Why Do Dentists Use Dental Scalers When Cleaning Your Teeth?

Individuals who don’t practice proper oral hygiene are more prone to cavities and tooth decay. If tooth decay isn’t treated, it can lead to a severe tooth infection that will require a root canal in Fleming Island. To ensure that it doesn’t reach this far, you should see your dentist regularly to have your teeth professionally cleaned. 

What Do Dentists Use to Clean Your Teeth?

What is Scaling?

Scaling is needed to remove plaque, bacteria, and food particles that cover your teeth. When you have an excess buildup of plaque, your dentist will perform dental scaling.

What makes scaling different from regular teeth cleaning is that it deep cleans your teeth, allowing the hygienist to go beyond the gum line to remove plaque and tartar that can get lodged in your tooth roots. Scaling is done to stop tooth decay and prevent the advancement of gum disease. This procedure may spare you from undergoing a root canal.

What Does It Feel Like?

Scaling can be a tad uncomfortable, especially for patients who have sensitive gums. However, your dentist will use local anesthesia to make the procedure bearable. 

Dental scaling normally requires several visits to your dentist, especially if your dentist will address various areas of your mouth. Although it’s the same as a root canal in terms of the number of sessions, scaling is less aggressive compared to root canal therapy. 

Are You a Candidate for Root Canal in Fleming Island?

Scaling is performed on patients with moderate gum disease but if you suffer from a severe tooth infection that has spread to your dental pulp, the procedure you’ll need is root canal therapy. If you need a dentist to restore your oral health, we’ve got you covered. At Fleming Island Dental, we are dedicated to giving you the smile you deserve. Call us to learn more about our services.