Scaling at the dentists- does it hurt?

Piggles12345

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

theladsmum

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

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

Painful? I certainly wouldn't call it painful. Just slightly uncomfortable...

Piggles12345

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!

brook2jack

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.

Starrystarrynight

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.

belfastgirl23

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

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.

jenhug

I must be weird, I love a scale and polish! I enjoy it profusely!

Apollonia

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: