Scaling at the dentists- does it hurt?

Hi,

I visited the dentists today and she told me I need to have some scaling done to remove a tartar build up.

I'm not too much of a wimp about dentists but I just like to know what to expect, you know!

So I was wondering whether anyone on here had had this scaling process done before? And how much does it hurt?
I'm planning to cycle back from the dentists so if I'm going to be in agony with a big swollen face, I'd rather know so I re-think my transport plans!

Thanks, K
'I can't deny the British influence on my accent and mannerisms, but I don't know the British national anthem, I didn't weep for Princess Diana and I always cheer when Britain loses at sport. That's how British I am' Constantine-Simms. :T

On God: 'The invisible and the non-existent look very much alike' D. B. McKown :T

Comments

  • theladsmum
    theladsmum Posts: 182 Forumite
    Can't say it's pleasant, but there won't be any swelling or agony. Uncomfortable (verging on painful!!) during the procedure, but once it's finished that's it. Cycling should be no problem.

    I have it done every 6 months and don't look forward to it, but afterwards my teeth feel great!
  • Idiophreak
    Idiophreak Posts: 12,024 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    It's not a great big deal, you feel some pressure, the occasional bit of sensitivity, the odd twinge, but it's OK. You might have a little bleeding, but shouldn't be excessive.
  • Meepster
    Meepster Posts: 5,955 Forumite
    Painful? I certainly wouldn't call it painful. Just slightly uncomfortable...
    If it looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, we have at least to consider the possibility that we have a small aquatic bird of the family anatidae on our hands

  • Piggles12345
    Piggles12345 Posts: 736 Forumite
    That's great! Thank you so much for your quick and very re-assuring replies! I had images of me cycling along dribbling like a bloodhound hanging out of a car window!
    'I can't deny the British influence on my accent and mannerisms, but I don't know the British national anthem, I didn't weep for Princess Diana and I always cheer when Britain loses at sport. That's how British I am' Constantine-Simms. :T

    On God: 'The invisible and the non-existent look very much alike' D. B. McKown :T
  • brook2jack
    brook2jack Posts: 4,563 Forumite
    The easiest way to make it as comfy as possible and to minimise bleeding etc is to start brushing your gums as well as teeth and floss where you can. Take your tooth brush with you to the surgery to check you have the right size and are using the right technique.
  • I never found having a scale and polish painful, but I did sometimes wonder if my teeth were going to come out with whatever instrument the dentist used! Was a very odd sensation. My teeth did feel much better afterwards, though. As brook2jack says, the dental hygenist was a great source of advice.
    From Starrystarrynight to Starrystarrynight1 and now I'm back...don't have a clue how!
  • belfastgirl23
    belfastgirl23 Posts: 8,025 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper I've been Money Tipped!
    If your teeth are sensitive to cold etc then it will be uncomfortable to painful. Think of eating something ice cold and how this feels on your teeth - if you can do this no problem then you're probably fine. I do have sensitive teeth and I always take a painkiller before going. I don't see any point in unnecessary suffering. Though of course it does mean I have to do it searately from the dental appointment since I obviously can't take painkillers before that!!
  • Decluttering
    Decluttering Posts: 691 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Combo Breaker
    For me the most uncomfortable part ofthe process is the high frequency sound - I think that tricks my brain into being more cautious than I need to be! Apart from the occasional twinge it's nothing painful.
    Thank you competition posters!
  • jenhug
    jenhug Posts: 2,277 Forumite
    I must be weird, I love a scale and polish! I enjoy it profusely!
  • Apollonia
    Apollonia Posts: 408 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    jenhug wrote: »
    I must be weird, I love a scale and polish! I enjoy it profusely!

    You are not alone! I see lots of people who like having a scale & polish and insist on coming in every 6 months 'whether I need it or not!'

    And I do try to persuade them to make it an annual visit - it's no fun for me if there isn't even some staining to remove... so does that me make weird?! :rotfl:
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