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.

Indications

Plaque Accumulation

Excessive plaque buildup

Tartar Formation

Hardened calculus deposits

Gingivitis

Early gum inflammation

Periodontal Disease

Gum disease treatment

Preventive Care

Regular maintenance

Contraindications

Absolute Contraindications

Patient refusal
Uncontrolled bleeding disorders

Relative Contraindications

Pregnancy
Recent heart surgery
Immunocompromised patients

📋 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.

Master Scaling with RxDx

Access 100+ procedure videos and expert guidance with the RxDx app

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.