The Tribune

By DR SPARKMAN FERGUSON

GUM diseases are responsible for almost all the loss of teeth in the world’s adult population. Although this is a very shocking reality, many adults continue to devote insufficient attention to the health of their mouths. Ultimately, the gums will demand attention and require some type of treatment. In many instances of gum disease, one of the early treatments is “deep scaling”.

What is deep scaling?

Deep scaling is a non-surgical dental procedure that falls under treatment for gum diseases. The treatment requires the dentist to reach between the teeth and under the gums in order to remove deep unwanted debris.

Why is deep scaling performed?

Deep scaling is performed because whenever there is trapped debris (dental calculus) under the gums, the gums become swollen and painful. The deep scaling is then performed to remove this debris that is deep under the gums and between the teeth.

How does debris get

trapped under the gums?

If debris is getting trapped under the gums, it is one of the signs that some form of gum disease maybe underway. Further, it may suggest that the disease has already caused bone loss between the teeth. Because of this bone loss, a space is created between teeth, which is called a pocket. Within this pocket (a physical space) hard crusty dental calculus accumulates and attracts other food particles to it thereby filling the pocket with debris.

Who needs deep scaling?

Persons in need of deep scaling include those who have accumulated sub gingival debris, and those who are suffering from periodontal disease.

How is deep scaling

performed in dentistry?

After it is determined that deep scaling is the indicated treatment for a patient, a dental local anaesthetic is administered to deaden the affected gums. With special scaling instruments, the dentist or dental hygienist then get it between the teeth and under the gums and remove all the debris from the pockets. The roots of the involved teeth form a part of the boundaries of the pockets and these root surfaces are scaled and cleaned during the treatment also.

What happens if deep

scaling is not performed?

If deep scaling is not performed, sub gingival debris would go unchecked, and periodontal disease would progresses. The gums would then get redder, more swollen, and more painful.

Ultimately, there will be more bone loss, increase in pocket depth, and teeth becoming shaky.

What happens after

deep scaling is performed?

If deep scaling is performed, a group of positive effects take place. First of all, the debris will no longer be impinging on the gums, nor will it be lodged on the root surfaces of teeth. As a direct result of not having the constant irritation by the dental debris, the gums begin to heal, gum bleeding begins to recede, and the normal colour of the gums begin to return.

In a matter of weeks after the deep scaling, improvement can be measured in the depth of gum pockets, and can be seen in the overall appearance of the gums.

In conclusion, should your general dentist or periodontist (gum specialist) recommend the “‘deep scaling” procedure for you, it should be seriously considered. The mere recommendation would have suggested that the condition and health of your gums was already in jeopardy. Such treatment would then put your gums back on the road to health.