Teeth Scaling vs. Cleaning: Dentist in Toronto Breaks Down Differences
Teeth scaling, tooth cleaning, deep dental cleanings—aren’t they all the same? In fact, they aren’t, and knowing the distinctions can give you the vocabulary to express what you need to our Toronto dentist. Your regular teeth cleaning does involve some scaling, which is when a hygienist scrapes off plaque and tartar buildup. However, a deep dental cleaning, which is used to treat gum disease, offers more advanced scaling, in addition to something called root planing. Below, the team at White Tooth Dental explains what these treatments are and when they’re right for you.
The Purpose and Steps of Teeth Cleaning
Teeth cleaning is the routine dental hygiene procedure you get when you visit White Tooth Dental twice a year for your checkup. The goal of this type of cleaning is to maintain your smile and prevent future dental problems. We can also use these cleanings to address superficial tooth stains caused by your lifestyle. That means you can walk out with a brighter smile, no longer dimmed by food, coffee, or tobacco use.
It generally doesn’t hurt to get your teeth cleaned. In fact, the procedure is very simple:
- We Take a Look: Your dental hygienist will start by examining your teeth and gums to note any changes or areas that may need particular attention.
- Your Teeth Are Cleaned: If tartar is present, the hygienist will use a scaling tool to remove it from above the gum line.
- We Shine Your Smile: Once your teeth are free of plaque and tartar, we use a high-powered toothbrush with gritty toothpaste or a rubber cup with polishing paste to smooth out your teeth. This step helps remove any remaining plaque or stains.
- Floss to Finish: After polishing, our hygienist will do a flossing session, which helps make sure no particles are left from the procedure.
The Purpose and Steps of Teeth Scaling
Teeth scaling and root planing (SRP), also known as deep dental cleaning, is a specialized cleaning procedure that removes plaque from beneath the gum line. The process has two steps: the scaling cleans your teeth, and the root planing smoothes the tooth root, preventing harmful bacteria from reattaching. While traditional teeth cleanings are recommended for everyone, SRP cleanings are for people suffering from gum disease.
The steps for this procedure are a little different from a regular cleaning:
- Our Dentist Plans Your Treatment: Dr. Pahuta or Dr. Temple will review your dental health history and check on the severity of your gum disease. We may only need to do SRP on some teeth, or we may need to address all of them.
- We Numb Your Gums: To ensure your comfort, we’ll administer local anesthesia to numb the area being treated.
- Plaque Is Tackled First: Using specialized instruments, the dentist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. That includes cleaning out the pockets around your teeth, as well as your tooth roots beneath the gum line.
- We Even Out Your Tooth Roots: For root planing, we smooth out the rough spots on your teeth, eliminating the places where bacteria can hide. Smoothed roots can also help your gums reattach to your teeth.
How to Know What Treatment You Need
For regular teeth cleanings, you don’t need a specific sign! You should be visiting White Tooth Dental every six months for a cleaning. However, you may be overdue if you’ve noticed your teeth look dull, have plaque or tartar buildup, or can’t remember the last time you went to the dentist.
By contrast, gingivitis—or its more advanced stage, periodontitis—has specific signs. You may notice red, swollen gums that bleed easily, chronic bad breath, and loose teeth. These are always signs to see our dentist in Toronto for a tooth scaling and root planing treatment.
Common Tooth Cleaning and Deep Dental Cleaning Misconceptions
- Cleaning Is Enough for All Dental Needs: Biannual tooth cleanings play a pivotal role in oral health, but they cannot replace scaling if you have periodontal issues. Cleanings are for general health, while SRP is for targeted treatment.
- Gum Disease Is Treatable at Home: In some cases, this is true! Our Toronto dentist can recommend products and remedies. However, advanced cases of periodontitis need more aggressive treatment.
- Scaling and Root Planing Is Painful: We use deep dental cleanings to relieve the pain from gum disease. Plus, the procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia, minimizing discomfort.
Get a Personalized Verdict on Cleaning vs. Scaling for Your Smile
Tooth cleanings and SRP for gum disease are not indulgences—they’re a vital part of your healthcare. And we do mean it when we say healthcare, as your oral health is the gateway to your overall health. Poor oral hygiene and periodontal disease are linked with health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. Take a proactive step now and get the cleaning you need at White Tooth Dental. Contact us to set up your annual cleaning or SRP treatment today.
