Scaling and Polishing
Why do you need scaling and polishing?
Scaling and polishing
is the removal of plaque caused by the accumulation of bacteria that forms hard, rough plaque called “calculus” that cannot be removed by brushing.
If tartar is not removed, it will build up even more around the teeth and under the gums. It can cause cavities and gum health problems, cavities, yellow teeth, cavities, or tooth loss.
Scaling and polishing process
- The doctor will examine your mouth to see how much tartar is present.
- The doctor will use a high-frequency instrument to remove tartar. This will loosen the tartar.
- The doctor will clean your teeth.
Duration of scaling and polishing
- Scaling and polishing takes about 1 hour, depending on the amount of tartar.
Use of dental floss and dental flossing - Because bacteria accumulate all the time, it is recommended to have dental floss and dental flossing every 6 months
Aftercare after dental flossing - Brush your teeth with a toothpaste containing fluoride at least twice a day.
It is recommended to avoid acidic, sweet and cold foods as they may cause tooth decay - Use dental floss and mouthwash regularly.
- Quit smoking because studies have shown that smokers develop dental plaque faster than non-smokers.
- See a dentist every 6 months for a dental check-up and dental flossing
FAQ
A: Those who need to be careful about calculus removal and grinding include
Patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, liver disease, heart disease, and blood clotting diseases should be under close medical supervision.
Because complications may occur from calculus removal
Patients with pacemakers should not use an electric calculus removal device because an electric calculus removal device can interfere with the pacemaker and may cause abnormal heart rhythms. Therefore, if you really need to remove calculus You should only use a calculus removal device
Scaling of tartar may cause teeth grinding, but only a little bit of grinding. If you grind your teeth a lot, your doctor may consider using a special medication for teeth grinding. The tartar covering the tooth root will be removed, leaving nothing to cover the tooth pulp, resulting in the sensation of pain or tooth grinding.
It is recommended that you do not scrape tartar yourself.
Because in addition to not being able to remove tartar from the tooth, it may cause injury, spread to the mouth or cause gum inflammation and swelling.
So if you need to remove tartar, your doctor should use tools specifically designed for tartar removal only.