The Power of Scale and Clean in Blackwood  

In general, the dentist advises making an appointment for a scale and clean once every six months. But this can be different to your case as the frequency of having this dental service is unique for every individual. Some may need to visit the dentist for a professional scale and clean more frequently than the average recommended time. It can depend on factors like dental needs, age, and oral health conditions.

Please consider consulting our dental team at My Dentist Blackwood. We can evaluate your dental health and discuss your treatment plan.

The process of scale and clean has become minimally invasive and more efficient with advanced technology. At My Dentist Blackwood, we use modern dental equipment to effectively and gently clean teeth, accessing even the smallest crevices and spaces between them, all without the loud noise usually associated with traditional dental tools. This makes scale and clean less painful, allowing more patients to have a better dental experience.

A scale and clean appointment generally takes approximately less than an hour. The duration varies depending on the amount of plaque or tartar buildup. If you have increased tartar buildup, the process may take longer to clean your teeth thoroughly. Otherwise, you can expect to spend less time in the dental chair.

The following is the list of benefits of having a regular scale and clean on a regular basis:

• Keep your breath fresh.
  Plaque and tartar that form between your teeth harbour odour-causing bacteria responsible for bad breath. Regular scale and clean allows frequent removal of plaque and food debris, keeping your breath fresh and improving oral hygiene.
  
  
• Brighter-looking teeth.
  The buildup of plaque and tartar causes a yellowish appearance that makes your smile stained and dull-looking. Having your dentist professionally clean your teeth helps to minimise surface stains and enhance your overall appearance.
  
  
• Protect teeth and gums.
  Dental cleanings help keep plaque and tartar away from your teeth and gums, which safeguards them from tooth decay and gum disease and promotes better oral health.
  
  
• Minimises plaque buildup.
  Even with regular brushing and flossing of your teeth, some plaque can still accumulate in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. Dental scaling and cleaning in Blackwood meticulously dislodges stubborn plaque, minimising the progression to tartar buildup.

Dental scaling and cleaning in Blackwood fall under the category of general dental or basic services, which are commonly included in the dental cover of most health fund companies.

The level of cover may depend on the policy of your health fund. To get a clear understanding of what your health fund covers, it’s advisable to contact your preferred provider directly to review the policy details, including the limitations, required waiting period, and exclusions.

Scale and clean in Blackwood is generally safe and beneficial for one’s oral health. Side effects are rare and can easily be managed by a dental professional. At My Dentist Blackwood, we will take extra care to minimise adverse effects and address any concerns to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Before the treatment, we will discuss the potential risks and side effects associated with a scale and clean to help you make an informed decision.

• Sore gums.
  Gums may become slightly irritated following the procedure. This may be observed when there’s a large tartar that has accumulated between the teeth and the gum tissues, resulting in mild tenderness or redness of the gums.
  
  
• Gum bleeding.
  If you have sensitive gums, bleeding may occur during cleaning. This is a sign of how severe the inflammation of your gums is. The bleeding eventually subsides after a few minutes.
  
  
• Sensitivity.
  Sometimes, tooth sensitivity can be a reaction after a dental cleaning. This uncomfortable sensation is usually mild and commonly subsides within a few days.

The cost of dental scaling and cleaning in Blackwood can vary based on the complexity of the procedure and other factors.

We recommend making an appointment at My Dentist Blackwood for a consultation. During your visit, one of the dentists here will assess the condition of your teeth and gums, the extent of plaque or tartar buildup, and any other dental issues that may exist. Based on this dental exam, we can provide you with an estimate of the cost of the scaling and cleaning procedure.

Keeping the results of your scale and clean treatment can give you optimal long-term oral health. Here are some essential tips you can incorporate into your daily oral care routine to prolong the benefits of your dental cleaning and achieve a healthy, radiant smile.

• Brushing teeth twice daily.
  Brushing helps dislodge remnants of food debris and minimise the accumulation of plaque on your teeth’s surfaces and along the gum line.
  
  
• Flossing once daily.
  A toothbrush may not reach the spaces between your teeth, so it is highly recommended to floss your teeth once a day to prevent food particles from getting stuck between your teeth.
  
  
• Use a tongue scraper. Consider using a tongue scraper to gently clean the surface of your tongue.
  
  
• Rinse with mouthwash.
  Try to include an antimicrobial mouthwash in your routine to help minimise bacteria in your mouth and freshen your breath. Consult your dentist for product recommendations.
  
  
• Eat a balanced diet.
  Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, as they can contribute to tooth decay. Instead, choose a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich foods to support overall dental health.
  
  
• Drink water.
  Water rinses away food particles and keeps your mouth hydrated, which is important for saliva production.
  
  
• Cut back on your smoking habits.
  Smoking cigarettes and using tobacco products can stain your teeth and be a risk factor for gum disease and oral cancer.

While regular brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining good oral hygiene, a scale and clean treatment is still necessary to efficiently remove the buildup of plaque and tartar that regular brushing and flossing cannot remove.

Dental biofilm can accumulate in tiny, hard-to-reach areas. At the same time, tartar, which is the hardened and calcified form of plaque, cannot be removed by brushing and flossing. Hence, both of them can be difficult to remove without professional dental intervention. During a scale and clean, your dentist uses a scaler to remove deposits from hard-to-reach areas of your mouth.

Below is a list of the general steps of a scale and clean procedure:

• Dental exam.
  Your dentist will begin the dental treatment by examining your teeth and gums to check your oral health. They may take dental X-rays to get a comprehensive view of your dental condition.
  
  
• Plaque and tartar removal.
  Your dentist will use a dental tool called a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth carefully, and this process is known as scaling.
  
  
• Polishing.
  Once scaling is done, the dentist will polish your teeth using gritty toothpaste and a high-powered electric toothbrush. This removes plaque and tartar left behind from scaling, leaving your teeth glossy and smooth.
  
  
• Fluoride treatment.
  In some cases, your dentist may recommend fluoride treatment to protect your teeth against cavities.

   

The dentist will evaluate your dental health and discuss any potential oral health issues they may have found during the cleaning.

No specific dietary restrictions are needed after teeth scaling and cleaning in Blackwood. However, being mindful of your meal choices is advised to maintain the treatment results. We highly recommend opting for foods that are light in colour and avoid sticky and hard foods.