Tooth Stone Cleaning

Tooth stone cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a dental procedure that is used to remove plaque, calculus, and bacteria from the teeth and gums. The procedure involves using specialized tools to remove the buildup of plaque and calculus from above and below the gum line, as well as smoothing the rough surfaces of the teeth to prevent further accumulation. Tooth stone cleaning is typically recommended for patients who have developed gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Gum disease is a condition that occurs when bacteria in the mouth cause the gums to become inflamed and infected. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious health complications.

How Is Tooth Stone Cleaning Performed?

Tooth stone cleaning typically involves the following steps:

• Examining the mouth: The dental hygienist or dentist will examine the mouth, including the teeth and gums, to assess the overall health of the mouth and identify any areas of concern.
• Numbing the area: The dental hygienist or dentist may apply a local anesthetic to numb the area around the teeth to minimize any discomfort during the procedure.
• Removing plaque and calculus: The dental hygienist or dentist will use specialized tools, such as scalers and ultrasonic devices, to remove plaque and calculus from above and below the gum line.
• Smoothing the root surfaces: The dental hygienist or dentist will smooth the rough surfaces of the teeth, known as the root surfaces, to prevent further accumulation of plaque and calculus.
• Applying antibiotics: In some cases, the dental hygienist or dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help kill any remaining bacteria and prevent infection.

After tooth stone cleaning, the treated teeth and gums may be sore for a few days. It is important to follow the dental hygienist or dentist’s instructions for post-treatment care, including practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding hard, sticky, or sugary foods.

How Long Does Tooth Stone Cleaning Take?

The length of a tooth stone cleaning procedure can vary depending on several factors, including the overall health of the mouth, the amount of plaque and calculus present, and the specific techniques used by the dental hygienist or dentist.

In general, a tooth stone cleaning procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half. If the mouth is healthy and there is only a small amount of plaque and calculus present, the procedure may be shorter. If the mouth is not in good health or if there is a significant amount of plaque and calculus present, the procedure may be longer.

Additionally, some stone cleaning procedures may include additional steps, such as applying antibiotics or performing a more thorough cleaning of the gum pockets, which can add to the length of the procedure.

Overall, the length of a tooth stone cleaning procedure can vary, but most procedures take between 30 minutes and an hour and a half to complete.

How Often Should Tooth Stone Cleaning Be Performed?

The frequency with which tooth stone cleaning should be performed can vary depending on the individual’s oral health and the specific recommendations of the dentist. In general, stone cleaning is typically recommended for patients who have developed gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Gum disease is a condition that occurs when bacteria in the mouth cause the gums to become inflamed and infected. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious health complications.

For patients with gum disease, tooth stone cleaning may be recommended every three to four months, or more frequently if necessary. This can help to remove plaque, calculus, and bacteria from the teeth and gums, and can prevent further damage and complications. For patients who do not have gum disease, teeth stone cleaning may be recommended once every six months, or more frequently if necessary. This can help to prevent the development of gum disease and maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Is Tooth Stone Cleaning Harmful?

While stone cleaning can cause some discomfort, it is generally not harmful. The dental hygienist or dentist will typically apply a local anesthetic to numb the area around the teeth to minimize any discomfort during the procedure. After the procedure, the treated teeth and gums may be sore for a few days, but this discomfort should subside quickly.

If performed by a trained and experienced dental professional, stone cleaning is a safe and effective way to treat gum disease and maintain healthy teeth and gums. It can help to remove plaque, calculus, and bacteria from the teeth and gums, and can prevent further damage and complications.