What happens if scaling is done without air-polishing?
Mar 20, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, scaling without sandblasting may cause oral odor, reattachment of dental plaque, tooth sensitivity, impaired gum health, and damage to tooth enamel. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a hospital and receive standardized treatment under the guidance of a physician. It is also advised to maintain good oral hygiene and undergo regular dental checkups and care to ensure oral health.
Generally, not using sandblasting during dental cleaning may cause bad breath, reattachment of dental plaque, tooth sensitivity, damage to gum health, and injury to tooth enamel. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a hospital and follow standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific explanations are as follows:
1. Bad Breath
Not using sandblasting during dental cleaning may lead to bad breath because inadequate cleaning leaves food debris and bacteria in the mouth, which can ferment and produce unpleasant odors. Additionally, dental cleaning without sandblasting may require more extensive aftercare to maintain oral cleanliness and hygiene.
2. Reattachment of Dental Plaque
If sandblasting is not used during dental cleaning, the cleaning of the tooth surfaces may not be thorough enough, leaving behind hard-to-remove deposits. These residues provide conditions for the reformation of dental plaque, thereby increasing the likelihood of oral diseases such as gingivitis.
3. Tooth Sensitivity
During dental cleaning, after tartar and soft deposits are removed, the tiny tubules on the tooth neck that were previously covered by tartar become exposed. These tubules are sensitive to temperature or chemical stimuli. Not using sandblasting after dental cleaning may cause sensitivity to hot, cold, acidic, or sweet stimuli, and even pain.
4. Damage to Gum Health
Dental cleaning without sandblasting may subject the gums to mechanical irritation, triggering an inflammatory response. This may manifest as redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. If the inflammation persists, periodontal pockets may develop, further affecting the health of the alveolar bone.
5. Enamel Damage
During dental cleaning, methods that do not involve sandblasting may focus more on removing tartar and plaque while offering relatively less protection to the tooth surface, thereby increasing the risk of enamel damage.
It is recommended to maintain good oral hygiene and undergo regular dental checkups and preventive care to ensure oral health.
