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Dental Cleaning – Ultrasonic Scaling

by | Aug 4, 2016 | blog

Dental Cleaning – Ultrasonic Scaling

Dental cleaning refers to any procedure that aids in ridding the oral cavity of food debris, plaque and accumulated bacteria – all the things that can contribute to the development of caries over time. This can be practiced at home simply by brushing and flossing regularly, or can performed at the dental clinic by a professional routinely.
At times, it is not possible to reach every exposed surface of the tooth with the help of a regular tooth brush. This leads to the build-up of plaque, which hardens gradually to form a calcified substance known as calculus. Calculus is usually present on the lingual surfaces of the teeth and therefore can only be effectively removed through a dental procedure known as scaling.
Scaling and other forms of dental cleanings are generally performed by dental hygienists at clinics. The procedure is performed with the help of a mechanical device known as a hand-piece, which is fitted with tips of varying sharpness and width, depending upon the extent and location of calculus present in the mouth. This tip vibrates at a high speed to dislodge the hardened material and remove it from between the teeth and even from underneath the gums to restore optimal oral health. Scaling is a painless procedure, but patients with poor oral hygiene and gum diseases may feel sensitivity during and after the treatment – which can easily be managed with the help of topical gels and medicated mouthwashes.
It is important to book an appointment with the dentist or hygienist at least once every three months in order to have your dental health professionally evaluated. Allowing plaque and food debris to accumulate on the teeth can lead to a number of oral conditions, the most prominent of which are gingivitis and periodontitis. In severe cases, these periodontal diseases can cause inflammation of the gums, frequent bleeding, pain and sensitivity, tooth mobility, gum recession and early loss of teeth. Book an appointment with Dr George Turner and his team of associates today to learn all about maintaining excellent oral hygiene at home!