Scaling & Oral Hygiene

Why it is needed

A brush removes soft plaque from the tooth surface but cannot remove hardened calculus. Calculus is a rough surface that shelters bacteria and is where gum inflammation, bad breath and eventually bone loss begin.

A common misconception

"Scaling wears the teeth down and opens gaps between them." Ultrasonic tips act on the calculus, not on enamel. The space felt afterwards is the space the calculus occupied — it was already there, hidden. As gum inflammation subsides and swelling reduces, teeth can also look longer for a while.

The process

Calculus is broken up with an ultrasonic tip, remaining areas cleaned with hand instruments, and the surface then polished. Polishing is not only cosmetic: plaque accumulates more slowly on a smooth surface.

The appointment usually takes 30 to 45 minutes and needs no anaesthesia. Local anaesthesia may be preferred where there is recession or marked sensitivity.

How often

Once or twice a year is enough. The interval shortens for smokers, for anyone with a history of gum disease and for patients in orthodontic treatment.

This page is general information and does not replace a dental examination. Whether the treatment suits you, and the method and duration, are decided only after an intraoral examination and radiographic assessment.