Scaling vs. Regular Cleaning– What’s the Difference?

Good oral hygiene is important to keep your teeth healthy. Still, many people are unsure about the dental procedures available to them. Two common and beneficial procedures include scaling and regular cleaning, which many people think are the same but provide different benefits. Before you undergo one of the procedures, it helps to know the difference.

Regular cleaning, also called prophylaxis, helps remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth. It is performed by dental hygienists and prevents problems such as cavities and gum disease. Scaling, on the other hand, is a deeper, more intensive cleaning used to treat gum disease. It cleans below the gum line that regular cleaning cannot reach.

If you are in Thornton, Colorado, do not hesitate to reach out to your local dentist and consult with them to understand which procedure can benefit you. Trusted dental clinics, such as the Alpine Dental Center, can help you take proactive steps to avoid problems in the future. Meanwhile, read this blog to know the difference between scaling and regular cleaning.

Key differences between scaling and regular cleaning

1. Purpose

The main purpose of regular cleaning is to maintain good overall oral hygiene and prevent the chances of cavities, tooth loss, and gum infections. This procedure is best for people who already have good oral health. Regular cleaning helps in removing tartar and plaque buildup that can form above the gumline.

However, dental scaling is for people who have developed gum disease or have a large amount of plaque buildup around their gum line. The main purpose of scaling is not only cleaning but also providing restorative treatment. It targets to clean plaque and tartar buildup beneath the gumline and smooth the root surfaces of your teeth. This improves the healing process and helps reattach your gums to the teeth.

2. Target areas

The targeted area of treatment of regular dental cleaning and scaling is also different. Cleaning removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth above the gumline. This includes all visible surfaces of the teeth within the mouth. Regular cleanings ensure no harmful deposits are left on the teeth. This helps prevent the formation of cavities and keeps your gums healthy.

On the other hand, scaling treats the issue beneath your gum line. This process specifically targets the roots of your teeth, where tartar and plaque formation can lead to gum disease. Scaling cleans deep under your gums to remove harmful bacteria that regular brushing and flossing can not reach.

3.Tools and techniques used

Regular cleaning uses manual instruments such as hand scalers and ultrasonic cleaners. Hand scalers are sharp tools that dentists use to remove tartar and plaque manually. Ultrasonic scalers are often used with hand tools and use high-frequency vibrations to break down hard deposits.

However, dental scaling generally involves more advanced instruments and techniques. Scaling requires strong ultrasonic scalers to remove tartar and plaque below the gumline. It helps smooth the tooth roots and reattach them to the gum.

4. Recommended frequency

For most people, regular cleaning is generally recommended every six months. These appointments help maintain oral hygiene and promote good dental health. However, if you are at a greater risk of dental problems or have a history of gum disease, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings.

On the other hand, the frequency of dental scaling depends on an individual’s oral health status. If you have periodontal disease or have a significant amount of plaque buildup, your doctor may recommend scaling every three to four months.

5. Associated costs

The costs for dental cleaning and scaling also differ because of the nature of the treatment. Regular cleaning is usually less expensive and covered by dental insurance as part of routine preventive care. It may cost you anywhere from $75 to $200, depending on the location and the complexity of your case.

However, scaling is expensive because of the use of advanced tools and techniques. The cost can range from $150 to $500 or even more if additional treatments are required.