Scaling & Polishing- Dr. Dadoo's Family Dental Clinic

Teeth scaling and polishing is a professional dental procedure that helps maintain oral hygiene by removing plaque and tartar buildup, followed by polishing to eliminate surface stains and smooth the teeth. Scaling involves the use of specialized instruments to clean away hardened plaque (tartar) that cannot be removed by regular brushing or flossing. The dentist or hygienist carefully removes these deposits from the tooth surfaces as well as below the gum line, using both manual tools and ultrasonic devices.Once scaling is complete, polishing is performed to smooth the tooth surfaces and remove minor stains, leaving your teeth cleaner, brighter, and less prone to future buildup.

Why do you need to do scaling & polishing?

Scaling and polishing is an essential part of maintaining good oral health and preventing common dental issues such as gum disease and tooth decay. Here’s why this treatment is important:

1. Removes Plaque and Tartar

Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that forms on teeth and can harden into tartar over time. Scaling effectively removes this buildup, especially in areas that regular brushing and flossing cannot reach, helping protect your teeth and gums.

2. Prevents Gum Disease

When plaque and bacteria accumulate along the gum line, they can cause inflammation and infection. Scaling and polishing help eliminate these harmful deposits, reducing the risk of gum disease and keeping your gums healthy.

3. Improves Oral Hygiene

By thoroughly cleaning your teeth and removing bacteria, this procedure promotes better overall oral hygiene. It can also help reduce bad breath and create a cleaner, healthier mouth.

4. Enhances Appearance

Polishing smooths the tooth surfaces and removes surface stains, making your teeth look brighter and cleaner, and improving the overall appearance of your smile.

What are the procedures which are involved in scaling & polishing?

Scaling:

Scaling is a professional dental procedure that removes plaque and tartar buildup from the surface of the teeth and below the gum line. Tartar is hardened plaque that cannot be eliminated through regular brushing or flossing and requires specialized cleaning. During scaling, a dentist or dental hygienist uses manual instruments and ultrasonic devices to carefully clean all areas of the teeth, including hard-to-reach spots, ensuring a thorough removal of deposits.

Polishing:

Polishing is usually performed after scaling to enhance the cleanliness and appearance of the teeth. It involves using a rotating polishing tool along with a mildly abrasive paste to remove surface stains and smooth the tooth surfaces. The dentist or hygienist gently polishes the teeth in circular motions, leaving them cleaner, shinier, and less likely to attract plaque buildup.