What Is Teeth Scaling?

While a standard professional dental cleaning addresses the surface of the tooth, it is not intended to be a deep cleaning procedure. If your dentist has recently suggested that you need teeth scaling and root planing, it is likely because they believe you need a deeper cleaning to help keep your teeth and gums healthy and to prevent the progression of gum disease. A teeth scaling and root planing procedure is designed to remove excessive plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline in patients with gum disease. Below is more information to help you understand what a teeth scaling procedure involves, so you can feel prepared for what’s ahead.

What Is a Teeth Scaling and Root Planing Procedure?

A teeth scaling procedure involves the thorough removal of plaque and bacteria from below the gumline. To complete the procedure, a hygienist will typically use one of two approaches: handheld instruments that scrape plaque from the tooth surface, or an ultrasonic instrument that uses a vibrating metal tip combined with a water spray to break up and flush away tartar and plaque.

After the teeth scaling is complete, the next step is usually root planing, where the surface of the tooth and tooth root are smoothed to help the gums reattach properly. These procedures are often, but not always, performed together to provide a thorough and comprehensive deep cleaning.

What Does Scaling Feel Like?

You may be wondering what scraping away plaque and tartar from under the gumline feels like. The truth is, teeth scaling can be uncomfortable, particularly for patients with sensitive gums. If you are concerned about discomfort, you should speak with your dentist before the procedure and ask about options to minimize pain.

One option your dentist may suggest is applying a local anesthetic to numb the gum tissue and make the procedure more comfortable. Depending on the extent of the deep cleaning needed, the teeth scaling procedure may take several visits to address different areas of the mouth.

Why Do I Need a Scaling Procedure?

Teeth scaling is a common dental procedure recommended for patients with early or moderate gum disease. Scaling is usually necessary in addition to a standard professional dental cleaning when there is excessive plaque and tartar buildup along and below the gumline.

Daily brushing and flossing, along with regular dental cleanings, go a long way in helping remove plaque, bacteria, and tartar that build up on the teeth and in preventing more serious problems. When plaque and bacteria are not removed from the teeth, they can cause the gums to recede and become loose, early signs of gum disease.

Healthy gums attach to the tooth just below the gumline. However, with gum disease, the gums pull away, and small pockets may form. These pockets fill with plaque and bacteria, causing the gums to become more inflamed and increasing the risk of tooth decay and bone loss. For patients with pockets that are 5 millimeters or deeper, a dentist will likely recommend teeth scaling to remove plaque beneath the gumline and help treat gum disease.

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