DENTAL SCALING AND POLISHING SERVICES

Dental scaling is a routine, common dental procedure frequently done at dental clinics such as Family Dental Centre to remove the build-up of hardened, stubborn tartar and plaque build-up (known as calculus) from below the gum line. Doing so often is vital as calculus can easily lead to damaged teeth and gum diseases. Often, dental scaling may cause the teeth to become rough, and polishing will be needed to smooth them out. The polishing of patients’ teeth is typically done with a polishing paste and a rotating rubber cup (this is similar to how an electric toothbrush is used) to improve the appearance of your teeth and remove bacteria.

WHY IS DENTAL SCALING AND POLISHING IMPORTANT?

Contrary to what many people believe, plaque and tartar can build up in our teeth even when we brush and floss regularly. Harmful bacteria which can cause tooth decay and gum inflammation thrive when dental plaque and calculus that accumulate around the gums are not removed. As such, our experienced dental team recommends that you visit the dentist once or twice annually for dental scaling and polishing.  It is not advisable to attempt to do so on your own as plaque and tartar that has formed up in your teeth is best removed by trained dentists with professional dental instruments. 

Frequent dental scaling and polishing have the positive effects of boosting your oral health, cleaning surface stains from coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco use. Going forward, it also lowers the risk of gingivitis, gum disease and dental decay in the future. Another added benefit is how it allows dentists to take a closer examination of your teeth for problems not obvious to the naked or untrained eye like leaky fillings or cracks that may require dental attention. When done regularly, dental scaling and polishing are gentle and non-invasive procedures that will only require a short amount of time from your day, but go the longest way in ensuring your dental health is on the right track.

FLASH YOUR SMILE CONFIDENTLY

A simple dental scaling and polishing service done by our dentists at Family Dental Centre will effectively remove plaque, calculus and stain in no time to bring back the bright and fresh smile onto your face. Book an appointment with us today to see how we can assist you in safeguarding your dental health.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DENTAL SCALING AND POLISHING

When it comes to dental scaling and polishing, the recommendation is to have this service performed by a trained dentist at least once every six months. Dental scaling is an essential part of oral hygiene as it removes plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth which can lead to cavities, gum disease and other infections. Polishing helps remove any remaining surface stains that may have been left behind from food or drink consumption while also helping to prevent further discoloration of the teeth. 

Additionally, regular visits are important because they allow dentists the opportunity to identify other issues such as tooth decay early so they can be treated quickly instead of leading up to larger problems down the road. As such, dental scaling and polishing should be done at least twice annually or whenever you visit your dentist regularly.

During a dental scaling procedure, a special instrument known as an ultrasonic scaler is used to break apart plaque and tartar with high-frequency vibrations. Depending on the amount of buildup present, this procedure may cause minor discomfort using dedicated tools while doing so or through the use of topical anesthesia if needed; however, this process generally does not create any pain or tenderness whatsoever. Your dentist will also ask questions about any sensitivity you experience during treatment so that proper care can be taken for future visits as well.
No. In fact, regular dental scaling and polishing appointments are required in order to maintain healthy teeth and gums. It’s an effective way of removing hard-to-reach plaque that brushing alone cannot reach.
Yes, dental scaling and polishing are still recommended even if you brush your teeth regularly. Regular brushing can help to remove plaque from your teeth and gums, but it cannot reach areas that are below the gum line or between two or more teeth. That’s where professional dental scaling and polishing come in, both of which are necessary in order to keep your mouth clean and free from potential diseases.

Am I a Good Candidate?

To find out whether you are a good candidate, schedule an appointment with our dentist for an initial consultation. Once the assessment of your dental health is done, our clinician will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.