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Not a fan of visiting your dentist in East Nashville? You’re not alone! No one likes staying still for half an hour or more while someone else looks around your mouth and (hopefully not) finds a painful cavity to extract.   

However, people with dental anxiety are especially afraid of visiting a dental office – to the point that they put their oral health in jeopardy. Understanding what your dentist does may help you overcome that fear. Let’s explain the fundamental tools we use in the dental office, starting with the dental scaler. 

What’s a Dental Scaler?

Dental scalers are thin, metal hand tools dental professionals use to scrape plaque from each tooth. Dentists can remove hardened plaque buildup and bacteria that your regular toothbrush can’t reach by inserting the scaler beneath the gum line. 

Nowadays, dentistry has evolved, and there are also electric dental scalers, called ultrasonic scalers. These cutting-edge tools feature a vibrating metal tip and spray a thin stream of water as they work to cool the area and prevent irritation.  

People who don’t brush their teeth regularly or floss to clean in between are more prone to accumulating plaque. When that happens, a dental cleaning at the office can identify and remove any damaging buildup. 

Why Are Dental Scalers So Important?

Calculus, also known as tartar, forms when plaque isn’t routinely removed from our teeth and under our gums. More bacteria are drawn to tartar, which can be particularly harmful in a sensible area like your gum line. Leaving tartar on your gums and skipping the dentist increases your chances of developing gum disease.  

Untreated gum disease causes gum recession, leaving more parts of your teeth exposed. Moreover, this zone is especially sensible since it’s closer to the root. As more and more of its surface is exposed, its root weakens, and it can end in tooth loss. 

That’s why dental scaling is so important. By visiting a registered dental professional, you can ensure your gums stay healthy and prevent infections that could lead to tooth loss. 

Can I Scale On My Own? 

On the surface, scaling may not seem to be so complex. However, there is a lot to consider. Dental scalers are designed for use by registered professionals, such as dentists, dental hygienists, or dental therapists. 

Even if you can buy these scalers in stores or online, they shouldn’t be used carelessly at home. Doing so can lead to accidents, such as irreversible damage to teeth and gums or the possibility of removing restorations like crowns, bridges, fillings, and implants.  

Remember that even if that dental tool seems cheap online, having to repair a crown or bridge will end up costing you much more.

Find a Knowledgeable Dentist in East Nashville

If you think you need a thorough dental cleaning, don’t try to do it yourself. Registered dental professionals undergo years of study to work on a delicate but crucial area like your mouth! 

Instead, reach out to Greenwood Local Dentistry and Orthodontics. We’re always eager to help!