Information about dental scaling
Everything we eat during the day causes acid reactions in the mouth and leaves residue on the teeth. As a result, bacterial plaque forms on the teeth. By brushing your teeth regularly, bacterial plaque can be removed, the acidic pH formed in the mouth can be neutralised, and food residue left in the mouth and on the teeth can be cleared away. If teeth are not brushed regularly and floss is not used, bacterial plaque can stay on the teeth for a long time and cause tooth decay that can damage the tooth enamel.
When some bacterial plaque hardens, hard tartar forms that cannot be removed with ordinary brushing. The yellow or brown tartar that forms on the teeth as a result of hardened bacterial plaque can be cleaned off by dentists using special equipment.
How is tartar removed?
Various instruments are used to remove plaque from the tooth surfaces of a patient who is considered suitable for scaling. Using instruments that do not harm the tooth enamel, the plaque covering the tooth surface is cleaned away. After scaling, a smooth, clean tooth surface is obtained.
If necessary, teeth whitening and polishing can also be carried out on patients who have had plaque removed. Dental scaling plays an important role in preventing problems such as gum inflammation, receding gums and even tooth loss.
Even if oral and dental care is carried out properly and regularly, some minerals found in food and saliva can cause tartar to form again within 6 months to 1 year.
The first step in scaling is usually the use of ultrasonic devices. Their vibration cracks the tartar on the teeth. Once the large tartar deposits have been removed from the teeth, the loosened layers are cleaned away by spraying water into the mouth.
The small tartar deposits are then cleaned using fine instruments. Treatment continues until all the tartar in the curved parts of the teeth and between the teeth has been removed. After the tartar has been completely cleaned off, the scaling process ends with the application of tooth polish or a fluoride toothpaste.
Things to bear in mind after dental scaling
Do not eat or drink anything during the first two hours after scaling. Hot and cold foods and drinks should be avoided during the first 24 hours.
It is normal to feel a slight tingling in the teeth during the first few days after scaling, and even to feel sensitivity to heat and cold. Applying ice packs can be an effective way to relieve possible swelling. The patient's comfort can be increased by prescribing simple painkillers to relieve the mild discomfort felt in the first days after scaling.
It is very important for the patient to give the necessary attention to oral and dental care after scaling. In the early post-treatment period, the teeth-cleaning process may cause the patient some discomfort. However, it is very important to pay attention to brushing and flossing.
There is a risk of slight bleeding in the first days after scaling. During this time, using an antiseptic mouthwash may be helpful. Some movement in the teeth may occur after scaling in people with heavy tartar deposits or who go on to develop gum disease.
After scaling, check-ups with the dentist every 6 months should not be interrupted. If the dentist considers it necessary, the scaling procedure may need to be repeated.
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