Dental scaling is a professional procedure performed by a dental hygienist or dentist to remove accumulated deposits, specifically plaque and calculus (tartar), from the tooth surfaces. The goal of scaling is to clean the tooth surface both above and slightly below the gum line to maintain or restore gum health. By eliminating these hardened deposits, the procedure helps prevent the progression of gum disease, which is the primary reason this treatment is recommended.
The Purpose of Dental Scaling
Scaling is necessary due to the continuous buildup of bacteria, which forms a sticky film known as dental plaque. If plaque is not regularly removed through brushing and flossing, it mineralizes by absorbing calcium from saliva, often within 24 hours. The resulting substance is calculus, or tartar, a hard, porous deposit that firmly adheres to the tooth surface and cannot be removed with a toothbrush or floss alone.
Calculus accumulation near the gum line triggers an inflammatory response in the surrounding tissues. This initial inflammation is known as gingivitis, characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. If calculus remains, the inflammation progresses to periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease involving the destruction of bone and connective tissue. Scaling removes these hardened deposits, eliminating the source of inflammation and stopping the progression of tissue and bone loss.
Tools and Techniques Used in Scaling
The process of scaling relies on a combination of advanced powered instruments and precision manual tools. Most procedures begin with an ultrasonic scaler to remove the largest deposits of calculus. These devices use a vibrating tip that oscillates at high frequencies (typically 25,000 to 50,000 vibrations per second) to chip away at the hardened tartar.
The ultrasonic scaler simultaneously sprays a stream of water, which serves two important functions: flushing away dislodged debris and cooling the rapidly vibrating tip. The combination of mechanical vibration and the water spray creates shock waves through a process called cavitation. This efficiently breaks the bond between the calculus and the tooth surface. Patients often experience this as a distinct vibrating sensation and a constant stream of water inside the mouth.
Following the ultrasonic treatment, the dental professional uses specialized manual instruments, such as curettes and sickle scalers, for fine-tuning and meticulous removal. These hand instruments allow for a high degree of tactile precision to clean specific areas and root surfaces that the powered scaler might miss. Manual scalers work by mechanically scraping the surface to ensure a smooth, calculus-free tooth structure. These professional tools are designed for expert use and should never be used to replicate the procedure at home.
Scaling Versus Root Planing and Polishing
Scaling is often confused with other routine dental procedures, but it differs significantly in its depth and purpose. A standard dental cleaning, known as prophylaxis, typically includes scaling the tooth surfaces above the gum line, followed by polishing. Polishing uses a rubber cup and an abrasive paste to smooth the enamel, which helps prevent new plaque from adhering easily.
Scaling alone removes calculus from the tooth crown and the upper part of the root. Root planing, conversely, is a deeper intervention that specifically targets the root surfaces below the gum line, often requiring local anesthesia for patient comfort. During root planing, the professional smooths the root surface to remove microscopic roughness that harbors bacteria, encouraging the gum tissue to reattach to the tooth.
Together, scaling and root planing are frequently referred to as a “deep cleaning.” This combined procedure is reserved for patients exhibiting signs of periodontitis, specifically when gum pockets measure four millimeters or deeper. The goal of this deeper treatment is to completely remove the source of infection from the root surface, an area that routine scaling would not fully address.
Post-Scaling Care and Follow-Up
Immediately after a scaling procedure, patients may experience minor gum soreness, mild bleeding, and increased tooth sensitivity to temperature. This discomfort is temporary and resolves within a few days as the gums begin to heal. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, are often recommended to manage any tenderness.
The dental professional will advise specific aftercare instructions to promote healing and minimize sensitivity. Rinsing the mouth several times a day with warm salt water can help soothe the irritated gum tissue. For the first 48 hours, it is suggested to avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, and to refrain from smoking, as tobacco use can significantly delay healing.
Maintaining the results of the scaling requires adherence to a rigorous home care routine and regular professional maintenance. Depending on the severity of the initial gum disease, follow-up appointments, known as periodontal maintenance, are typically scheduled every three, four, or six months. These frequent visits prevent the rapid reaccumulation of calculus, which can restart the inflammatory cycle and lead to further disease progression.