Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

What Is Tooth Scaling? How Dental Cleanings Protect Your Oral Health in Glen Iris

Tooth scaling is a professional dental procedure designed to remove harmful buildup from your teeth and roots. In our mouths, bacteria form a sticky film known as plaque or dental biofilm, which can be removed with brushing, flossing, and interdental cleaning tools. If left undisturbed, this soft layer hardens into calculus (tartar).

Dental biofilm and calculus must be removed promptly, as toxins from accumulated bacteria can cause periodontal disease. In its early stages, routine scaling at your dental clinic can clear away bacteria and restore your oral health.

What Is Deep Cleaning?

When buildup extends below the gumline and adheres to the roots, specialized dental tools are required. This advanced procedure, called “deep cleaning” or “scaling and root planing,” involves cleaning and smoothing the tooth roots to eliminate hidden bacteria and tartar.

Deep cleaning tackles advanced deposits and is often key to stopping periodontal disease before it requires surgical intervention. Scaling and root planing help ensure all damaging bacteria are cleared from beneath the gums, reducing inflammation and allowing gum tissue to heal.

Our Approach to Tooth Scaling and Deep Cleaning

Dr. Kaufman uses the latest proven techniques for thorough, comfortable scaling and deep cleaning. In addition to removing all plaque and calculus from teeth and gums, Dr. Kaufman provides personalized advice for effective at-home care—helping you prevent future disease and maintain lasting oral health.

Gum Disease: Risks, Prevention, and Treatment for Lifelong Oral Health in Glen Iris.

It’s alarming that 3 out of 4 adults will experience gum disease (periodontal disease) during their lives, and adults over age 35 lose more teeth to gum disease than to cavities. The good news is your oral health isn’t just up to chance—gum disease can be prevented and effectively treated.

Prevention Is Key

The best approach is prevention through daily oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings. Dr. Kaufman offers professional scaling and root planing, which removes plaque and calculus from below the gum line. Smoother root surfaces allow gums to heal and halt further disease progression. After healing, twice-daily brushing, flossing, and twice-yearly checkups are essential to maintaining healthy gums.

Factors That Worsen Gum Disease

Certain lifestyle and health factors make gum disease more severe:

Reducing or managing these risks will have a significant impact on gum disease prevention.

Treatment Options

If you develop gum disease, Dr. Kaufman provides a range of non-surgical treatments: antibiotic therapy, reshaping biting surfaces, and laser-assisted scaling and root planing. If you need support or advice on managing gum disease, ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a personalized consultation.

What is the difference between Scaling and Root Planning in Glen Iris?

Following an examination of the gum tissues, your dentist may recommend treatment such as scaling and/or root planing depending on the condition of your gums, the amount of calculus (tartar) present, the depth of gum pockets, and the progression of gum disease.

What Is Scaling?

Scaling is the removal of plaque and calculus from the tooth surface above and below the gum line using special dental instruments, including ultrasonic scalers and hand scalers. During this procedure, superficial stains on the teeth are also removed, leaving your teeth looking cleaner and brighter. This helps eliminate bacteria that irritate the gums and cause inflammation.

What Is Root Planing?

Root planing is a more in-depth procedure targeting the root surfaces of teeth. It involves removing infected cementum and smoothening out rough areas on the tooth root where bacteria and toxins tend to accumulate. This smoothing allows the gums to heal properly and reattach to the tooth surface, preventing further bacterial colonization. Because the root surface may be sensitive, local anesthesia is often administered to minimize discomfort.

When Are These Treatments Necessary?

  • If gum pocket depths are 3 mm or less, scaling alone combined with good oral hygiene at home may suffice to reverse gum disease.

  • If pockets are deeper than 3 mm, root planing will likely be needed in conjunction with scaling to thoroughly remove infection and promote healing.

Healing and Outcomes

After scaling and/or root planing, a healing period of a few weeks is typical. Successful treatment eradicates harmful bacteria, allowing gum tissues to recover. As a result, gum pocket depths should reduce to less than 3 mm, and symptoms like bad breath should improve significantly.

When to Contact Your Dentist

If you notice any signs of gum inflammation such as redness, swelling, or bleeding, seek prompt evaluation and treatment. Early intervention can prevent progression to more severe gum disease and tooth loss.

For personalised advice and treatment, please contact Dr. Daniel Kaufman or schedule an appointment at Tooronga Family Dentistry.