What is Scaling?

Scaling is a dental treatment method to remove mineralized plaque build-up on the teeth that cannot be easily cleaned with a toothbrush. Tartar is formed when the bacterial layer called plaque accumulated in the mouth hardens over time. This hardened plaque can be seen as a yellow or brown deposit on the teeth.

Scaling is usually done by dentists or dental hygienists. Specialized instruments are used during this process and gently remove stones and plaque from the tooth surfaces. Scaling helps prevent gum disease and maintain dental health. It is also important for dental aesthetics because it can help remove stains and discoloration of the teeth.

How is scaling performed?

Scaling is usually performed by dentists or dental hygienists and involves the following steps:

Inspection and Evaluation: First, the dentist or dental hygienist carefully examines your mouth and teeth. Tartar and plaque buildup is identified and a treatment plan is created.

Using an Ultrasonic Device: The dentist or dental hygienist loosens and removes stones and hard plaque from tooth surfaces using an ultrasonic device. This device sends out high-frequency vibrations that cause stones and plaque to separate from the teeth.

Cleaning with Hand Tools: Next, the dentist or dental hygienist will clean your teeth using special hand instruments. These instruments are usually used for scraping or scratching and help to remove finer plaque and calculus deposits from tooth surfaces.

Polishing: After cleaning, teeth are usually polished. In this process, the tooth surfaces are smoothed and polished. This helps to prevent plaque build-up from re-occurring and keeps teeth looking cleaner and brighter.

Rinsing and Recommendations: After scaling is completed, the mouth is rinsed and the dentist or dental hygienist can give advice on dental care and hygiene. These may include regular brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups.

Scaling is usually a painless procedure, but some people with sensitivity or gum disease may experience mild discomfort during the procedure. Also, the sound of the ultrasonic device used during the procedure can be irritating. However, in general, scaling is an important treatment to maintain dental health and prevent gum disease.

Benefits of Scaling

Scaling has many benefits and these benefits include

Maintaining Dental Health: Scaling helps to maintain dental health by removing plaque and stones that accumulate on the teeth. Failure to remove plaque and calculus can lead to various oral health problems such as gum disease.

Prevention of Gum Diseases: Scaling helps prevent the development of gum disease. Plaque and calculus build-up can irritate the gums and cause gum disease, especially conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Scaling can keep gums healthy and prevent the progression of gum disease.

Reducing Bad Breath Odor: Scaling reduces the build-up of bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath, resulting in a cleaner mouth. Removing plaque and calculus can help eliminate bad breath.

Improving Dental Aesthetics: Scaling can contribute to improving dental aesthetics by making teeth appear whiter and brighter. Plaque and calculus build-up can cause stains and discoloration on the teeth. By removing this build-up, teeth can have a cleaner and more attractive appearance.

Prevention of Other Oral Health Problems: Scaling can also help prevent other oral health problems in the mouth. For example, without scaling, plaque and calculus build-up can contribute to the development of tooth decay and gum infections.

In general, regular scaling is important to maintain oral health, prevent gum disease and promote a healthier oral environment. Therefore, regular visits to the dentist and scaling is recommended.

What is teeth whitening and how is it done?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment to lighten the color of teeth and make them look whiter. Teeth whitening is usually performed with two basic methods: office whitening (performed under the supervision of a professional dentist) and home whitening (performed at home). Here are the steps that explain the general operation of both methods:

Office Whitening

Inspection and Evaluation: First, a dentist performs an oral examination and assesses whether the teeth are suitable for whitening.
Determining Tooth Color: The dentist assesses tooth color using colorimeters or color scales to determine the current color of the teeth.
Tooth Cleaning: It may be necessary to remove accumulations such as plaque and tartar on the surfaces of the teeth before whitening.
Protection Around the Teeth: A protective gel or rubber caps can be used to prevent damage to the gums and oral tissues from the whitening gel.
Applying the Whitening Gel: The dentist applies a whitening gel to the surfaces of the teeth. These gels usually contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
Activation Process: In some in-office whitening procedures, the whitening gel can be activated by light or laser. This can help speed up the whitening process and increase its effectiveness.
Waiting Time: The whitening gel must be left on the teeth for a certain period of time. This time varies depending on the product used and the existing color of the teeth.
Cleaning the Gel: BAfter the insertion time is over, the whitening gel is removed from the teeth.
Final Evaluation: The dentist will check the effect of the whitening and repeat the procedure if necessary.

Home Whitening

Inspection and Consultation: Before whitening at home, an examination with a dentist should be performed and a suitable whitening plan should be determined.
Measurement and Mold Procurement: Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to make a custom whitening tray (mold) for home use.
Applying the Whitening Gel: Your dentist will instruct you to place the gel in a special whitening tray. These gels are usually provided by the dentist and applied at home.
Tray Inserting and Waiting Time: The special whitening trays are usually worn overnight or for a set period of time and the whitening gel is allowed to work on the teeth.
Cleaning the trays: Once the whitening process is complete, the whitening trays should be cleaned and stored properly.

Both whitening methods can be effective, but it is important to take your dentist's recommendations into account and follow their instructions correctly. Also, if tooth sensitivity or other side effects occur after the whitening process, it is important to contact your dentist immediately.

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