If your gums have become seriously infected, dental scaling is vital to remove the build-up of bacteria-ridden plaque. For people living in or around Kitchener Waterloo area suffering from this problem, Lancaster Dental offers expert dental scaling services, backed by a wealth of experience.
Scaling – also known as deep cleaning – goes beyond the general cleansing typically carried out at routine dental check-ups. While standard cleaning addresses the surface of the tooth, scaling reaches below the gum line.
Plaque is present in everyone’s mouth, resulting from saliva, microbes and proteins that form a thin film on your teeth. With healthy gums, the tissue fits snugly around the tooth to keep plaque at bay. However, if infection takes hold, this tissue will loosen, developing deeper pockets that provide a home for bacteria to thrive
Inflammation occurs when particles of food, along with sugars and acids from what you eat, cling on to this coating, creating an excessive accumulation of plaque. In cases where brushing and flossing fail to break down this build-up, the bacteria that live in the plaque can cause gum disease (periodontitis) and tooth decay.
How Does Dental Scaling Work?
Kitchener dentists at Lancaster Dental stresses that scaling is the most effective means to remove plaque and its microbes from the tooth’s surface just beneath the gum line. The procedure can be performed either by use of conventional metal scraping instruments or with ultrasonic technology, in which a vibrating metal tip chips away tartar while a water spray flushes out the pocket. Sometimes a combination of both methods is carried out.
Scaling is generally followed by root planing, which smooths the surface of the root of the tooth so the gums can re-attach to it effectively. It’s important to know that scaling can be uncomfortable, especially if you have sensitive gums. In this case, the dentist may use a local anesthetic to numb the gum tissue.
The scaling process is often spread across several visits. If, however, your gum disease is not too severe, one single treatment may be possible but you need to sit for a lengthy procedure.
After-effects of scaling and root planing are usually minimal. Your mouth may be sore for a few days, and some patients experience swelling and bleeding. Problems such as these can be eased with desensitizing toothpaste and prescription mouthwashes. It’s still important, though, that you continue adequate brushing and flossing to prevent plaque from building up again.
Warning Signs of Gum Infection According to Your Trusted Kitchener Dentist
Lancaster Dental, your Kitchener dentist, says there are various warning signs of gum disease. These include
- Constant bad breath
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Loose teeth or gaps developing between teeth (both symptoms of bone loss)
- Receding gums
- Pus around the teeth and gums
Gum Disease Can Spread Around Your Body
You can’t afford to ignore symptoms of gum disease. If left untreated, a gum infection can spread to other parts of the body, including the jaw bone, heart, brain and lungs.
Even if you have no signs of gum problems, it’s advisable to see a dental hygienist regularly for removal of plaque, tartar and stains you can’t reach with your toothbrush or by flossing.
Kitchener dentists at Lancaster Dental are dedicated to providing the highest quality of dental scaling services for the local community. If you need further advice on scaling or on other aspects of dental healthcare and oral hygiene, contact Lancaster Dental.