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What is Scaling and Planing?

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There are a lot of different things you can do to your teeth to help them stay in great shape. Brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use are the most effective things to do at home. However, there are some things that only trained professionals can do. One of those procedures is called scaling and planing. This is an activity performed when you visit any dentists. Today, we’re going to walk you through this process so you know exactly what to expect, and how it helps.

What is it?
At its most basic, scaling and planing is simply the process of removing tartar from around your gum line. Tartar is hardened plaque. Plaque is the debris that builds up on your teeth over the course of a day. If left alone, it turns into tartar and can cause cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. Tartar buildup is one of the most common causes of oral health problems that Dr. David Tapani sees.

How does it work?
Scaling and planing are really simple. When you come into MI Beautiful Smile in Davisburg, Michigan, our team will scale and plane your teeth before cleaning. This involves scraping away all of the tartar around your gums. This gets rid of the bacteria buildup, removing the possibility of infection, cavities, and tooth decay.

Why can’t I do it?
Tartar is a hard substance, and if you try to remove it at home, you could seriously injure your gums. On top of that, it takes a specialized training to effectively and safely remove tartar. That’s why you should only let our professional team handle it. To learn more, or to make an appointment, call us today at 248-634-7002.