Scaling and polishing is a professional clean. The dentist removes plaque and hardened tartar from your teeth, including around the gum line, then polishes the surfaces smooth.
At a glance
- What it does
- Removes plaque and tartar that brushing cannot
- Numbing
- Usually not needed. Numbing can be used if your gums are tender or the clean is deep.
- Time
- Often a single visit. Deeper cleaning may take more.
- Afterwards
- Your gums may be tender and your teeth sensitive for a day or two
- Cost
- Depends on how much cleaning is needed. Your dentist tells you before starting.
Why a professional clean helps
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on teeth every day. If it is not brushed away, it hardens into tartar, also called calculus. Tartar sticks firmly to the tooth and cannot be brushed off at home. Plaque and tartar irritate the gums and can lead to gum disease, so removing them helps protect your gums and teeth.
Signs your gums may need attention
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Bad breath that does not go away
- Gums that look as if they are pulling away from the teeth
- Teeth that feel loose
Early gum disease can often be reversed with good cleaning at home and a professional clean. Read more on our gum treatment page. Only a dentist can tell you what stage your gums are at.
What happens during the clean
- Check. The dentist looks at your teeth and gums and may measure the small pockets around each tooth.
- Scaling. Tartar and plaque are removed with a small ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments. You may feel vibration, scraping and a little water.
- Polishing. A gritty paste and a soft rotating cup polish the surface of the teeth, which makes them smoother and harder for plaque to stick to.
- Advice. You are shown how to brush and clean between your teeth for your own mouth.
When a deeper clean is needed
If gum disease has left deeper pockets between the gums and the teeth, a normal clean may not be enough. The dentist may then advise scaling and root planing. This cleans below the gum line and smooths the root surfaces, and it can take more than one visit. The dentist will tell you if you need it.
After the clean
- Your gums may be tender or bleed a little for a day or two.
- Your teeth may feel sensitive to hot or cold for a short time.
- Keep brushing gently twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and clean between your teeth daily.
- Come back when your dentist tells you to. How often depends on your gums and teeth.
When to get urgent help
Go to the nearest hospital straight away (or call 112) if you have swelling of the face or neck, swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, or a fever together with tooth or gum pain. Do not wait for an appointment.
Common questions
Does it hurt?
Most people find it uncomfortable rather than painful. Gums that are inflamed can be tender. Tell the dentist if you feel pain and they can adjust or numb the area.
Will it make my teeth loose or create gaps?
No. Tartar can fill small spaces, so once it is removed you may notice spaces that were hidden. This is not the clean loosening your teeth.
Will it whiten my teeth?
It removes surface staining and can make teeth look cleaner, but it does not change their natural colour. For that, see our whitening page.
How often should I have it?
It depends on your gums and how quickly tartar builds up. Your dentist will tell you how often is right for you.
Can I do this at home?
No. Tartar cannot be removed safely at home. Brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth slows the build-up.
Scaling and polishing at Gangtok Dental Clinic
Dr. Anjali Gupta sees patients at Gangtok Dental Clinic and has more than 6 years of experience in dentistry. She will check your gums first and tell you if you need a routine clean or something more. She will explain what she finds and go through your options and the cost with you, and nothing is started until you are ready to go ahead.
We are open every day from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Call or message us on WhatsApp at +91 82106 99271 to book a scaling and polishing visit. Our address is on the contact page.
This page gives general information about the treatment. It is not a diagnosis or medical advice, and what you need depends on an examination by your dentist. Please read our Medical Disclaimer.