At KLINIK PERGIGIAN DR CHEONG in Taman Molek, we are committed to providing top-quality dental care to ensure our patients enjoy healthy, beautiful smiles. One of our key services is professional dental scaling and polishing, a routine yet essential procedure that helps maintain your oral health by effectively removing plaque and tartar buildup. Our experienced dentists use advanced equipment and techniques to deliver gentle yet thorough treatments, leaving your teeth clean and polished. Whether you're looking to prevent dental issues or enhance your smile's appearance, our scaling and polishing services are tailored to meet your needs.
Scaling: Scaling is a dental procedure that involves the removal of plaque and tartar (calculus) that have accumulated on the teeth and below the gumline. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth, while tartar is hardened plaque that cannot be removed by brushing alone. Scaling helps to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath by thoroughly cleaning the teeth and gums.
Polishing: Polishing is the final step in the scaling procedure, where the teeth are polished to remove surface stains and achieve a smooth, shiny finish. This step helps to improve the appearance of the teeth, making them look cleaner and brighter.
When you visit KLINIK PERGIGIAN DR CHEONG for scaling and polishing, you can expect a comfortable and professional experience. Here's a step-by-step outline of what typically happens during your appointment:
1. Initial Examination: Our dentist will begin with a thorough examination of your mouth to assess your oral health and determine the extent of plaque and tartar buildup. This may involve checking for signs of gum disease and other oral health issues.
2. Scaling Process: Our dentist will carefully remove plaque and tartar from your teeth using specialized dental instruments: hand scalers and an ultrasonic device. Hand scalers are used to remove hard tartar, while the ultrasonic device uses vibrations and a water spray to loosen and wash away tartar.
3. Polishing: After scaling, a gritty polishing paste is applied to the teeth using a slow-speed handpiece with a soft rubber cup. This step helps remove surface stains and leaves your teeth smooth and shiny.
4. Fluoride Treatment (Optional): In some cases, a fluoride treatment may be applied to help strengthen your teeth and protect against cavities.
5. Post-Treatment Care Instructions: After your cleaning, our dentist will provide you with personalized advice on maintaining your oral hygiene and how to prevent future plaque buildup.
Regular scaling and polishing offer numerous benefits for your oral and overall health:
1. Prevention of Gum Disease: By removing plaque and tartar that accumulate along the gum line, scaling helps prevent gingivitis and periodontitis, two common forms of gum disease.
2. Fresher Breath: Tartar and plaque can harbor bacteria that produce foul-smelling compounds, leading to bad breath. Regular cleanings help keep your breath fresh.
3. Enhanced Oral Hygiene: A polished tooth surface makes it more difficult for plaque to adhere, promoting better oral hygiene between dental visits.
4. Improved Aesthetic Appearance: Scaling and polishing remove surface stains and tartar that can make your teeth look yellow or discolored, giving you a brighter, more attractive smile.
5. Reduced Risk of Tooth Decay: By eliminating plaque and tartar, scaling helps prevent the formation of cavities, reducing the risk of tooth decay and the need for restorative treatments.
Getting your teeth scaled every six months helps keep your teeth and gums healthy and may also lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
If plaque and tartar are left untreated, they can lead to several serious oral health issues:
1. Gum Disease: Plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. In its early stages (gingivitis), your gums may become swollen and bleed easily. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which can cause gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss.
2. Tooth Decay: Plaque contains acids that can erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Once a cavity forms, it requires a filling or other treatment to restore the tooth.
3. Persistent Bad Breath: Bacteria thrive in plaque and tartar, producing odors that can cause chronic bad breath (halitosis).
4. Tooth Loss: Advanced gum disease can lead to the destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth, including the bone, eventually resulting in tooth loss.
1. How often should I have scaling and polishing done?
It is generally recommended to have scaling and polishing every 6 months. However, depending on your oral health condition, our dentist may suggest more frequent visits.
2. Is scaling and polishing suitable for everyone?
Yes, it is suitable for most people, including those with braces, dental implants, or gum disease. However, your dentist will evaluate your individual needs before proceeding.
3. Can scaling and polishing damage my teeth?
No, when performed by a professional, scaling and polishing are safe and beneficial. It does not harm your teeth or enamel but helps maintain their health.
4. Does the procedure hurt?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during scaling and polishing. For patients with severe gum disease or heavy tartar buildup, local anesthesia can be used to reduce discomfort during a dental cleaning.
5. Can I eat and drink immediately after the treatment?
It is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after the procedure before eating or drinking to allow the fluoride treatment to set and the teeth to adjust.
6. Is it normal to feel sore after a dental scaling?
Yes, it's normal to feel some soreness and sensitivity after scaling, and it usually goes away within a week. To reduce discomfort, avoid hot or cold foods, brush with lukewarm water, and aim to get your teeth cleaned 1-2 times a year at a dental clinic.
7. Do teeth gaps become larger after dental scaling?
Dental scaling itself does not typically cause teeth gaps to become larger. However, if there is a buildup of tartar that has been holding teeth in place, removing it can sometimes reveal existing gaps that were previously less noticeable. But don’t skip your scaling just because the gaps seem bigger! Tartar can irritate your gums, and if it isn’t removed, it can lead to gum recession over time. Regular scaling are essential for maintaining your oral health!
Regular dental scaling and polishing are essential for maintaining optimal oral health and a radiant smile. At KLINIK PERGIGIAN DR CHEONG, we are committed to providing top-quality care with our professional, personalized services in Taman Molek, Johor Bahru. Don’t let plaque and tartar compromise your oral health—schedule an appointment today and experience the benefits of a cleaner, brighter smile. Your journey to better dental health starts with us!
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