Dental scaling

Have deposits and gums checked

Hard yellow or brown deposits, gums that bleed when brushing or persistent bad breath warrant a check. The dentist looks for tartar and examines the tissues around the teeth. Don't just rely on what you see in the mirror: the inside of the teeth and areas under the gum line are difficult to inspect yourself.

Take advantage of the appointment to report sensitivity, your current treatments and dental work already carried out. If periodontal disease is present, the practitioner can measure the pockets around the teeth and offer more in-depth treatment. Simply removing visible deposits is not always enough to treat the entire problem.

Understand what will be done during the session

The practitioner uses hand instruments, an ultrasound device, or both. You may feel vibrations and water, with greater discomfort in certain sensitive areas. Let him know if it becomes painful: he can adapt the procedure and, for certain cleanings under the gums, offer local anesthesia.

Polishing can complement scale removal to clean some surface stains. If you are mainly looking to brighten your smile, first look at what this cleaning changes. The whitening acts differently, on the color of the teeth; It is then discussed whether the color still bothers you, once the teeth are clean and the gums taken care of.

Forecast the cost without confusing the services

Dental fees and coverage vary by country, provider and insurance plan. Ask for a clear estimate and check any insurance or public-health coverage before treatment. Routine scaling, periodontal treatment and cosmetic whitening are different services; do not assume they have the same costs or reimbursement conditions.

Resume gentle cleaning after the appointment

Teeth may be sensitive to cold after treatment, especially after deep cleaning. Maintain gentle brushing and follow the instructions received; the dentist may recommend toothpaste for sensitive teeth. If anesthesia was used, wait until sensation returns before chewing to avoid biting yourself without realizing it.

Significant or persistent pain merits calling the office. For mild discomfort, temporarily avoid what triggers it, without abandoning cleaning. Gums that are still sensitive need a delicate gesture, not several days without brushing during which plaque could accumulate again in the same place.

Limit the return of tartar

Brush all surfaces of the teeth, taking the time to pass near the gingival margin and behind the lower incisors. Add cleaning between the teeth with brushes adapted to the spaces, or floss when they are too tight. Ask the dentist to show you the forgotten areas: a small adjustment of the gesture can be more useful than a new accessory.

Anti-tartar toothpaste can stop the formation of new deposits, but will not remove those that are already hard. It does not require fluoride or regular cleaning. Also avoid acidic recipes that are supposed to dissolve tartar: you cannot count on them to selectively remove deposits while preserving your teeth.

Schedule the next session according to your needs

The right interval depends on the speed at which tartar returns and the condition of the gums. A person treated for periodontitis does not have the same needs as a person with very little deposits and healthy gums. Ask when to return for the check-up and if scaling will be necessary; the two are not automatically synonymous.