Scaling

Manual Scaling: Manual scaling involves the use of hand instruments such as scalers and curettes to remove plaque and calculus from the teeth and gums.

Ultrasonic Scaling: Ultrasonic scaling involves the use of a high-frequency vibration instrument that produces ultrasonic waves to remove plaque and calculus from the teeth and gums.

Air Abrasion Scaling: Air abrasion scaling involves the use of a special handpiece that uses a stream of compressed air, water, and abrasive particles to remove plaque and calculus from the teeth and gums.

Laser Scaling: Laser scaling involves the use of a laser instrument to remove plaque and calculus from the teeth and gums. This type of scaling is relatively painless and can be more precise than manual scaling.

Examination: The dentist or dental hygienist will perform an initial examination of your teeth and gums to determine the extent of the build-up of plaque and calculus. They may also take X-rays to see any underlying issues.

Anaesthesia: In some cases, local anaesthesia may be used to numb the area and reduce discomfort during the scaling process.

Scaling: The dental professional will use a special instrument, such as a scaler or curette, to remove the plaque and calculus from the teeth and gums. They will carefully scrape the build-up from the tooth surface and below the gum line. Ultrasonic instruments, air abrasion, or laser instruments may also be used.

Polishing: Once the plaque and calculus are removed, the dental professional will polish the teeth using a special toothpaste and a high-speed brush. This helps to remove any remaining stains and smooth the tooth surface to prevent future plaque build-up.

Fluoride treatment: Finally, a fluoride treatment may be applied to the teeth to strengthen the enamel and protect against future decay.

Removes Plaque and Tartar: Dental scaling removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums, which helps to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.

Prevents Gum Disease: Gum disease is caused by the build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth and gums. Dental scaling helps to remove this build-up and prevent the development of gum disease.

Reduces Risk of Tooth Loss: Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. By removing plaque and tartar, dental scaling helps to reduce the risk of tooth loss.

Improves Oral Health: Dental scaling can help improve overall oral health by removing harmful bacteria and preventing the development of oral diseases.

Freshens Breath: Dental scaling removes the build-up of plaque and tartar, which can cause bad breath. By removing this build-up, dental scaling can help to freshen breath.

Enhances Aesthetics: Dental scaling can remove surface stains and make the teeth appear brighter and cleaner, which can enhance the overall aesthetics of the smile.

Prevents Systemic Health Issues: Oral health is linked to many systemic health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. By maintaining good oral health through dental scaling, you can help to prevent these health issues.

Consult with your Dentist: Before undergoing dental scaling, it’s important to consult with your dentist to ensure that the procedure is right for you. They will evaluate your oral health and medical history to determine if dental scaling is safe for you.

Share Medical Information: It is important to disclose your medical history, any allergies, or medications you are taking to your dentist prior to the procedure. This is important because some medical conditions, such as heart disease or a compromised immune system, may require special precautions.

Inform of Discomfort: Dental scaling may cause some discomfort, especially if the procedure is done without local anaesthesia. If you experience discomfort during the procedure, inform your dentist immediately.

Avoid eating immediately after: It is recommended to avoid eating immediately after the procedure as your mouth may be numb and you may accidentally bite your tongue, lips or cheek.

Follow Post-procedure instructions: Your dentist may give you some post-procedure instructions such as avoiding smoking, eating hard or sticky foods, or using mouthwash. It is important to follow these instructions to ensure a smooth and healthy recovery.

Sensitivity: It is common to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks after a dental scaling procedure. This sensitivity should go away within a few days, but if it persists, you should inform your dentist.

Gum irritation: After dental scaling, your gums may feel irritated and sensitive. This is normal and usually goes away within a few days.

Infection: Although rare, it is possible to develop an infection after dental scaling. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, or pain in the gums. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your dentist.

Damage to teeth or gums: In rare cases, dental scaling can cause damage to the teeth or gums. This can include chips or cracks in the teeth or damage to the gum tissue. However, this is rare and can usually be avoided by using the appropriate tools and techniques during the procedure

Avoid hard or crunchy foods: After dental scaling, your teeth and gums may be sensitive, so it’s best to avoid hard or crunchy foods that can irritate the gums or damage the teeth.

Avoid smoking: Smoking can cause staining and damage to your teeth and gums, so it’s best to avoid smoking after the procedure.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: After dental scaling, it’s important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating the gums or damaging the teeth. Your dentist may also recommend a specific type of toothpaste or mouthwash to use.

Use a salt water rinse: Your dentist may recommend that you rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to help reduce swelling and promote healing.

Take over-the-counter pain relievers: If you experience any discomfort after the procedure, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as directed by your dentist.

Attend follow-up appointments: Your dentist may recommend a follow-up appointment to check on your progress and ensure that your teeth and gums are healing properly. It’s important to attend these appointments as scheduled.

People with gum disease: If you have gum disease, which is characterized by inflammation and infection of the gums, dental scaling is an important part of the treatment process. Scaling helps to remove plaque and tartar that have built up under the gum line and contribute to gum disease.

People with a history of cavities: If you have a history of cavities, dental scaling can help to remove plaque and tartar that contribute to tooth decay. By removing these deposits, dental scaling can help to prevent future cavities.

Smokers: Smokers are at an increased risk of developing gum disease, as well as staining and discoloration of the teeth. Dental scaling can help to remove plaque and tartar that contribute to these problems.

People with crowded or crooked teeth: If you have crowded or crooked teeth, it can be more difficult to effectively clean your teeth, which can lead to the build-up of plaque and tartar. Dental scaling can help to remove these deposits and prevent future dental problems.

People with a history of poor oral hygiene: If you have a history of poor oral hygiene, including infrequent brushing and flossing, you may be more likely to need dental scaling to remove build-up of plaque and tartar.

As part of preventive dental treatments: Most dentists recommend getting a dental check-up and cleaning every six months, which includes scaling and polishing to remove plaque and tartar build-up.

Certain medical conditions: If you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or immune disorders, you may be at a higher risk of oral health problems. Your dentist may recommend more frequent scaling to help manage these conditions.

Bad breath: If you have persistent bad breath, even after brushing and flossing, scaling may be necessary to remove any build-up of bacteria on your teeth and gums.

All of us here at Kigo Dental are committed to providing you with the best dental care available, and we do so with a smile.

Our entire staff, from receptionists to dental hygienists and assistants, is committed to providing you with the best quality dental care possible

From the time you walk through the door and every time you revisit, you will experience this firsthand.

Kigo Dental has a team of experienced and skilled Orthodontists and other specialised dentists who specialise in providing high-quality dental care and treatments, utilising the latest technologies and techniques to ensure the best outcomes for their patients.