What is Dental Scaling and Polishing? – Teeth Cleaning and Polishing in HSR Layout Bangalore

Dental Scaling and Polishing are the procedures to keep the teeth and gums healthy and prevent bacterial growth. Teeth cleaning means removing plaque (a thin bacterial film) and tartar (hardened plaque) from the tooth’s surface and even below the gum line – Bangalore Dental Specialists

Dental Polishing is a procedure performed after cleaning to smoothen the tooth surface and prevent further plaque build-up.

Why are these procedures necessary? – Teeth Cleaning and Polishing in HSR Layout Bangalore:

The mouth contains some bacteria usually. These bacteria, saliva, and proteins form a thin layer on the tooth surface.

When we eat, tiny food particles, sugars, and acids from the food stick to this film leading to plaque build-up.

This film can store bacteria that cause gum diseases. If this plaque is not removed periodically, it can harden up and lead to the formation of tartar (calculus). It is hard to remove tartar with routine brushing and requires professional cleaning and polishing.

Signs that I need Teeth Cleaning:

• Extrinsic stains (discoloration of teeth caused due to smoking, tobacco, tea, or coffee)
• Foul-smelling breath that doesn’t go away even after brushing
• Swollen, tender, or red gums
• White or yellow deposits on the tooth surface
• Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing
• Gums receding downwards, exposing the tooth’s root

Types of Dental Scaling- Teeth Cleaning and Polishing in HSR Layout Bangalore:

Dental Scaling can be of the following types:

Prophylaxis Cleaning:

Also known as routine cleaning, it is a teeth-cleaning procedure that is performed on otherwise healthy individuals. It is a preventive treatment that aids in maintaining excellent oral health.

Scaling:

It is a procedure to remove plaque (a bacterial film) and tartar (hardened plaque), which gets deposited on the tooth surface. Your dentist may opt for deep scaling, which removes tartar from below the gum line as well.

Root Planing:

It is a deep cleaning process that removes tartar from the surface of the tooth’s root below the gum line. It also promotes the process of re-attachment of gums in advanced gum diseases.

Procedure – Teeth Cleaning and Polishing in HSR Layout Bangalore:

It is a multi-step cleaning process as described below:

• Plaque Removal: Plaque contains diverse bacteria that can progress to severe gum diseases if not removed. Since it is a sticky film, dentists use specialized dental instruments to locate and clean plaque.

• Tartar Removal: It is known as calculus or hardened plaque. If not treated, plaque hardens into yellow deposits on the tooth surface and may extend below the gum line. This can now be cleaned only by professional teeth cleaning.

• Dental Polishing: After plaque and tartar have been removed from the tooth surface, dental polishing is done. Dentists use specific tools to polish the teeth. This makes the tooth surface smooth and prevents the re-attachment of plaque.

Are these procedures painful? – Teeth Cleaning and Polishing in HSR Layout Bangalore:

No. Dental Scaling and Dental Polishing do not cause any pain. However, the dentist may administer local anesthesia to minimize the discomfort.

Factors affecting cost and time taken in the procedure:

On average, dental scaling and polishing may take 30 minutes to one hour in a single sitting. It cost may depend on certain factors, such as:

• the current dental status of the patient
• the severity of the disease
• the general health of the patient
• acceptance of the patient toward the treatment

Aftercare – Teeth Cleaning and Polishing in HSR Layout Bangalore:

• If local anesthesia was used, avoid eating till its effect wears off
• If gum tissues are inflamed, use a soft bristle toothbrush and brush gently
• Do a warm saline rinse 3-4 times a day, especially after meals
• If your dentist has advised you to take any medicines, make sure that you do
• Avoid using any tobacco products or smoking
• Avoid consuming too hot or too cold foods within the first 24 hours after the procedure
• Do not eat chewy, sticky, or hard food