Dental scaling - What is it, how often is it performed?

Tartar forms as a result of improper plaque removal from the surface of our teeth. The plaque hardens (mineralises) and turns into a hard mass, firmly adhering to the tooth enamel. If tartar appears on the surface of our teeth, it is not possible to remove it at home on your own. This has to be done at the dental surgery, as it is a threat to the health of teeth and gums and a serious visual defect.

What is dental scaling?

Scaling, otherwise tartar removal is one of the most common procedures carried out in dental surgeries today to remove mineralised dental deposits, or indeed, tartar. The dentist performs dental scaling, which involves the removal of hard tartar. It can be carried out in several different ways:

• Ultrasonic scaling - using an ultrasonic scaler,
• Laser scaling - the stone is removed using a laser scaler,
• Mechanical scaling - carried out using a cutter-type drill,
• Chemical scaling - which involves applying a 30 per cent perhydrol solution to the teeth to dissolve tartar,
• Traditional scaling - performed using hand scalers,
• sonic scaling - involves the removal of deposits using sound waves in the 6-8 kHz range.

Tartar removal is painless for the patient, and the scaler used by the dentist in the course of the procedure must under no circumstances damage the tooth surface. Scaling can take the form of either supragingival scaling, which involves removing tartar from the surface of the tooth crown, or subgingival scaling, which enables the removal of tartar deposited under the gum surface.

When is it advisable to have a dental scaling?

Tooth scaling is one of the most basic dental procedures to remove tartar and bacterial plaque from the surface of the teeth and gums. Here are situations when you should consider having scaling performed:

• Regular prophylaxis: Scaling is recommended as part of regular preventive dental care, at least once a year. This can prevent more serious problems such as gum disease or tooth decay.
• Symptoms of gingivitis: If you notice symptoms of gingivitis, such as redness, bleeding or sensitivity, scaling can help to remove irritants and improve your oral health.
• Prevention of gum disease: People prone to gum disease, such as periodontitis, should undergo regular scaling as a preventive measure.
• Pollutants and sediments: If you notice visible debris, tartar or deposits on your teeth, especially around the gum line, this is a definite signal that it is time to visit the dentist for scaling.
• Bad breath: Chronic bad breath can be a signal of excessive bacterial plaque accumulation, which can be effectively removed during scaling.
• Smile aesthetics: Tartar and stains can significantly affect the aesthetics of your smile. Scaling can help to restore the natural, healthy appearance of your teeth.
• Before other treatments: Sometimes scaling is recommended before other dental treatments, such as teeth whitening, to increase their effectiveness and ensure better adhesion of materials.

How often is scaling performed?

Dentists recommend scaling, or tartar removal, once every six months or once a year. These are average values, as people who smoke cigarettes, drink coffee and strong tea require more frequent scaling. The frequency of this type of treatment is also influenced by the individual characteristics attributed to patients, which are largely determined by saliva composition. If it is highly mineralised, it should favour faster tartar deposition.

What are the results of tooth scaling?

Dental scaling is primarily aimed at improving oral health by removing accumulated plaque and tartar. Here are some of the specific results you can expect from this procedure:

• Improving gum health: Removing tartar and bacterial plaque from the gum line can significantly reduce the symptoms of inflammation, such as redness, bleeding or gum sensitivity.

• Reducing the risk of disease: Regular scaling can significantly reduce the risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay by eliminating dangerous bacteria.

• Better breathing: Scaling helps to combat chronic bad breath (halitosis) by removing bacteria and food debris, which is one of its main sources.

• Smile aesthetics: After scaling, teeth look healthier, whiter and stain-free, which usually improves the overall aesthetics of the smile.

• Restoring comfort: Accumulated tartar can not only be aesthetically unattractive, but also uncomfortable. After scaling, many people notice a significant improvement in comfort.

Are scaling and sandblasting the same procedure?

Scaling and tooth sandblasting are two dental procedures that are most often performed together. They complement each other, so it is recommended that they follow one after the other. In the course of scaling of teeth The dentist removes hard dental deposits. Later, the remaining plaque and superficial stains can be removed using the sandblasting method. With sandblasting, the surface of the teeth is polished, making it more difficult for tartar to build up again.

Without sandblasting, and after scaling, the surface of the teeth would be porous, accelerating the formation of tartar deposits. In contrast, sandblasting alone, without scaling, has the effect of polishing not the teeth but the tartar.

Underestimating the importance of scaling and sandblasting will lead to the build-up of calculus deposits, leading to the demineralisation of enamel and the development of caries. It may be easier for such patients to develop inflammation of the gums and other periodontal tissues. In advanced periodontitis, caused by embedded tartar, the teeth may eventually start to wobble and threaten to fall out.

Author: Supradent Clinic team