Scaling is a simple teeth cleaning procedure performed by dentists and dental hygienists. Plaque and tartar are the hard layers that form on the teeth surface and under the gum line; these layers provide a bed for bacterial growth that causes gum disease. Other causes of gum problems are systemic diseases like diabetes, hormonal changes, pregnancy, smoking, and improper oral hygiene. Extraoral care is required along with regular dentist visits for an underlying medical condition.
Scaling is commonly recommended by the dentist after every six months. Regular scaling with good oral care like brushing twice a day with mouthwash rinses and flossing can prevent multiple dental problems.
WHAT ARE TEETH SCALING?
Scaling is a teeth cleaning procedure in which Dentists remove the hard calculus and plaque that is difficult to remove by regular teeth brushing. Plaque and tartar accumulate between teeth and gum, move gum away from the teeth and create a pocket, it is difficult for brushes to clean this pocket. During scaling the dentist removes the tarter and germs below the gum line.
Initially, plaque forms a sticky layer on teeth that provide a house for bacterial growth. These bacteria infect the gum and cause gum disease such as gingivitis; bleeding, swelling gum, and halitosis (bad breath).
Plaque and tartar can affect the teeth and gum, in advance it can cause periodontitis, in which plaque bacteria can affect teeth surrounding bone and move the gum line below and expose the root which causes dentine hypersensitivity a pain full condition.
Prolonging harder plaque can cause bone resorption around the teeth that result in tooth mobility and tooth extraction at last.
ARE TEETH SCALING PAINFUL?
Teeth scaling is not a painful procedure but you might feel some discomfort or minor pain due to the instrumental pressure during the scaling procedure. Gum Bleeding and tooth sensitivity are also common during scaling.
Sometimes in severe conditions such as severe gingivitis and periodontitis, which required deep cleaning and root planing, the Dentist performs scaling and deep cleaning under local anaesthesia to control the intensity of pain.
You might feel sensitivity, pain, swelling, and bleeding gum during the initial few days after scaling. Avoiding extremely hot and cold food and beverages (tea and coffee), taking a soft diet, and avoiding smoking can help in early gum healing that reduces pain, sensitivity, and gum swelling with time. Sometimes dentists prescribed painkillers to control initial discomfort after scaling.
HOW MUCH DOES TEETH SCALING COST?
Dental scaling cost is around $100 to $200 in dental clinics at Five Dock depending upon the number of visits required to complete cleaning. Normally scaling is done by a dentist or dental hygienist in a single visit but deep cleaning (scaling with root planning), severe gum disease, or a large number of plaque accumulations required multiple visits to complete the treatment which will add to the cost of scaling. Scaling is covered under an insurance dental policy depending upon the coverage and limitation.
Prolonged severe gum disease resorbs the bone around the teeth and exposes the tooth root that can be treated with minor gum surgery flap and bone grafting with the costs of around 500$ to 1000$ in multiple dental clinic visits and follow-ups.
HOW LONG DO TEETH SCALING TAKE?
Scaling is a simple teeth cleaning procedure that will take around 1 to 2 hr in a single visit depending upon the plaque and tartar accumulation. Deep cleaning, in which scaling along with root panning is performed to treat severe gingivitis and periodontitis, can be done in 2 or 3 dental visits.
After scaling minor teeth sensitivity, gum bleeding, and gum swelling is normal after scaling but if not resolve after a week then you should visit your dentist similarly any sign of infection, severe pain, and temperature you should visit your dentist, some dentist recommends follow-up after scaling and deep cleaning to evaluate the pocket reduction and health of gum after scaling.
CONCLUSION
Scaling is the gold standard treatment for gum disease that resolves many dental problems. Scaling is recommended by the dentist after every six months with proper oral care at home such as brushing two times with a soft bristle toothbrush, rinsing with mouthwash after every meal and daily flossing your teeth and avoiding smoking because it affects overall health along with gum health.