Scaling and Polishing
It is the simplest procedure that can enhance your dental health.
Every person is bound to have some degree of plaque on to his teeth irrespective of how thorough you might be with your brushing. This plaque can be a cause of bad breath, bleeding gums, loose teeth any many other such problems.
However the good news is that all this can be prevented by a 10 minute visit to a dentist every 6 months. Many of us are not familiar with dental or professional cleaning, but research suggests that dental cleaning should be done once every six months in a dental clinic. It is known by various names like scaling or polishing, teeth cleaning or professional dental cleaning. Some of us are aware of it and are regularly visiting dentist for teeth cleaning, but for those who are new here is a brief description.
The procedure of scaling and polishing
They are comprised of two basic steps, the scaling and the polishing.
So, just what is involved in scaling and polishing?
Simply, “scaling” refers to the process of scraping off the hardened pieces of plaque and tartar that are stuck to your teeth using a modern ultrasonic scaler. These are available at almost all dental clinics. Previously stainless steel scrappers were available for scaling but they have become obsolete after advent of ultrasonic scalers.
With ultrasonic scalers process has become much faster and virtually free of any side effects because it does not cause damage to teeth enamel.
‘Polishing’ refers to smoothening of teeth surface so that is becomes shiny and smooth which prevents any accumulation of food on it. This is done after teeth scaling. A polish is applied on all teeth surfaces and then it is smoothened using a rotating disc like instrument.