Scaling & Polishing (Oral Prophylaxis) are to be done once in 6 months. Ultrasonic Scaling removes plaque, tartar and polishing removes stains above and below the gums. It smoothens teeth so that dental plaque cannot attach easily to the teeth. This is done for prevention and as a treatment for gingivitis (gum disease). Gum diseases are commonly identified by Bad Odour in the mouth accompanied with/ without bleeding gums.
WHY SCALING?
Dental plaque is a soft film enveloping teeth which consists of thousands of different types of bacteria. Saliva which contains calcium and other substance to strengthen and protect the teeth also build up calcium deposits on plaque making it harder. Calcified (hardened) dental plaque is known as tartar. Brushing and flossing may remove some plaque but is unable to remove tartar. Tartar if present for longer period it will cause gum disease, tooth mobility and tooth loss.
HOW IT IS DONE?
Scaling is done with ultrasonic instrument called Ultrasonic scaler, which uses vibrations to remove tartar. It also sprays a cooling mist of water while it works to wash away debris. The ultrasonic instrument tips are curved and rounded and are always kept in motion around the teeth. They are by no means sharp since their purpose is to knock tartar loose and not to cut into the teeth. So, Oral Prophylaxis doesn’t damage tooth , but it reduces the bacterial load inside the mouth thereby keeping gum and tooth healthy without disease. Once all the surfaces are smooth, Polishing is done using a soft rubber cup.
Generally scaling is completed in one or two sittings depending on the amount of tartar and stains.. At times it takes more than two sittings, with the 1st sitting being cleaning above the gum level (supragingival), and the subsequent sittings for cleaning below the gum level (subgingival). This takes a gap of one week to 10 days to allow healing of the gum. During this period, the mouthwash prescribed by the dentist should be used two or three times a day according to the subgingival deposition of the tartar.
POINTS TO NOTE :
***When there is more of deposits the tooth is concealed by tartar and is not exposed to the oral environment. Once the cleaning is done, since the teeth are exposed to the surroundings there may be some sensitivity, but this is only temporary. This sensitivity will get subsided in few days.
***There is a misconception that scaling removes enamel from the teeth. This is not true. Ultrasonic cleaning is done by high energy vibration that makes the extra deposits to detach from the tooth surface. This equipment cannot cut the tooth.
***After cleaning, the spaces you feel are already existing in your mouth which was filled by tartar. These spaces should be maintained by interdental brushes and floss to prevent further accumulation of tartar.
***There might be bleeding from the gums while scaling. This is because of the pre-existing inflammation of the gums. It will subside in few minutes after the procedure.
***After the procedure, the dentist will prescribe a mouthwash specific to individuals depending upon the extent of the issue. Proper use of Mouthwashes drastically improve the gum health.
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