Skip to content 
Brushing and flossing remove soft plaque, but they cannot remove hardened tartar. Professional scaling removes these deposits and helps protect your teeth and gums.
What Is Professional Dental Scaling?
Dental scaling is a preventive procedure that helps to get rid of plaque, tartar and bacteria from the gum line and the teeth. Ultrasonic scalers, hand instruments or a combination of the two are used by dentists. After scaling, teeth may be polished to make them smoother and to further eliminate external stains. But polishing does not whiten the natural colour of enamel.
10 Signs You Need Professional Dental Scaling
-
Visible Tartar Build Up On Your Teeth
Tartar can be a hard yellow, brown or off-white deposit close to the gums. It is often located behind the bottom front teeth. Tartar can’t be brushed away. Avoid using sharp objects to scrape it, as this can lead to the injury of teeth and gums.
-
Bleeding Gums While Brushing Flossing
Gums should not bleed from time to time when gently brushing or flossing. If the bleeding happens again, it could be the result of inflammation from plaque or tartar. A dentist will be able to make a determination about the need for professional scaling with a dental exam.
-
Persistent Bad Breath
Plaque, tartar, trapped food, gum disease, cavities and dry mouth can all cause bad breath which returns promptly after brushing. A scaling might be necessary if the problem is due to bacterial accumulation. Bad breath that lasts should always be investigated further.
-
Swollen, Red or Tender Gums
The process of plaque and tartar removal can help the gums heal. If it is very painful, swollen, has pus or fever, see a dentist as soon as possible.
-
Stained Or Teeth Yellow
External stains can be caused by tea, coffee, tobacco and some types of food. The stains are more noticeable when they are trapped in the tartar. Some surface discoloration may be taken out by scaling/polishing. If you are looking to brighten up your natural teeth, a professional teeth whitening will be necessary.
-
Plaque That Keeps Coming Back
Plaque can build up around close set teeth, braces, bridges, implants or hard-to-reach areas, which can happen again and again. Professional cleaning gets rid of existing deposits. Your dentist may also be able to give you tips on how to brush and floss better.
-
Receding or Sensitive Gums
When gum recession progresses, teeth may appear longer and the root surfaces can become sensitive. Sensitivity can also be caused by cavities, cracks or worn enamel. A dentist can determine if the treatment options of scaling or something else is necessary.
-
Pain or Discomfort Around Your Gums
Inflammation caused by plaque can make it painful to brush, floss, or chew. Tooth decay, infection, trapped food or broken teeth can also cause gum discomfort. A professional exam must be conducted.
-
You Haven’t Had a Professional Cleaning Recently
Dental issues may occur without any pain. If you don’t recall the last time your professional cleaned, think about an evaluation. Before recommending treatment, your dentist will determine the condition of your gums, teeth, restorations and tartar buildup.
-
You Have a History of Gum Disease
Those with a history of gingivitis or periodontitis might require more regular cleaning and periodontal monitoring. The schedule of your appointments will be determined by the state of your gums, the depth of your pockets, your oral hygiene, your medical history and your tendency to form tartar.
When Do You Need Scaling and Root Planing Instead?
- Even though the scaling is a routine procedure, it helps to remove the plaque and tartar from the visible surface of the teeth and around the gum line.
- It is generally recommended to be used for moderate or mild buildup.
- Deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is used to eliminate deposits that are under the gums and tooth roots.
- It may be necessary when gum disease forms deeper pockets in the gums.
- Local anaesthesia and several appointments might be required for deep cleaning.
- A dentist will make a diagnosis to determine appropriate care.
What Happens During Professional Dental Scaling?
The first step to the appointment is a thorough exam of your teeth, gums, restorations and tartar deposits.
The dentist might use an ultrasonic scaler to remove some tartar, and hand instruments for removing smaller amounts of deposits. Between tooth cleaning and polishing may be performed afterwards.
Typical scaling time is between 30 and 60 minutes. Treatment time will vary depending on the extent of buildup and condition of gums.
Benefits of Professional Dental Scaling
- Tartar can be removed by scaling but not by brushing.
- It can help to decrease gum inflammation and bleeding, while regular dental scaling and polishing can also help remove accumulated deposits and some surface stains.
- This can also help teeth feel cleaner, diminish some surface staining and prevent dental issues caused by plaque.
Is Dental Scaling Painful?
Scaling is usually an achievable routine. During treatment, patients may feel vibration, pressure or water spray. Those who have sensitive teeth, exposed roots, inflamed gums, or plaque buildup may feel uncomfortable. Deep cleaning can be done with local anaesthetic.
There may be mild tenderness or temporary sensitivity afterwards. If the pain gets worse or persists, call your dentist.
How Often Should You Get Professional Dental Scaling?
Most people clean their offices every 6 months, although the best time is different for all patients. Those wearing braces, people with diabetes, dry mouth, smoking habits, crowded teeth or gum disease need more frequent care.
How to Maintain Your Teeth After Scaling?
- Use a soft bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste 2 times a day.
- Floss and use interdental brushes every day between the teeth.
- Do not brush too hard, use tobacco, or eat too many sweets.
- Brush around braces, bridges, crowns and implants.
- Follow-up visits and persistent bleeding, swelling, pain or sensitivity should be reported.
Teeth Scaling Vs Teeth Whitening
Scaling helps remove plaque, tartar, bacteria and some superficial stains from the teeth. It is primarily used to maintain good oral and gum health.
Teeth whitening involves professionally developed agents that lighten the colour of the teeth. It does not remove tartar or treat gum inflammation. If you are unsure whether scaling or whitening is more suitable, a dentist can assess your teeth and gums and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Why Choose Dental Clinic Islamabad?
Dental Clinic Islamabad offers bespoke scaling and polishing, taking into account every patient’s gum condition, sensitivity, dental history, and the accumulation of tartar.
Patients can consult Dr. Usama Hayat Ghauri, who earned his BDS from Dalian Medical University and completed residency training at Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University.
The clinic is equipped with the latest in dental technology, includes digital x-rays (when needed clinically) and has a well defined process for sterilization.
Book Professional Dental Scaling in Islamabad!
Do not ignore bleeding gums, visible tartar, recurring bad breath, or sensitivity. Prolonged care can be avoided, since early care can prevent a manageable condition from becoming more serious. Check out Dental Clinic Islamabad on the 3rd floor of Ammar Center, Jinnah Super Market F-7 Markaz, Islamabad.
