Scaling Polishing

Dental scaling and polishing are crucial aspects of maintaining optimal oral health and hygiene. These procedures are typically performed during routine dental visits and are essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

Scaling is the process of removing plaque, tartar (also known as calculus), and stains from the surfaces of your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth due to the accumulation of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. If not removed regularly through brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar, which is more difficult to remove and can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Scaling effectively removes these deposits, particularly targeting areas along the gumline and between teeth where plaque and tartar tend to accumulate.

what typically happens during these procedures :

Following scaling, the next step is polishing, which helps to smooth out the surfaces of your teeth and remove surface stains, leaving them with a clean and refreshed appearance. Polishing is typically performed using a gritty toothpaste-like substance and a rotating dental tool or rubber cup attached to a dental handpiece. The abrasive action of the polishing agent helps to remove stubborn stains and plaque remnants, while the smooth polishing action creates a sleek surface that makes it more difficult for plaque to adhere to the teeth.

In addition to scaling and polishing, your dental professional may also recommend a fluoride treatment to help strengthen your tooth enamel and further protect against cavities. Fluoride is a mineral that can be applied topically to the teeth, where it helps to remineralize weakened enamel and make it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria in the mouth.