Scaling and Polishing

What is Scaling and Polishing?

Scaling and polishing are two common dental procedures used to maintain good oral health and hygiene. Both are performed by dental professionals, as part of routine dental check-ups and cleanings. Let’s break down each procedure

Scaling

Scaling is a dental procedure that involves the removal of dental plaque, tartar (calculus), and stains from the surfaces of the teeth. Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms on the teeth due to the accumulation of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. If plaque is not adequately removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden and become tartar, which is much more challenging to remove and can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay.

During scaling, the dental professional uses specialized dental instruments, such as scalers and curettes, to carefully remove the plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces, including areas below the gumline (subgingival scaling). This process helps to prevent or treat gum disease and promotes healthier gums and teeth.

Polishing

After scaling, the dental professional performs tooth polishing. Polishing is done using a soft rubber cup or a brush-like tool attached to a dental handpiece. A special dental polishing paste is applied to the teeth, and the dental professional gently moves the polishing tool across the tooth surfaces to remove any remaining stainsPolishing not only helps to improve the appearance of teeth by removing superficial stains (e.g., from coffee, tea, tobacco) but also makes it harder for plaque to accumulate on the smooth and polished tooth surfaces. The procedure leaves the teeth feeling smoother and looking brighter.

What is the difference between teeth whitening & teeth scaling & polishing?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to lighten the colour of the teeth and improve their appearance. It is commonly sought after by individuals who have teeth that are discoloured or stained due to various factors such as age, certain foods and drinks (like coffee, tea, red wine), tobacco use, or poor oral hygiene. Teeth whitening is not a preventive measure to remove plaque and tartar; instead, it focuses solely on enhancing the aesthetics of the teeth.

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to lighten the colour of the teeth and improve their appearance. It is commonly sought after by individuals who have teeth that are discoloured or stained due to various factors such as age, certain foods and drinks (like coffee, tea, red wine), tobacco use, or poor oral hygiene. Teeth whitening is not a preventive measure to remove plaque and tartar; instead, it focuses solely on enhancing the aesthetics of the teeth.

Why do you need to do tooth scaling & polishing?

Tooth scaling and polishing are necessary dental procedures that serve important purposes in maintaining good oral health. Here are the reasons why they are needed.