Knowing About Teeth Scaling & Polishing
Before undergoing teeth cleaning, it’s important to first have a dental examination to assess your oral health. Consulting with a skilled dentist is crucial, as they will understand the potential risks, such as preventing the buildup of harmful bacteria below the gum line. If you’re a smoker, it’s recommended to refrain from smoking for a few days after teeth scaling to allow proper healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Root Cleaning & Deep Cleaning Difference
There is a key difference between deep cleaning and root cleaning. Root cleaning focuses on removing hard deposits, like tartar, from the root surfaces beneath the gum line. After a dental x-ray and gum charting, patients can better understand the distinction between these treatments. Common signs that may indicate the need for root cleaning include swollen or inflamed gums and the presence of deep gum pockets.
Treatment Procedure
The dentist begins by administering local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. Once the area is numbed, an ultrasonic cleaner or scaler is used to remove tartar and plaque from below the gum line. After cleaning, the root surfaces are smoothed to encourage the gums to reattach to the teeth. If periodontal pockets persist after dental scaling and root planning, the dentist may recommend additional treatments to promote healing and prevent further complications.