Ultrasonic supragingival scaling, commonly known as “scaling”. So, why do we need scaling? What are the circumstances that require scaling? And what are the side effects of scaling? With these questions in mind, let’s learn more about a treatment that is both familiar and unfamiliar. As the first step of oral health care, “scaling” is an effective measure to prevent and treat gingivitis and periodontal disease. Gingivitis and periodontal disease are caused by the calculus on the root surface of the teeth and its attached plaque, gingivitis mainly due to the early stage can be no symptoms, or only a small amount of gum bleeding, oral odor, slightly red and swollen gums, if not timely treatment, it may develop into periodontal disease, and gum recession, teeth chewing weakness, loose teeth or periodontal overflow pus, and even tooth loss, therefore, through ultrasonic gingival scaling can effectively remove Plaque, calculus and other harmful substances can play an important role in the prevention and treatment of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Moreover, some hidden early caries lesions can be easily detected after scaling. Of course, there are many misunderstandings about scaling, such as will scaling damage teeth? The answer is no, the ultrasonic scaling head itself has no cutting function to the teeth, the scaling relies on the high frequency vibration of the ultrasonic waves to break the calculus, and the doctor operates only gently touching the calculus without pressurizing and moving the working head continuously, so it will not damage the teeth. Then why do the teeth get sore during or after the scaling, and why do the teeth become bigger or looser after the scaling? This is because after the calculus in the neck of the tooth is dislodged, the root surface is exposed and a transient symptom of dentin hypersensitivity occurs. Generally, there is only a short period of discomfort and it can get better on its own, but if the gum recession of the affected tooth is obvious, this symptom may last longer and the more obvious the symptom will be. Moreover, in cases of gum recession, the gap between the teeth is normally encased in calculus, and the space previously occupied by calculus is exposed after scaling, so it is natural to feel that the gap has become larger. The teeth become loose, mainly in patients with periodontal disease accompanied by alveolar bone resorption, such patients have serious destruction of periodontal tissue, the teeth are already loose, but due to the “splint effect” of calculus and get temporary support, but in fact, this is only an illusion, if not actively treated, the alveolar bone will be further resorbed, and the teeth will eventually fall off. Although scaling is an important method to control gingivitis and periodontal disease, not everyone is suitable for scaling, such as women during pregnancy (especially in the first and second trimesters); patients with active hepatitis and tuberculosis; patients with severe heart disease or pacemakers and patients with uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension; patients with acute periodontal abscesses that are not controlled; patients with blood diseases such as acute leukemia, aplastic anemia, coagulation Patients with blood diseases such as acute leukemia, aplastic anemia, coagulation abnormalities, AIDS, etc. need to choose the timing of scaling carefully and wait for the general condition to stabilize before proceeding. At present, we recommend scaling once a year for the general population, and increase the number of scaling for patients with periodontal disease depending on their condition.