Dental Cleanings

The teeth are an integral part of our everyday lives as they help us maintain a pleasing facial appearance. They also enable us to bite and chew food, making it easier for us to digest it. The microbes in the mouth could get deposited on the teeth in the form of plaque and tartar, which leaves a dull and discolored appearance on them. Moreover, they can lead to oral concerns such as cavities and gum diseases, which is why we recommend our patients visit a dentist for regular oral cleaning sessions.

Dental cleaning is the process of removing the adhered plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and tooth roots. It is carried out by means of two procedures, namely scaling and root planing.

Scaling: Scaling is a process of removing the tartar deposits on the teeth using an ultrasonic scaling device. It has a metal tip that vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies, thereby dislodging the adhered tartar deposits. The device will be combined with a jet of water, which is used to wash away the removed microbes and debris.

Root planing: Root planing is the process of thoroughly cleaning the tooth roots and smoothening them out to prevent the accumulation of microbes on them. A hook-like scaling tip is inserted between the gums and tooth roots, and the deposited tartar is scraped off. Along with it, the root surfaces will be smoothened out, and the deeper gum pockets will be cleaned by removing the food debris.

Scaling and root planing are preventive measures to keep tooth decay and gum diseases away. Removing tartar deposits helps to eliminate harmful bacteria, which would be releasing toxins and acidic substances. This can lead to erosion of the enamel and decay of the soft gum tissues.

Dental cleaning, especially root planing, is a prominent treatment procedure to provide relief from gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

A dental cleaning removes most of the harmful bacteria from the deep gum pockets. This keeps them from developing infections and also allows you to have a fresher breath.