What Is Scaling and Polishing: Your Key To A Brighter Smile!

They say a smile is the prettiest thing you can wear, but even the most dazzling grin needs a little maintenance. That is where scaling and polishing come into play. These treatments are not just about aesthetics; they are fundamental for preventing gum disease and ensuring long-term dental health. Just like a spa day for your teeth, scaling and polishing session will leave them fresh, clean and bright. Let's look at what really happens during a scaling and polishing appointment.

What Is Scaling And Polishing?

Scaling and polishing are standard dental procedures essential for maintaining oral health. They remove local irritants such as plaque, tartar and stains from your teeth, including those tricky spots in between. If left unchecked, these irritants can lead to gum disease and potentially other dental problems as well. 

Now, you might think that brushing and flossing twice a day at home is enough to keep your teeth clean, and that they don't need professional cleaning but here's the thing: even when you're diligent about brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can still build up. That's why it's best to have a dentist remove these irritants using professional dental instruments.

Scaling

1) Purpose

It is to remove local irritants such as plaque and tartar that have built up on the teeth, especially in areas that are challenging to reach with regular brushing and flossing. Teeth scaling, also known as dental scaling, is a procedure aimed at removing plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth surfaces and beneath the gum line.

2) Procedure

The dentist or dental hygienist uses special dental instruments to clean areas that regular brushing and flossing cannot reach, such as ultrasonic scalers and manual hand scalers. These instruments help to clean the teeth surfaces. These ultrasonic scaler uses vibrations to break up tartar, while water is sprayed to wash away debris. Manual hand scalers may be used to scrape off smaller deposits between the teeth and ensure a thorough clean overall. 

Polishing

1) Purpose 

Teeth polishing is a procedure that follows scaling. It is to smooth and polish the tooth surfaces to give teeth a shiny, clean appearance. The smooth surface also helps to reduce the re-accumulation of plaque tartar, stains and minor imperfections.

2) Procedure

After scaling, a polishing tool with a soft rubber cup and a special paste (prophy paste) is used to buff and shine the teeth. The paste typically contains a mild abrasive to remove surface stains and any remaining plaque, resulting in a brighter smile.

What Are The Other Teeth Cleaning Procedures Available?

These additional teeth cleaning services can complement regular dental cleanings and help you achieve a healthier, cleaner smile. It's always best to consult with your dentist to determine which services are suitable for your oral health needs.

1) ProphyJet Stains Removal

The ProphyJet system is a great way to remove stains from your teeth caused by things like food, drinks and smoking. It's usually done after your teeth have been cleaned and polished to get rid of any stubborn stains or clean places that are hard to reach. The best part is, it's quick and painless, and you can usually get it done during your regular dental cleaning appointment.

2) Airflow Cleaning

Airflow cleaning is like a mini power washer for your teeth, using a mix of air, water and fine powder particles, typically sodium bicarbonate, to gently blast away those stains, biofilm and soft deposits from your teeth, leaving them looking and feeling cleaner and brighter.

3) Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)

During this procedure, airflow cleaning is combined with a special dye that highlights areas where plaque has accumulated. The dye reveals these areas in detail, allowing your dentist or dental hygienist to accurately target them, ensuring that problematic areas are thoroughly cleaned. 

4) Deep Cleaning/Root Planing

For more severe tartar build up and especially if it is below the gum line (on the root surfaces), a deep cleaning will be required. This is because routine scaling and polishing only remove tartar from the surface of the teeth above the gum line. Tartar build up below the gum line can damage the supporting tissue and bone and if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss in the long run.  

Benefits of Teeth Scaling and Polishing

• Preventing Gum Disease : Regular teeth scaling and polishing are essential for preventing gingivitis and periodontitis by removing plaque and tartar that cause gum inflammation and infection.
• Enhancing Oral Hygiene : These procedures significantly improve your oral hygiene by reaching areas that regular brushing and flossing miss, ensuring a comprehensive clean.
• Improving the Appearance of Teeth : Polishing gives your teeth a smooth, shiny finish, making them look brighter and healthier, boosting your confidence.

How to Manage Sensitivity During and After the Procedure

Teeth scaling and polishing are safe for sensitive teeth. However, it's essential to inform your dentist about your sensitivity so they can take extra care and use appropriate techniques.

• Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth before and after the procedure.
• Your dentist may apply a desensitising agent after the appointment.
• Avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks for a few days after the procedure.

Scaling and polishing are essential components of a comprehensive dental hygiene routine. Scaling removes tartar and plaque buildup, preventing gum disease and tooth decay. Polishing smoothens the tooth surfaces, reducing the accumulation of plaque and stains. Together, these procedures promote oral health, fresh breath and a brighter smile. It is best to do professional scaling and polishing every few months along with your general oral hygiene habits at home.

Regular scaling and polishing appointments, combined with daily brushing and flossing, can help maintain optimal dental health and contribute to overall well-being. Want to book a cleaning appointment? Reach out to us here!

Related Articles

• How Often to Scale and Polish Teeth

References

1. Arefnia B, Koller M, Wimmer G, Lussi A, Haas M. In Vitro Study of Surface Changes Induced on Enamel and Cementum by Different Scaling and Polishing Techniques. Oral Health Prev Dent. 2021;19(1):85-92. doi: 10.3290/j.ohpd.b927695. PMID: 33511822.
2. Weaks LM, Lescher NB, Barnes CM, Holroyd SV. Clinical evaluation of the Prophy-Jet as an instrument for routine removal of tooth stain and plaque. J Periodontol. 1984 Aug;55(8):486-8. doi: 10.1902/jop.1984.55.8.486. PMID: 6592321.