Dental Calculus -Procedures, Side effects, Recovery time, Costs and alternatives

In our daily lives one of the most underestimated processes that we do isundoubtedly the teeth cleaning. Many researchers have done researches and so far have proved time and again that people do not clean their teeth properly sometimes, and in many cases, their cleaning techniques and ways do more damage than good. The tiny gaps between the teeth are the places where the germ buildup takes, and to clean them regularly it takes an extraordinary effort. People tend to clean only the basic parts of the teeth and are left to wonder why they have dental problems despite proper cleaning. It is very much mandatory to visit dentist and have regular sessions of teeth cleaning. Most of the dentists would advise the patient to come for the cleaning procedures once in every six months. Many people associate the teeth cleaning techniques with pain, jaw pain and prodding. The truth is much simple. The cleaning techniques are sophisticated to the extent that the patient would not feel any pain or discomfort when cleaning is undergoing. The patient can check with the dentist if he/she have any apprehension about the procedure and they would be in a better position to guide him/her properly.

The dental officials and specialists through specific tools or instruments that are designed for debridement of Tooth surfaces do the removal of dental plague and tartar. Such tools are important for removing the calculus since it cannot be removed with brushing and flossing once it has strongly build up. Brushing and flossing are more of preventive measures that can be done before plague forms or at its initial formation stage. Scalars, curettes, jaquettes, hoes, files and chisels are some of the hand-made instruments that are used by the dental officials for the removal of plague and tartar. The entire cleaning process has to be done in order to get the plague out of the teeth as well as if there is further formation of cavities then that has to be taken out with further capping process to be done for that tooth. Ultrasonic scalars that are also called as power scalars are also used to remove stains, plague and tartars. The treatment starts from physical diagnosis through the glass mirror that lets him see the affected tooth. It is then followed by cleaning procedure followed by flossing and followed by a fluoride treatment.

Regular flossing at home can stop the building up of tartar or dental calculus. After the teeth are tartar free, the dentist would use a high-powered brush to remove them. This is the situation when the grinding noise occurs and can cause some discomfort to the patient, but have to stay calm. In truth, this brushing makes a zinging noise and more than the pain the patient might feel a slight tickling sensation. It gently scrubs the teeth, and it is extremely safe. The next step is the flossing. Even though we regularly floss at home, nothing can beat the flossing mechanism that the dentist has to offer. These flossing take care of even the minutest particle that might have settled in between the teeth. Next, the dentist would use a rinse to flush out all the impurities that might have gathered. After this, a fluoride treatment would be given which would taste like mint and strawberry, the fluoride would be applied to the mouth.With current researches, new effective and efficient method of tartar and plague removal has been found that proposes the use of near-ultraviolet and near-infrared lasers in periodontal therapy, which is much more efficient and advantageous than the conventional hand instrumentation since the thin and flexible fibres can reach the periodontal pockets or spaces that is not as easy in the former way.

Apart from these clinical treatments, many precautions can also be taken at home by using toothpaste containing fluorides and zinc citrate that has been witnessed to be effective in reducing plague and tartar formation. Apart from this mouthwash is also a necessary tool to be used for a better prevention from formation of plague and thus tartar.

Anyone can get this treatment at least once or twice a year. The dentist would advise upon having these treatments twice in a year. It is a necessary treatment which most people ignore. Anyone can have these teeth cleaning sessions at their convenience and not wait for something to go wrong in their teeth before undergoing teeth cleaning. Teeth cleaning is most advisable for children who are more prone to cavities.

Anyone can have teeth cleaning irrespective of the age or gender. The patient might be having initial apprehensions about the treatment as it involves prodding, cleansing, and a mild jaw discomfort. Should consult with the doctor about the fear and the needs. If someone is a heart patient, the dentist should be informed before so that some of the parts of the treatment may not be performed.

There are no such huge or severe side effects of this procedure. There could be a slight jaw discomfort that happens due to the opening out of the mouth for a long period of time that will get to its normal state in some time. In addition, if anybody has sensitivity in their teeth then they might go through the zinging sensation in their teeth for some time but will soon get better after the procedure is done.In case any patient reports any other complexity after undergoing the treatment the patient is advised to consult the doctor immediately.

Post the treatment anyone can continue with their normal activities. Rest period is not needed. The patient have to follow the general oral hygiene laid out by the dentist and make sure that he/she adhere to them regularly. The patient’s teeth and their condition can say a lot about his/her general health. Hence always ensure that are cleaning and flossing the teeth at regular intervals.

There is no recovery period involved in teeth cleaning, and the patient can go back to their daily routine immediately after the treatment. For people who have sensitive teeth, it is advisable to them to take some rest as there can be some minor tickling sensation in their teeth due to the cleansing. Apart from that, anyone can continue with their normal activities.

In India, teeth cleaning cost depends on the dental clinic where one is undergoing the treatment. Usually, teeth cleaning comes as a complete package and can cost about Rs.1500. In case if an x-ray is required before teeth cleaningthe cost can go up. Should be ensured that treatment is taken in reputed dental centres

Teeth cleaning are not a permanent results. It mainly depends on what is being eaten and how well the hygiene of mouth is being maintained in between. It is safe to have these treatments twice in a year especially if one is a smoker or if someone who is addicted to caffeine. The treatment is compulsory for children too to keep their cavities under check.

The primary alternative to this treatment is to have teeth cleaning procedures at home itself. These can involve flossing, regular brushing and using mouthwash and using homemade ways to maintain a good oral hygiene. But in present day lifestyle, we tend to ignore these procedures most of the times. Hence it is advisable to have teeth cleaning treatment regularly.The most effective, efficient and simple alternative to the treatment and to the formation of plague is to prevent it by taking proper precautionary steps and maintaining a good oral hygiene. With proper brushing, flossing, use of mouthwash, eating of healthy foods and then rinsing mouth after every meal as well as no smoking and drinking can help improve the lifestyle and thus the chances of not getting any plagues, tartar, cavities etc. This will not only ensure a good quality oral hygiene but will also help in preventing the problems to occur. Some home remedies which can be opted are :

• Take a piece of the peel and rub it directly on the teeth for 2-3 minutes and after some time rinse it properly.
• Chew sesame seeds as these seeds act as a natural scrub. They clean and polish the teeth and help to remove the plaque and tartar.
• Munch vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables However, if the problem still arises then there is no problem in getting the procedure done in regular intervals that is beneficial for our teeth and is not very costly at the same time.