As scaling is the simple and effective treatment option for cleaning and polishing the tooth surface. It also have some side effects making the teeth susceptible to disease and other chronic infections. Teeth scaling is recommended once in six months. The frequency might differ based on the type of saliva. As the person become older saliva become thick, tarter that deposit in the front tooth become more sensitive to scaling.
Despite all the benefits scaling and root plaining have some side effects
Gum recession
Gum recession occurs when the gingival tissues move down the length of the tooth, exposing the root surfaces and making teeth appear longer or taller. Normal, healthy gum tissue should appear scalloped along the shape of the crowns, with a pointed papilla between each tooth. If the gums have receded, the layer of tooth that should not be exposed to external factors is left uncovered and can be prone to sensitivity, staining, and tooth decay.
Gum tissue start separating from the tooth surface causing deep pockets and tooth mobility. Brushing too hard can also causes gum recession.
Swollen gums
The procedure of scaling and root planing leaves the gum inflamed and swollen. Swollen gums are the reason for other many diseases and it cause difficulty in swallowing and eating food.
Tooth sensitivity
This is common symptom after scaling for 1-2 days. But is may persist for many days and even months. There is possibility that makes tooth appear longer and much more sensitive to the extreme of temperature. Patient is unable to drink hot and cold beverages.
Root cavity
Receding and swollen gums make roots exposed, causing root cavities. As the cavity progresses decay gets near the nerve and cause sharp pain. If decay gets larger enough there is risk of tooth fracture.
cavities in the front teeth can be easily seen but cavities on the back teeth require X-rays to see them. Depending upon the decay treatment should be done like fillings, RCT, crown placement.
Root bleeding
Bleeding from the gum tissue indicates failure of treatment. Anterior teeth bleeding is more common then posterior one’s. During scaling the healthy tissue gets damaged if treatment is not done carefully leads to inflammation and bacterial deposits in the heathy tissue. If you see this symptom immediately consult your dentist and get the possible treatment because if it remain untreated may spread to the periodontal ligaments and cause serious dental problems.
Tender gums
Tender gum result from forceful scaling. These tender gums should be cleaned very gently around the gum line because the chances of bleeding and further tissue damage is very common. There is difficulty in brushing and chewing the food. Ultra soft brush is used for brushing and hold on flossing for few days until gums become heathy because chances of bacteria insertion into the sulcus are is very high.
Gum infection
Infection of the gums common after scaling and root planing. Gum infection occurs due to many reasons such as
- When the scaling instruments are not sterilized properly. During the process of scaling when the unsterilized instruments increases the growth of the bacteria in the area where scaler is moved under gum tissue
- Scaling without suction lead to accumulation of the harmful bacteria in the oral cavity leads to inflammation of the gum tissue
- Maintaining good oral hygiene is reinforced after scaling.Poor oral hygiene increases the chances of gum infections and bad breath.
