Cezanne Dental & Aesthetic Clinic offers expert care in dental, skin, and hair treatments. We combine advanced technology with personalized service to enhance your health and confidence.
Cezanne Dental & Aesthetic Clinic offers expert care in dental, skin, and hair treatments. We combine advanced technology with personalized service to enhance your health and confidence.
Scaling and polishing are essential dental procedures that help maintain oral health and improve the appearance of your teeth. Often performed by a dental hygienist or dentist, these treatments focus on removing plaque, tartar, and stains that are not easily removable by brushing and flossing alone. In this article, we’ll cover what scaling and polishing involve, their benefits, the procedure, costs, aftercare, and frequently asked questions.
.png)
Scaling is the process of removing plaque, tartar (calculus), and bacteria from the surface of the teeth and around the gum line. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth, and if it isn’t removed through brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar. Tartar cannot be removed with regular brushing and flossing, making professional scaling necessary. Scaling helps reduce the risk of gum disease by preventing bacteria from causing inflammation and infection around the gums.
Polishing is often done after scaling to remove surface stains and make the teeth smooth and shiny. Using a special paste and a rotating brush, polishing can remove superficial stains caused by coffee, tea, tobacco, and other staining agents. Polished teeth not only look cleaner and brighter but are also less likely to accumulate plaque quickly due to their smooth surface.
Regular scaling and polishing are vital for several reasons:
One of the primary benefits of scaling and polishing is preventing gum disease, which starts as gingivitis and can progress to periodontitis if left untreated. Scaling removes bacteria and plaque buildup that lead to gum inflammation, helping to keep gums healthy.
No matter how well you brush and floss, some areas in the mouth are hard to reach, especially around the gum line and between teeth. Scaling and polishing can reach those areas, providing a thorough cleaning that enhances your daily oral care routine.
Persistent bad breath, or halitosis, is often caused by the accumulation of bacteria on the teeth and gums. Removing plaque and tartar through scaling and polishing helps eliminate the sources of bad breath, leaving your mouth fresh.
Polishing removes surface stains, which can brighten your smile and improve confidence. It’s particularly beneficial for individuals who consume staining foods and beverages or use tobacco products.
Maintaining good oral health is essential for overall health. Studies have shown links between gum disease and systemic health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory conditions. Regular scaling and polishing can contribute to better health by reducing inflammation and bacterial spread..
Scaling and polishing are generally performed during routine dental check-ups and usually take between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the amount of tartar buildup.
Before the procedure, the dentist or hygienist will assess your oral health. They may examine your teeth and gums for signs of decay, gum disease, or other issues that need attention.
Once scaling is complete, the dentist or hygienist will polish your teeth. They will use a special polishing paste and a rotating brush or rubber cup to gently buff away surface stains, leaving your teeth smooth and shiny.
In some cases, a fluoride treatment may be applied to strengthen your enamel and protect against cavities. Fluoride can be in the form of a gel, foam, or varnish and is applied to the teeth for a few minutes.
.png)
There are different techniques used for scaling and polishing, depending on your dental needs:
This type is performed during routine dental check-ups for individuals with healthy gums and minimal plaque buildup. It involves using both ultrasonic and hand scalers to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth surfaces.
For patients with advanced gum disease, deep cleaning involves scaling and root planing. This procedure cleans deep pockets between the teeth and gums, removing bacteria and smoothing the roots to promote reattachment of the gums to the teeth.
Air polishing is an alternative to traditional polishing methods. It uses a high-pressure jet of water, air, and fine powder particles to remove stains and plaque from the teeth’s surface. It is particularly effective for patients with dental restorations like braces, crowns, or veneers, as it is less abrasive.
The frequency of scaling and polishing depends on your oral health. For most individuals, a professional cleaning every six months is sufficient. However, people with a higher risk of gum disease may need cleanings every three to four months. It’s best to consult your dentist, who can recommend an appropriate cleaning schedule based on your oral health condition.
Following scaling and polishing, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene to extend the benefits of the procedure:
Continue brushing twice daily and flossing once a day to prevent plaque buildup.
Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash helps kill bacteria and keeps your gums healthy.
Try to limit coffee, tea, red wine, and other staining agents that can diminish the effects of polishing.
Smoking not only stains teeth but also increases the risk of gum disease.
.png)
Scaling and polishing are essential components of dental care that provide numerous benefits, from preventing gum disease to brightening your smile. By scheduling regular appointments and practicing good oral hygiene at home, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy and attractive. With minimal side effects and significant long-term health advantages, scaling and polishing are valuable investments in your dental and overall well-being.
Scaling and polishing are generally painless, though some individuals may experience mild discomfort, particularly if they have sensitive teeth or gum inflammation. Your dentist can use a numbing gel if needed.
The procedure typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the level of tartar buildup.
No, professional scaling performed by a dentist or hygienist will not damage your teeth. The tools used are designed to effectively remove plaque and tartar without harming the enamel.
Yes, but it’s advisable to avoid eating or drinking anything very hot or cold immediately after the procedure, especially if fluoride treatment was applied.
Most people benefit from scaling and polishing every six months, but some may require more frequent sessions, especially if they are prone to gum disease.
Common side effects include mild sensitivity and gum tenderness, which usually subside within a day or two. Rinsing with warm salt water can help alleviate any discomfort.
Air polishing is gentler on teeth and more effective for patients with restorations like braces or crowns. However, traditional polishing is still effective for removing stains.
Scaling and root planing is a deeper cleaning that involves cleaning below the gum line for patients with gum disease, while regular scaling targets plaque and tartar on the teeth’s surface.
Yes, scaling removes hardened plaque and some superficial stains. Polishing is then used to remove any remaining stains and brighten the teeth.
No, scaling and polishing should only be performed by a trained dental professional. Attempting these procedures at home can damage your teeth and gums.