Introduction
- Subgingival calculus
allows close contact of plaque to gingival tissues leading to gingivitis and periodontal disease . - In addition calculus has an irritant effect on gingiva.
- Dental scaling is needed to remove calculus and plaque from supragingival and subgingival tooth surfaces.
- Hand and ultrasonic instruments are used to remove deposits (plaque and calculus) from tooth surfaces, under general anesthesia.
- Followed by polishing.
Uses
- To remove calculus, plaque and staining from the teeth and provide a smooth tooth surface that discourages further plaque and calculus deposition.
- Conservative management of periodontal disease .
Advantages
- Necessary to prevent and/or treat gingivitis, periodontitis .
Disadvantages
- Requires general anesthesia .
Requirements
Materials required
Ideal equipment
- Dental explorer.
- Supragingival scalers.
- Subgingival curettes.
- Ultrasonic or sonic dental scaling machine.
- Graduated periodontal probe (often double-ended with dental explorer).
Ideal consumables
- Soft rubber polishing cups (pediatric size preferred for cats).
- Fine grade polishing paste.
Preparation
- 15-45 minutes depending on the severity of calculus and other oral lesions.
Sequelae
Complications
- Potential for anesthetic complications.
- Dental scaling can lead to bacteremia.
- Pre-operative antibiotics may be advisable in severe cases.
Prognosis
- Good for life.
- Prognosis for oral health depends on degree of periodontal disease.
Reasons for treatment failure
- Animals with severe periodontal disease are more likely to have tooth loss.
- Once periodontal disease is established, dental scaling and periodontal treatment must be done more often to maintain oral health.
