Good oral health is prerequisite to good health and well-being. Regular visits to the dentist prevent dental problems through maintaining healthy teeth and gums. These two perspectives upon promoting oral health are scaling and deep cleaning teeth. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to two different procedures that achieve somewhat different purposes.
What is Scaling?
Scaling is a dental procedure that involves the removal of plaque and tartar, which accumulates on the surface of the teeth and the entire gum line. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth following eating and drinking. When it is not removed, it hardens into tartar, which may eventually lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Scaling is the procedure during which a dentist or dental hygienist scrapes off plaque and tartar from the teeth with the use of specific instruments. When done below the gum line, this process is called root planing. Scaling is recommended to most patients with excess plaque or the initial stages of gum disease.
What is Cleaning Teeth?
The act of cleaning teeth is also referred to as prophylaxis. This is a routine dental procedure in which plaque and stains are removed from the surface of the teeth. Unlike scaling, which focuses on removing hardened plaque and tartar, cleaning of teeth is a preventive measure to maintain good oral health.
A dental cleaning near you will use a small tool known as a scaler during a routine cleaning to scrape off plaque and tartar on the surface of the teeth. In addition, a high-powered electric brush will be used in order to polish the teeth to remove any leftover plaque or stains, thus helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Deep Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning Teeth
Deep cleaning is referred to as root planning. This cleaning goes below the gum line. This procedure is recommended for patients who have any signs of gum disease, like red, swollen, or bleeding gums. It is a much more intense procedure,-always done in two sittings-by comparison to standard cleaning.
The first appointment involves the dentist or dental hygienist performing scaling to rid the tooth surfaces of plaque/tartar along the gum line. Use of a tool called a curette allows the professional to clean below and smooth out all of the roots of the teeth. Usually scheduled a few weeks apart, a second appointment entails follow-up scaling and root planing to ensure all plaque and tartar have been removed.
On the other hand is the regular cleaning, done basically for the prevention of any disease. It is generally recommended on patients having good oral health and should be done every six months during the routine dental checkup. Regular cleaning entails removing of plaque and stained material from the surfaces of the teeth and polishing them to avoid any plaque buildup.
Benefits of Scaling and Cleaning Teeth
There are a number of advantages in scaling and cleaning the teeth. These advantages include:
- Preventing Gum Disease: The primary cause of gum disease is the presence of bacteria in plaque and tartar build-up along the gum line. The removal of these harmful substances helps prevent gum disease.
- Tooth Decay Prevention: Plaque formation may cause tooth decay when not removed. The process of scaling and cleaning teeth removes plaque from the surface of the teeth, which helps prevent cavities.
- Fresh Breath: Plaque formation may also cause bad breath. The process of scaling and cleaning teeth can help improve bad breath by removing plaque and tartar.
- Brighter Smile: Regular cleaning can remove stains from coffee, tea, or tobacco, making your smile brighter.
- Saves Money: Preventing dental problems can save you money in the long run by preventing scaling and cleaning teeth. Dental treatments for gum disease and tooth decay can be costly, so investing in preventive measures can help you avoid these expenses.
Your Partner for a Healthy and Radiant Smile
Scaling is considered a more intense process because it is intended to remove the most plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and along the gum line, while cleaning is more of a preventive process to ensure no further plaque builds up on the teeth. Both procedures have their own individual benefits toward good oral health, such as preventing gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath, and they help save money on expensive treatments.
If you’re looking for a dental cleaning nearby, be sure to contact Atlas Dental Centre, your trusted dentist in SW Calgary. We focus on providing high-quality dental care, ensuring your scaling and cleaning procedures are effective yet comfortable. Contact Atlas Dental Centre and set up your appointment today- it’s time to take the next step toward a healthy, radiant smile!