When a dental hygienist begins cleaning, patients often hear the distinct sound of metal instruments scraping against their teeth. This process is called “scaling,” which is the professional removal of hard deposits from the tooth surface. Specialized metal tools, known as scalers and curettes, are the only instruments capable of safely dislodging this substance. Scaling is a fundamental procedure for maintaining oral health by removing harmful buildup that routine home care cannot address.
Identifying Plaque and Tartar
The primary targets of scaling are plaque and tartar, also known as calculus. Plaque is a soft, sticky, colorless biofilm composed of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that constantly forms on the teeth. Since plaque is soft, effective daily brushing and flossing can typically remove it at home.
If plaque is not removed within 24 to 72 hours, it begins a mineralization process. It absorbs calcium and phosphate minerals from saliva, transforming into a hard, porous, and strongly bonded deposit called tartar or calculus. This hardened material is primarily composed of calcium phosphate, making it extremely dense and similar to bone.
Once calcified, tartar adheres firmly to the tooth enamel and cannot be removed by brushing or flossing. Tartar often appears yellowish or brownish and forms both above and below the gum line. The mechanical strength of metal tools is required to fracture and shave this rock-like deposit away without damaging the underlying enamel.
Manual and Ultrasonic Scaling
Calculus removal is accomplished through two primary methods. Manual scaling involves handheld metal instruments like scalers and curettes. These tools have sharp edges and fine tips, allowing the professional to use controlled, precise strokes to physically lift and shave the calculus away.
Manual instruments provide tactile sensitivity, allowing the hygienist to feel for rough deposits, especially below the gum line. This physical scraping creates the distinct sound associated with cleaning. Manual scaling is often used for fine-tuning and ensuring complete removal of residual calculus.
The second method uses ultrasonic scalers, which rely on high-frequency vibrations to remove the bulk of the deposits. These devices feature a thin tip that vibrates thousands of times per second, creating shockwaves that shatter the brittle calculus. The tip simultaneously sprays water, called lavage, which cools the tooth surface and flushes away debris. Combining the efficiency of the ultrasonic scaler with the precision of manual instruments is often the most comprehensive approach.
The Importance of Removing Hardened Deposits
Removing dental calculus is necessary for preventing the progression of serious gum disease. Calculus creates a rough surface where new plaque easily accumulates and thrives. This bacterial buildup sits in close contact with the gum tissue, acting as a constant irritant.
These deposits initiate an inflammatory response, leading to gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen, and easily bleeding gums. If calculus remains, the inflammation progresses to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. In periodontitis, chronic bacterial infection and inflammation begin to destroy the connective fibers and underlying bone supporting the teeth.
Calculus harbors bacterial reservoirs that continuously release toxins. If left untreated, this destruction of supporting tissue can lead to gum recession, deeper periodontal pockets, and eventually, tooth loss. Periodic, professional scraping of these hardened deposits is a preventative measure that safeguards the structural integrity of the dentition.