Is scaling of teeth painful?

Most frequently, people underestimate the importance of dental care and proper oral health as the basis for their future healthy their general health. Brushing and flossing are good ways to remove plaque on teeth but for a more thorough job, or to avoid other dental problems, you will need to visit a dental hygienist. The dental process of scaling or deep cleaning is one of the most common ways that people undergo proper oral hygiene. But a question that people usually want an answer to is; ‘Is scaling of teeth painful?’ In this blog, you will know what scaling entails, possible discomfort when going through the process, and how it can be handled.

Understanding Dental Scaling:

  • Teeth scaling is a procedure by a dentist that involves the removal of plaque, calculus, and bacteria from the crowns.
  • Plaque if left long enough becomes tartar and this is something that cannot be cleaned with just a toothbrush.
  • Tartar is unhealthy for the teeth and the gums; failure to have it cleaned from the teeth increases dental problems. 
  • Most scaling procedures are associated with “root planning”.
  • Shaving the surface of the roots of the teeth to create a healthy environment for the gums to rebuild properly.

Is Scaling Painful?

Dental scaling is not generally painful although it may be painful as much as depending on some factors. Here are some factors that influence the pain or discomfort experienced during scaling:

Extent of Tartar and Plaque Buildup:

  • People have to be very careful while scraping the tartar deposits on the outer margins of the gums.

Gum Sensitivity:

  •  Some of the discomforts or feeling of tenderness that people experience with the use of these brushes may include; 
  • Candidates who may at times develop discomfort or tenderness are those with sensitive gums or even those who have gum disease. 
  • This tingling feel strong or weak depending on the overall condition of the gums of the patient in question.

Pain Threshold:

  •  People are different and therefore each person has his or her pain threshold. 
  • It is possible to make common what is somewhat painful to one person, but painful in a stronger degree to another. 
  • It is always wise to express your worries with your dentist so that they can consider your tolerance while carrying out the process.

Use of Anesthesia: 

  • Several dentists apply a local anesthetic or apply numbing gel solution to the gums. 
  • This may help to dramatically decrease or even remove pain that patients may experience during scaling.

Type of Tools Used: 

  • The level of discomfort can also vary based on the kind of drills.
  • Cavitation ultrasonic scalers use vibrations to remove tartar and while some patients find it uncomfortable it is less invasive than using a manual scaler for example.

Discomfort During and After Scaling:

However, there are several ways to ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible:

  • Tell the dentist if you are facing any kind of pain or phobia about the particular treatment. 
  •  Local Anaesthesia is applied to the gum of the patient and the patient cannot feel the pain during the procedure.
  • This is quite feasible if you have a very high anxiety level or can’t handle the pain at all.
  • Use a desensitizing toothpaste as referred and recommended by a dental practitioner.
  • Use warm salt water solution to rinse the mouth when it comes to treating sensitivity in foods and drinks such as heat and cold.
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day, flossing and the use of mouthwash can help in reducing the formation of plaque.

The Benefits of Scaling:

  • There might be some slight discomfort during and after the procedure but dental scaling is very beneficial hence the slight discomfort is worth it. 
  • Thus scaling is very beneficial in avoiding severe periodontal diseases.
  • It also leads to improved general oral hygiene, improved smell, and the appearance of the teeth.

Final Thoughts:

Is scaling of teeth painful, then? It is an opinion and may differ with the different people in the society. The fact is that some people get slightly uncomfortable while for others there would be no pain. Using the current approach and especially with the availability of local surgery, most of the patients complain about the process but embrace the outcome. To get peace of mind during the procedure of dental scaling, you should go to the dentist to explain the situation and options available. Scale along with checkups and be part of the dental practice. In case you would like to get more information about the procedure or you are concerned about dental scaling, it is recommended that you contact Dynamic Clinic PK as we have the best dental Surgeon for dental scaling. So visit us and get your treatment done.