What is ultrasonic scaling?
Ultrasonic scaling is an advanced dental procedure that I perform regularly, using a specialized machine to remove plaque and tartar from teeth.
Unlike manual scaling, which uses traditional instruments, ultrasonic scaling uses high-frequency sonic vibrations.
These vibrations help break up tartar, making it easier to remove without damaging tooth enamel.
Why is professional dental hygiene important?
Oral hygiene procedure is essential for maintaining oral health because tartar buildup can lead to various dental problems such as:
- The role of scaling in preventing periodontal disease: Almost 47% of adults over the age of 30 suffer from this condition, which can cause tooth loss.
- Tooth decay: tartar covers tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities.
According to studies, 80% of the population develops tartar in the first 6 months after a professional cleaning. Regular scaling prevents it and keeps gums healthy.
Important to remember: Accumulated tartar not only affects your smile aesthetically, but can cause gum inflammation, periodontal disease and even tooth loss.
Having your teeth cleaned at the dentist is the solution to prevent these problems and maintain proper oral hygiene.
How does tartar form?
Pla plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, constantly forms on your teeth after every meal. It calcifies into tartar if not removed by daily brushing and flossing.
In as little as 48 hours, plaque can start to harden, becoming solid tartar in a few weeks.
This buildup not only affects oral health, but can also contribute to systemic problems, with links to conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
How often should you have your teeth professionally cleaned?
The frequency of scaling can vary from person to person, depending on oral health and personal hygiene habits. In general, I recommend at least twice a year.
For patients with a predisposition to tartar build-up or gum disease, more frequent scaling may be recommended.
Signs that you need a root canal:
- Your gums bleed easily when you brush your teeth.
- You have constant bad breath, even after brushing.
- You notice staining or yellowing of your teeth.
- You feel a rough surface on your teeth, especially around the gumline.
Benefits of professional dental hygiene
Removing tartar deposits offers numerous oral health benefits, including:
- Prevent gum disease: scaling reduces gum inflammation, decreasing the risk of gum recession.
- Fresh breath: Removing tartar reduces the causes of halitosis.
- Improve the appearance of your teeth: the procedure helps remove stains caused by food and drink, such as coffee or red wine.
- Statistics suggest that patients who have regular scaling are 40% less likely to develop gum disease and 25% less likely to develop cavities.
The risks of scaling
Although tartar removal is a safe and beneficial procedure, some patients may experience some temporary side effects:
- Tooth sensitivity: Teeth may become temporarily sensitive to cold or hot foods and drinks. This sensitivity usually disappears within a few days.
- Gingival irritation: Minor bleeding may occur after the procedure, especially with pre-existing inflammation.
However, the risks are minimal and the benefits far outweigh these minor inconveniences.
Recommendations after cleaning tartar from teeth
After having your teeth cleaned at the dentist, it’s essential to follow a few rules to maintain the results and prevent tartar from reappearing:
- Brush twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to clean the spaces between your teeth.
- Rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash.
- Avoid highly pigmented foods and drinks for a few days to prevent tooth staining.
Did you know…
- Removing dental tartar helps prevent heart disease: Proper oral hygiene, including regular scaling, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by preventing bacteria in the mouth from entering the circulatory system.
- Procedure Time: The ultrasonic oral hygiene procedure generally takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of each case and the tartar buildup.
- Fresher breath: Detartration improves breathing as it removes bacteria responsible for halitosis and effectively cleans teeth and gums.
- Patient comfort: Many patients find that the ultrasonic oral hygiene procedure is less painful than traditional methods due to the vibrations that help reduce discomfort.
- Doctor’s tip: It’s recommended that people at high risk of tartar build-up have scaling more often, even three or four times a year.
Ultrasonic scaling at INO Dental
At INO Dental, we use ultrasonic scaling, which is the most modern and effective type of dental cleaning. This method:
- It is faster and less invasive than manual scaling.
- Reduces the risk of enamel damage.
- Provides extra comfort for sensitive patients, thanks to vibrations and a constant flow of water that helps cool teeth.
We welcome you at INO Dental for a consultation and professional scaling – you will regain confidence in your smile!
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