Scaling and Root planing

 
Dental scaling is routinely performed to
Buildup- help patients with gum disease and
development,
excessive plaque buildup. While a
amplification
standard cleaning will address the
Loose- free, surface of the tooth, scaling goes much
release, deeper.
detach
Scaling is a common dental procedure
Symptom- for patients with gum disease. This is a
sign, type of dental cleaning that reaches
indication, below the gumline to remove plaque
manifestation
buildup. The process of scaling and root planing the teeth is often referred to as a deep
Beneath- cleaning teeth procedure.
under, below, Everyone experiences some form of plaque buildup. The saliva, bacteria, and proteins
underneath in mouth form a thin layer that covers teeth at almost all times. While eating, tiny
Handheld- particles, acids, and sugars from the food stick to this film, creating a buildup on the
manual teeth known as plaque. The bacteria that live in this plaque can cause gum disease and
Scrape- tooth decay. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings help remove the plaque
clean, and prevent more serious problems.
remove, Thus, if the gums are healthy, the tissue will fit tightly around the tooth and keep
brush plaque out. However, if gum disease begins to form, this tissue will loosen. Healthy
Insert- set, gums attach to the tooth just 1 to 3 millimeters below the gumline. With gum disease,
place, patients begin to develop deeper pockets. These can fill with plaque, worsening the
introduce problems and causing symptoms like bad breath.
If there are pockets of 4 millimeters or more, the dentist will probably recommend
Flush-
cleanse, dental scaling to remove the plaque beneath the gumline and help treat the gum
swab, rinse disease.
out Dental scaling involves the careful removal of plaque bacteria from the tooth’s surface
Sensitive- just below the gumline. There are two basic methods for scaling teeth. If the dentist
tender, uses handheld instruments, he or she will scrape plaque from the tooth using a metal
susceptible, tool known as a dental scaler and curette. The dentist inserts this thin tool beneath the
sore, delicate gum line to access plaque the toothbrush can’t reach.
Desensitize- Alternately, the dentist chooses an ultrasonic instrument to scale the teeth. This features
numb,  a vibrating metal tip combined with a cool water spray. The tip chips tartar away as the
blunt, deaden  water flushes out the pocket.
dull,  Dental scaling is typically followed by a procedure known as root planing. Root
Smooth- planing reaches deeper to address the surface of the tooth’s root. This is done in the
facilitate, same manner as scaling. Root planing smooths the surface of the root so the gums can
make easier reattach properly.
Dental scaling can be uncomfortable, particularly in case of sensitive gums. The dentist
Swelling -
inflammation offers a local anesthetic to numb the gum tissue and make the procedure more
comfortable. Patients may speak with their dental care provider about options for
Bleeding- desensitizing the area if they are concerned about pain or discomfort during the
hemorrhage
process.
Dental scaling can take several visits, each one addressing a different portion of the
mouth. Some dentists divide the mouth into four quadrants, while others will perform
dental scaling in two halves. If patients are nervous about the process, they may ask their dentist to schedule
the scaling procedure for a single visit.
The mouth may feel sore and sensitive after dental scaling and root planing. Some patients experience
swelling or bleeding for a few days following the procedure. The dentist may suggest a desensitizing
toothpaste to help ease this discomfort. Patients get a prescription mouthwash to use after the procedure, as
well, to help keep the gums clean. It’s crucial to use proper brushing and flossing procedures after scaling to
stop plaque from forming again in the same areas.

Comprehension check:
1. Dental scaling is performed to help patients with gum disease and excessive plaque buildup. T/F
2.The process of scaling and root planing the teeth is also called deep cleaning of teeth procedure. T /F
3.Healthy gums attach to the tooth 4 to 5 millimeters below the gumline. T/F
4. Handheld instruments used to scrape plaque from the tooth are dental scaler and curette. T /F
5. Root planing is followed by dental scaling procedure. T/F
6. Root planing reaches deeper to address the surface of the tooth’s root. T/F
7. At least 4 visits are needed to perform a dental scaling. T/F

Find out the definitions of the terms in the box below:

a. dental scaling; b. plaque; c. gumline; d. tooth decay; e. flossing; f. curette; g. root planing;
h. anesthetic; i. mouthwash

1__________line along which the gum meets the tooth.
2__________ removal of accretions from the crowns and roots of teeth.

3__________dense, nonmineralized, highly organized biofilm of microbes, organic and inorganic material
  derived from the saliva, gingival crevicular fluid, and bacterial byproducts.
4__________ dental cavities or dental caries, is the destruction of the outer surface (enamel) of a tooth.
5__________ loop, ring, or spoon-shaped instrument, attached to a handle and having sharp or blunt edges;
used to scrape tissue from a surface.
6__________ periodontal procedure that removes bacterial deposits (calculus and plaque) from the 
crowns and roots of affected teeth.
7__________ use of a synthetic thread to dislodge plaque, foods and microbes from the lateral
 borders of teeth.
8__________ remedy that relieves or allays pain.
9__________ flavored, usually antiseptic solution used for cleaning the mouth and freshening the breath.