Teeth Cleaning

Everybody accumulates plaque on their teeth. Plaque is a sticky film that is composed of bacteria that is adhered to teeth. If teeth are not cleaned well, this plaque can cause inflammation that can lead to the gum pulling away from the tooth to form ‘pockets’ and subsequent gum disease.

If plaque is left for long, calcium deposits harden the plaque to form tartar. Tartar is tenacious, and hard to remove with normal brushing and causes the gums to recede. Gum disease will set in, often along with bad breath.

Scaling is a painless procedure performed with a combination of ultrasonic and manual instruments to remove plaque and tartar without scratching or damaging delicate enamel. Scales and stains are removed, and the teeth polished with a flavoured paste to restore the tooth back to its original texture. At this time, the dental professional conducts a thorough examination of the teeth, the gums and the oral cavity for signs of potential problem or developing disease like early tooth decay or gum problems. Lasers, x-rays and disclosing solutions are also used depending on the clinical situation, to help detect cavities that may be present in between teeth or under the gums.

Toothpaste and toothbrush companies promise that their specially formulated products and unique designs would remove plaque and tartar and keep dental disease at bay. However, even with the most diligent home care routine, a person would not be able to access every crevice and corner of the mouth by themselves and do require professional assistance, usually once every 6 months.

If you are frightened at the very thought of getting a teeth cleaning done, then be rest assured that a dental cleaning is not a painful procedure. There is absolutely no drilling or digging in the teeth. You will only feel little pressure and vibrations during the procedure. If you are having some discomfort due to the pressure and vibrations, please inform our team dentist and he/she will do what is required to make sure you are comfortable. In a few instances, a mild amount of sensitivity may be felt. Our team dentist will manage this by applying a topical anaesthetic gel so that you are comfortable throughout the treatment.

Teeth cleaning involves two steps:

1. Scaling – Ultrasonic instruments are used to remove the plaque or tartar without disturbing or damaging the soft tissues. Mechanism of the process is, ultrasonic vibrations loosen and break down the plaque or tartar. Water is sprayed on the teeth continuously to wash away the debris.
2. Polishing – Polishing helps remove stains and makes the surface smooth. We use special pastes and polishing brushes to polish the teeth on completion of debris removal

Number of visits are determined according to the severity of the stains and deposits on your teeth. The examination performed by our dental team during your consultation will give you a clear idea of the number of visits required. In general, most individuals require a single 30-45 minute appointment for a thorough scaling and polishing. Very heavy tobacco users may require two sessions to complete the cleaning process. If you are at the initial stage of gingivitis, that is, if you have mild or moderate deposits of tartar and plaque, teeth cleaning can be done in a single visit along with your consultation. In case of severe gingivitis, two or more sittings may be needed to improve the oral condition.

It is important to get teeth cleaning done once every six months to maintain good oral health. Our team of dentists will be able to detect and treat any teeth or gum problems at the earliest if you are able to maintain twice yearly visits. In some cases, if your oral hygiene is excellent, we may skip the six-monthly cleaning schedule and instead recommend you clean your teeth every year instead.

No. Teeth cleaning is not an expensive procedure. The cost of teeth cleaning is very minimal especially when compared to more extensive dental procedures. By investing in a simple procedure such as teeth cleaning twice a year, early detection of problems can potentially save you a huge amount on future dental expenses.