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Dental Scaling Tools

Dental scaling is used to eliminate bacteria that stick to plaque and hardened plaque, which is called calculus, or tartar. Scaling is nonsurgical, but it's different from a standard dental cleaning in that it involves cleaning the areas of the tooth below the gum line. Scaling is usually the first treatment for periodontal, or gum, disease. Because removing calculus can be painful, the dentist may give you a local anesthetic to desensitize the nerves before the scaling procedure. Scaling is usually done with a combination of ultrasonic and hand instruments called dental scalers.

  1. Ultrasonic Scaler

    • The dentist first removes calculus using an ultrasonic scaler. This tool has a blunt tip and operates at a very high frequency, blasting away calculus through its vibrations. It also has a built-in water spray to wash out fragments and keep the tip of the instrument cool, according to the Web Dental Office website.

    Hand Scalers

    • After using the ultrasonic scaler, a dentist will usually use a hand scaler that doesn't operate on electricity. Hand scalers come in several different shapes designed for use in specific areas of the mouth. With the hand scaler, the dentist scrapes away any remaining calculus, particularly from the pockets between the teeth and gums as well as below the gum line. Hand dental scalers can have bladed, balled or pointed tips, according to DentalFearCentral. Additionally, because a dentist can't see plaque, a hand scaler allows him to identify tartar buildup and remaining rough spots by touch.

      Once the scaling is complete, the dentist will likely plane the root surfaces with a hand scaler. This smoothes them, allowing the gums to regenerate to avoid a future buildup of calculus.

    Polishing Tool

    • It usually takes one visit to complete a dental scaling; however, if there is excessive plaque accumulation, or more advanced periodontal problems, the dentist may work on only one quadrant, or one-quarter of your mouth, during a single visit. Once the scaling is complete, the dentist will usually polish your teeth. Polishing is done using an electric, slow-speed instrument with a soft rubber cup on the end, which spins, notes DentalFearCentral. A gritty toothpaste-like material is scooped into the cup and spun over and around each tooth, making it smooth.

    Pain Relief

    • Following a scaling, your gums may be sore and sensitive. An over-the counter-pain reliever can usually relieve any discomfort. Your dentist may prescribe an anti-microbial rinse if brushing is a problem. If you've experienced discomfort following a scaling in the past, you can also ask the dentist to apply a fluoride varnish to exposed root areas, which can provide relief from sensitivity.

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