentist or hygienist will check whether the scale has deposited and whether any new cavities have formed. If we suffer from periodontitis, checkups with a hygienist or periodontist should take place every 3-4 months.
Scaling - contraindications for the removal of tartar
Currently used pacemakers are not a contraindication for ultrasonic scaling. This must be confirmed in the passport of the pacemaker. If it is an old-style starter, tooth cleaning should be done with a hand tool. The same applies to implanted hearing implants.
Pregnancy is not a contraindication to ultrasonic scaling. According to the current recommendations of the Polish and European periodontal associations, based on the position of a panel of gynecologists, the first visit to the dentist should take place before the 12th week of pregnancy. Its purpose is to assess oral he alth and provide oral hygiene instruction.
Treatment and ultrasonic scaling, if indicated, should take place in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. Untreated gingivitis and periodontitis during pregnancy may adversely affect the he alth of the mother and the child. Scaling should be performed in an antibiotic shield in patients with a history of infective endocarditis, cyanotic heart disease, an implanted heart valve, unregulated diabetes or severe diabetes. immune system disorders.