Overview
Dental Scaling is a preventive dental procedure used to remove plaque, tartar, and calculus from the tooth surfaces and below the gum line.
Dental scaling is crucial for preventing gum disease, maintaining oral health, and treating early stages of periodontal disease. It helps prevent tooth decay and gum inflammation.
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Indications
Excessive plaque buildup
Hardened calculus deposits
Early gum inflammation
Gum disease treatment
Regular maintenance
Contraindications
Absolute Contraindications
Relative Contraindications
📋 Equipment Checklist
Check off items as you gather them:
Pre-procedure Preparation
Preparation includes patient assessment, medical history review, equipment setup, and understanding contraindications.Step-by-Step Procedure
Step 1: Patient Assessment
Review medical history, assess oral condition.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Incomplete assessment
- Missed contraindications
💡 Pro Tip:
Always check for bleeding disorders.
Step 2: Equipment Setup
Prepare scaling instruments and suction.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Missing equipment
- Poor setup
💡 Pro Tip:
Use checklist approach.
Step 3: Supragingival Scaling
Remove calculus above gum line.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Incomplete removal
- Tooth damage
💡 Pro Tip:
Use proper technique.
Step 4: Subgingival Scaling
Remove calculus below gum line.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Gum trauma
- Incomplete removal
💡 Pro Tip:
Be gentle with tissues.
Step 5: Root Planing
Smooth root surfaces.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Over-planing
- Root damage
💡 Pro Tip:
Use light pressure.
Step 6: Final Inspection
Check for remaining calculus.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Missed areas
- Poor inspection
💡 Pro Tip:
Use explorer systematically.
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Post-procedure Care
Post-procedure care involves oral hygiene instructions, follow-up appointments, and monitoring for any complications.Complications & Management
Complication | Incidence | Signs | Management | Prevention |
---|---|---|---|---|
Gum bleeding | 10-20% | Minor bleeding | Pressure, hemostatic agents | Gentle technique |
Tooth sensitivity | 15-30% | Cold/hot sensitivity | Desensitizing agents | Proper technique |
Gum recession | 5-10% | Exposed roots | Monitor, gum grafting | Gentle technique |
Infection | 1-2% | Pain, swelling | Antibiotics | Sterile technique |
Clinical Pearls
Always check medical history before scaling.
Use systematic approach for complete scaling.
Be gentle with gingival tissues.
Use explorer to detect remaining calculus.
Document areas of heavy calculus.
Provide oral hygiene instructions.
Monitor for post-procedure complications.