Dental Terms
Scaling Edmonton
At Lakewood Dental Centre in Edmonton, we offer comprehensive scaling services to help you maintain optimal oral health. Scaling and root planing, also known as non-surgical periodontal therapy or deep cleaning, are essential procedures for preventing and treating gum disease. Our skilled Dr. Jeff Dutka & Dr. Mandeep Gidda is committed to providing top-notch care to ensure your periodontium is free of disease.
The Importance of Scaling and Root Planing
The primary objective of scaling and root planing is to eliminate the underlying causes of gum inflammation, which include dental plaque, its byproducts, and calculus (tartar). By addressing these issues, we can help you achieve a healthy periodontium and prevent the progression of gum disease.
Scaling involves the meticulous removal of plaque, calculus, and stains from both the crown and root surfaces of your teeth. On the other hand, root planing is a specialized treatment designed to eliminate roughened cementum and surface dentin that may be impregnated with calculus, microorganisms, and toxins.
The Scaling Process
Our scaling and root planing procedures are often referred to as deep cleaning. We use a variety of dental tools and instruments to ensure effective treatment. These may include ultrasonic instruments and hand instruments, such as periodontal scalers and curettes.
Even patients without periodontal disease can benefit from the removal of adherent plaque and calculus. In such cases, the treatment is referred to as a prophylaxis, or simply a prophy. Some of our devices are electric, known as ultrasonic or sonic scalers, which offer excellent results.
Ultrasonic and Sonic Scaling
Our sonic scalers are powered by air-driven turbines, while ultrasonic scalers utilize either magnetostrictive or piezoelectric systems to create vibration. Magnetostrictive scalers use a stack of metal plates bonded to the tool tip, induced to vibrate by an external coil connected to an AC source. These scalers often include a lavage system, which helps cool the tool during use and can deliver antimicrobial agents when needed.
While there is some debate over the advantages of sonic or ultrasonic scaling compared to traditional hand scaling, our team is well-equipped and experienced in providing the most effective and comfortable scaling services for our patients.
It's essential to address your gum health proactively. If you're due for scaling or have concerns about your periodontal health, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Contact Lakewood Dental Centre today at 780-450-2331 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Jeff Dutka & Dr. Mandeep Gidda. Our practice is conveniently located at 2831 Mill Woods Rd NW in Edmonton, AB, and we look forward to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy smile.
