Why do we need to do dental scaling of teeth and gums annually?

Scaling is a non surgical procedure which helps in removing bacterial plaque below the gum line.

I BRUSH TWICE THEN WHY SCALING ?

• The saliva, bacteria and proteins in your mouth form a thin layer that covers your teeth all times.
• When you eat, acids and sugars from the sticky food sticks to the thin layer creating a buildup on teeth known as plaque.

• The plaques are usually removed by brushing your teeth twice, and flossing your teeth once daily.
• Brushing removes the bacteria from the teeth surface, but it is difficult to remove bacteria in between two teeth, behind the last tooth, and below the gum line – which requires dental scaling.

Frequently Asked Queries Regarding Tooth Scaling & Gum Cleaning

1) DOES CLEANING WEAKEN THE ENAMEL?

1. Scaling removes the deposits present on the surface of the teeth and when the deposits are removed one feels the teeth has become loose and weakened.
2. Teeth are made weak by the deposits present on them and professional Scaling does not weaken them.

2) IS SCALING PAINFUL?

Scaling is a painless procedure performed by ultrasonic scalers with the use of sound energy and water flow.

The dentist will apply a topical anesthetic gel that would make the whole experience completely painless and comfortable.

3) DOES SCALING CAUSE GAP BETWEEN THE TEETH?

The usual gaps present between the teeth gets filled with deposits ,which after removal by scaling gives an effect of increased gap.

These gaps will disappear once the inflamed gum tissues become normal and grow back to their original positions.

4) WHAT ARE THE PRE -OP & POST- OP INSTRUCTIONS FOR SCALING?

PRE-OP INSTRUCTIONS
• Have a light breakfast or meal before the procedure.
• Do not stop any medications that are taken on daily basis before the procedure, unless recommended by the physician.

POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS
• Brush and floss your teeth regularly.
• Plan for a routine cleaning (scaling) once a year.
• Avoid smoking and use of tobacco products for 48 hours.