I understand that youâre feeling anxious about the procedure, but Iâm here to help clarify things for you and hopefully ease some of your concerns.
Is Dental Calculus Removal Painful?
Removing dental calculus, also known as tartar, involves a procedure called scaling. Most people experience minimal discomfort during this process. Hereâs what you can typically expect:
During the Procedure:
Local Anesthesia: In many cases, especially if thereâs significant tartar buildup or gum inflammation, your dentist might use a local anesthetic to numb the area. This ensures you feel little to no pain during the procedure.
Sensation: You might feel some pressure and vibration from the dental tools, but this shouldnât be painful. Some people may experience slight discomfort, especially if their gums are sensitive.
After the Procedure:
Mild Soreness: Itâs common to have some mild soreness or sensitivity in your gums and teeth after scaling. This usually subsides within a few days.
Gum Irritation: The gums might be a bit irritated or swollen, but this is temporary.
What is Scaling?
Scaling is a dental procedure aimed at removing plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, particularly around and below the gum line. Hereâs a step-by-step overview of what happens during scaling:
Assessment: Your dentist or dental hygienist will examine your teeth and gums to assess the extent of tartar buildup and gum inflammation.
Scaling: Using specialized dental instruments (either manual scalers or ultrasonic scalers), the practitioner will meticulously remove the tartar from your teeth. Ultrasonic scalers use vibrations and a stream of water to break up and wash away tartar.
Polishing: After scaling, your teeth are often polished to remove surface stains and smoothen the tooth surfaces, making it harder for plaque to accumulate.
Managing Anxiety and Discomfort:
If youâre feeling scared or anxious, here are some tips:
Communicate: Let your dentist know about your fears. They can offer reassurance, explain each step of the process, and take extra measures to ensure your comfort.
Local Anesthesia: Ask if local anesthesia can be used to numb the area if youâre particularly sensitive or anxious about pain.
Relaxation Techniques: Practice deep breathing or listen to calming music during the procedure to help you relax.
Post-Scaling Care:
After the procedure, your dentist may recommend some specific aftercare steps to ensure your gums heal properly and to maintain oral hygiene:
Gum Paint or Rinses: Your dentist might suggest using a medicated mouthwash or applying a gel/paint designed to soothe and heal the gums. These products can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth gently twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss daily, and rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to keep your mouth clean.
Avoid Irritants: Avoid smoking and consuming very hot, cold, or spicy foods for a few days to prevent irritation to the treated areas.
Next Steps
By discussing your concerns openly with your dentist, they can tailor the treatment to your needs and provide additional comfort measures if necessary. Remember, the benefits of removing tartarâsuch as preventing gum disease and maintaining overall oral healthâfar outweigh the temporary discomfort you might feel.