Scaling & Polishing

Dentist routinely provide scaling, with or without polishing (also commonly called “dental cleaning”), to patients attending their practices.

• Scaling is the removal of plaque, calculus (or tartar), debris and staining from the crown and root surfaces of the teeth. POLISHING is the mechanical removal of any residual extrinsic stains and deposits, typically undertaken by using a rubber cup or bristle brush loaded with a prophylaxis paste. The one of the most commonly used polishing method is prophylaxis paste used with rotary rubber cup/brush. The abrasive properties of paste vary by content and size of paste.
• Plaque induced periodontal disease includes gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a reversible gingival inflammation without loss of connective tissue attachment. Gingivitis usually considered as a precursor to periodontitis in some individuals. Periodontitis is defined as the presence of gingival inflammation at sites where there has been a pathological loss of attachment.

Hence most common and very widespread treatment for this chronic gingivitis and periodontitis is regular dental scaling and root planing. This is the thorough removal of deposits on the tooth and root surface (plaque, calculus and stain) and removal of cementum or surface dentine that is rough, impregnated with calculus or contaminated with toxins or micro-organisms. Maintenance of good oral hygiene by the patient is essential to stop disease progression. Removal of calculus is thought to be important as it is a factor in plaque retention. Antimicrobial mouthwashes, pocket irrigation, anti-calculus toothpaste use, materials to stimulate tissue regeneration, systematic antimicrobials have all been used as treatment for this condition.