April 3, 2023
Every six months, you visit your dentist in Anthem for a checkup and professional cleaning. This is because, even if you brush and floss your teeth every day, food debris, plaque, and tartar can accumulate along your gumline and between your teeth, wreaking havoc on your oral health. Some of these substances have to be cleared away using a special instrument, called a dental scaler. Read on to learn about what a scaler does and why scaling is so important when it comes to maintaining good oral health.
What is Dental Scaling?
A dental scaler is the instrument that your dentist uses to clear away plaque and tartar at each of your semi-annual professional cleanings. However, dental scaling is a procedure that’s typically used to treat gum disease in Anthem by removing toxins in the mouth that are known to cause gum inflammation and bleeding when brushing and flossing. Sometimes, your dentist will clear as far down as the pockets of your gums, which is where bacteria hideaway. That’s what differentiates dental scaling from a typical cleaning.
What is Scaling & Root Planing Treatment?
Gum disease is a common oral health problem that affects approximately one out of every two adults in the nation. It’s an oral infection that targets your gums as a result of harmful oral bacteria accumulation, causing your tissue to become inflamed and red. When the issue is diagnosed early on, your dentist may suggest treating it with a process called scaling and root planing. This treatment typically takes place over the course of two appointments, depending on the severity of the issue.
During the first visit, they will use a dental scaler to remove all plaque and tartar accumulation that provides permanent homes for bacteria to thrive in. Once these harmful substances are removed, your gums will have a chance to heal. Finally, your dentist will smooth out the roots of your teeth, clearing away any deposits of bacteria and plaque that are harming the foundation of your smile. Once you’ve healed, your gums will healthily reattach to these vulnerable areas, preventing the symptoms of your condition from becoming more severe.
What Can You Expect After Having Your Teeth Scaled?
After scaling and root planing, your mouth will likely feel sore and tender. Sometimes, the rigorous cleaning also results in swollen gums and bleeding as you’re healing. Even though it may be uncomfortable, it’s still important to thoroughly clean your mouth following your procedure. Your dentist will provide you with instructions on the best way to do this while your mouth is still sensitive. As long as you follow their post-operative directions, you’ll likely feel significantly more comfortable following your treatment.
Just because gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems in the world doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to prevent. With thorough oral hygiene and an early diagnosis, you can keep this disease from ruling your mouth and wreaking havoc on your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Connor Stevenson is a dentist who’s passionate about helping his patients maintain great oral health and a complete smile for their lifetime. He uses the latest diagnostic technology during routine checkups to make sure that no stone goes left unturned, allowing him to catch oral health problems early on and provide treatment before they can become worse. With antibiotic therapy and scaling and root planing, he aims to stop gum disease in its tracks to ensure that his patient’s smiles stay healthy. If you’ve noticed that your gums are bleeding when you brush or floss or it has been longer than six months since you last saw your dentist, visit Anthem Dentistry’s website or call 623-246-4741 to schedule an appointment.