Tartar ablation: what it is all about

Tartar ablation, also known as scaling, is a dental practice that is part of dental hygiene. With this procedure, in fact, bacterial plaque present on the tooth surface is removed, thus preventing the action of external factors from causing gum inflammation.

Tartar accumulation on the teeth is a fairly common phenomenon; no matter how thorough and daily home oral hygiene is performed, it is not always possible to deeply remove the plaque and bacteria that accumulate on the teeth.

Precisely for this reason, periodically undergoing professional dental hygiene sessions for tartar ablation is a crucial form of prevention to avert the advent of discomfort in the oral cavity that, if not treated in time, can give rise to even serious pathologies.

What is tartar

Very often there is a tendency to confuse dental plaque and tartar.

The first can be thought of as a kind of bacterial layer that completely covers the teeth, while tartar is the consequence of plaque that has not been removed. When this element combines with saliva, it crystallizes and generates a solid, yellow-colored crust that is easily visible, especially when it forms above the gum line.

It is good to understand that this is highly harmful crust for the health of the oral cavity; tartar, in fact, tends to retain plaque, leading to its increase in volume. Moreover, the environment created by this substance is highly favorable for the formation of dental caries.

Finally, to fully understand how destructive this element can be, it should be noted that it can most likely cause gingival retraction and gingivitis.

If these phenomena are then neglected, they can result in periodontal disease, which is one of the most serious forms into which our mouths can pour, as teeth and their stability are seriously compromised.

With this in mind, therefore, it is clear to understand that tartar is a very dangerous enemy to the health of the oral cavity and therefore must be absolutely eliminated.

How tartar ablation works

As we have mentioned, if daily home dental hygiene can be performed simply using a toothbrush, manual or electric, tartar ablation is performed only in a professional office.

During a specialist session, in fact, the dental hygienist first focuses on tartar accumulations on the surface of the teeth and under the gum, and then proceeds to clean the interdental spaces.

Plaque and bacteria are removed using a professional ultrasonic instrument called a scaler; this features a metal tip that, by vibrating, makes a deep and precise action on the tooth, without affecting the tissues.

Next, the dentist deals with the removal of any stains present on the plaque with the help of specific whitening products.

Once this procedure is finished, then, the tooth surfaces receive a thorough shine and are strengthened with a fluoride-based remineralizing treatment.

Types of tartar ablation

Tartar ablation treatment, as we have mentioned, can have different types of application:

Supragingival scaling, is the technique by which tartar is removed above the gum line; the deposit of bacteria, in this case, is clearly visible from the outside, especially in cases where it is yellowish or brown in color, given mainly by the habit of drinking a lot of coffee or smoking frequently.

Subgingival scaling, also called scaling, is the practice of removing tartar below the gums; in this case, the dirt lurks inside what is called the periodontal pocket, which is the space between the tooth and the gum.

This condition does not allow it to be visible to the naked eye and therefore the patient has no way of noticing this phenomenon with only oral hygiene practiced with a toothbrush.

In this context, complete and professional tartar ablation involves the removal of all these bacterial elements both above and below the gums; leaning, therefore, toward this comprehensive procedure will ensure a healthier mouth and, consequently, less prone to disease and infection.

How often should tartar ablation be performed

Normally, for those with healthy gums, the tartar ablation procedure with Air Flow is recommended at least every six months.

Otherwise, in the presence of problems related to gingivitis or periodontitis, it is opportune to visit the dentist more often and perform more frequent dental cleaning sessions.

Is tartar ablation painful?

Tartar ablation treatment, when performed by professionals, is painless and noninvasive.

The only unpleasant sensation the patient may experience is one related to general discomfort, especially if you have sensitive teeth.

In some cases, in consultation with the dentist, one can use conscious analgesic sedation and minimize any possible pain.

Tips for maintaining oral hygiene

Once the tartar ablation treatment has been performed, the specialist will take care to provide a series of tips to the patient that can better direct him or her toward proper dental hygiene.

The first aspect to consider, in this context, is the domestic cleaning of the teeth, which should be done at least three times a day and after main meals.

A fundamental rule, when brushing teeth, is to focus on each one and do not forget to clean the interdental spaces as well. Another tip is to use iterdental floss every day, which is capable of removing any food residue.

Nutrition also greatly affects oral hygiene and health; avoiding foods and drinks that tend to stain the teeth, such as coffee, red fruits, liquorice or curry, can be a very effective habit.

Finally, again in consultation with your dentist, you can make use of specific mouthwashes that have the great merit of disinfecting the gums without being overly aggressive.

Dental checkup: treatments and interventions

Many people always hope that they will never have to get to sit in the dentist's chair; paradoxically, however, the best way to prevent more invasive interventions is precisely to perform periodic checkups even if only to assess the situation of one's mouth. Dental Implant House , to this end, guarantees care and support for its patients thanks to a team of dental professionals who are able to detect even the slightest discomfort and fix it.