Page 24 - Boyne Dental E-Mag

Everyone is advised to brush their teeth at least twice a day or after every meal to avoid teeth dam-
age. However, there are cases where plaque and tartar build up still occurs. This happens because
the mouth and the teeth have bacterial film. As a person eats food, the food is converted into
starch or sugar, which then combines with bacteria. As tis cycle continues, the teeth are placed in a
more acidic environment, which can cause stains and damage to the enamel and even the roots. It
is important, therefore, that regular brushing is complemented by a thorough dental cleaning such
as scaling and polishing.

Scaling also known as conventional periodontal therapy, non-surgical periodontal therapy or deep

cleaning— is the process of removing or eliminating the bacteria and microbial toxins or dental
plaque, and tartar which cause inflammation, helping the tissues that surround and support the
teeth free of diseases. Scaling usually follows, if necessary, dental x-rays and an ultrasonic debride-
ment (cleaning) frequently as part of a normal periodic oral examination. It may refer to both of the
following procedures:

 Scale and polish above the gum line (supra gingival scale)

 Scale and polish below the gum line ( sub gingival scale)

or “cleaning” (debridement) may refer to the first and “deep cleaning” to the second.

Prior to these procedures, the patient is generally numbed in the area intended for dental instru-
mentations. Because of the deeper nature of periodontal scaling and root planning, either half or
quarter of the mouth is generally cleaned during one appointment. This allows the patient to be
entirely numbed in the necessary area during treatment. It is typically not recommended to have
entire mouth scaled at one appointment because of the potential inconveniences and complica-

tions of numbing the entire mouth, like inability to eat or drink and self injury by biting, etc.

An electric device known as ultrasonic or sonic scaler is used during scaling. Ultrasonic scalers vi-
brate at a frequency to help with removing stains, plaque and calculus (tartar). It creates tiny air
bubbles through a process known as cavitation. These bubbles serve an important function for per-
iodontal cleanings. Since the bacteria living in the pockets are anaerobic, meaning unable to sur-
vive in the presence of oxygen, these bubbles help to destroy them. The oxygen helps to break
down bacterial cell membranes and cause them to explode.