Whenever someone goes to the dentist they imagine the tediousness of cleanings.
Almost every one of those feelings are stemmed in the scaling that is done in a dental cleaning.
Yet scaling is one of the vital components of your gum disease regiment.
What is scaling?
Scaling is the process of using a tool to remove plaque buildup, specifically under the gumline. This process is referred to as a deep cleaning. The treatment goes beyond the general cleaning because is situations where this process is necessary, you have a case of gingivitis.
Why?
Normally your gums attach to your teeth a few millimeters below the gumline. However, due to poor hygiene, that gap can increase, and when it does, food and bacteria can build up. In that area, the bacteria will grow and cause a plaque buildup. Which in turn leads to gum disease.
By using scaling we are able to remove the plaque and help your gums recover.
How is scaling done?
A smooth thin metal tool, know as the the scaler and curette, will be slipped into the gumline and into the gum “pocket” in order to scrape plaque from the tooth that a toothbrush couldn’t reach. By removing the plaque and then flushing it out the gums can then reattach to the tooth.
Scaling doesn’t have to be painful
It’s a known fact that dental scaling can be painful. In many ways this is avoidable. Just notify the hygienist and they may give options and recommendations. It is always better to go without any additional topicals. However, we will try our best to give you the best and relaxing experience.
What happens after your teeth are scaled?
Soreness and sensitivity may arise after cleaning; this is natural and should disappear after a few days. Some patients even have swelling or bleeding. Those too will disappear. However, it is crucial that you continue your oral hygiene routine, or else your freshly cleaned teeth can harbor plaque again!
Contact us for Scaling and Teeth Cleaning in Burnaby!
We are open Tuesdays through Saturdays, some evenings, and are accepting new patients. We look forward to seeing you.
Read our other blog posts on teeth cleaning.