Dental Scaling & Teeth Cleaning

Dental scaling involves the use of manual hand instruments, ultrasonic instruments, or both. The dentist will start the procedure with a thorough examination of your mouth. An ultrasonic scaling device removes tartar (calculus), plaque, and biofilm from the tooth surface and underneath the gum line using sonic vibrations.

If your gum tissue is highly sensitive or diseased, local anesthesia can be administered. Root planing may follow to smooth out rough target areas on the root surface, decreasing inflammation and preventing further plaque development.

Pre-Operative Instructions

Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, leading up to the appointment.
Diet: Eat a light meal before the procedure since your mouth may feel tender afterward.
Medical History: If you have a history of heart problems, inform your dentist. They may recommend prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infections.
Habits: Avoid smoking or consuming alcohol before your appointment, as these can increase the risk of complications.
Cosmetics: Kindly refrain from using makeup or cosmetics on the day of the procedure to prevent contamination.

Post-Operative Care & Do's/Don'ts

Do's:

Use desensitizing toothpaste if you experience sensitivity to hot or cold (which is normal and may last a few weeks).
Rinse with warm salt water several times a day to reduce swelling and promote healing.
Eat soft, non-irritating foods for the first 24 hours.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen) as directed if experiencing mild discomfort.

Don'ts:

Don’t consume hard, crunchy, or spicy foods immediately after scaling.
Don’t smoke or use tobacco products, as they slow healing and exacerbate gum disease.
Don't ignore prolonged pain or sensitivity lasting more than 4 weeks; contact your dentist.

Educational Video Guide

Basics of Ultrasonic Teeth Cleaning

Usually, it takes 30 mins to 1 hour for a routine scaling appointment. Depending on the amount of stains or calculus (e.g., tobacco, smoking, or coffee stains which are difficult to remove), it may be extended up to 2 hours.

The total cost for scaling is decided by the amount of time required and the amount of stains/calculus present on your teeth at the time of consultation. It will be communicated in advance before you opt-in for the procedure. Please refer to our Grade 1 / Grade 2 / Grade 3 pricing below.

Dental scaling involves several steps to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. The procedure begins with an examination where the dentist assesses the extent of plaque and tartar buildup. Next, an ultrasonic scaler is used to remove tartar from the tooth surfaces using vibrations and a water spray to wash away debris. Manual instruments may be used for finer cleaning. In some cases, root planing is performed to smooth the tooth roots and help the gums reattach.

There are two primary types: supragingival scaling and subgingival scaling.

Supragingival scaling focuses on removing plaque and tartar from the visible surfaces of the teeth, above the gumline. Subgingival scaling involves cleaning beneath the gumline, targeting the roots of the teeth and periodontal pockets. This is necessary for patients with more advanced gum disease.

Usually, it is advisable to get scaling done every six months. Not getting scaling done in time might prove costly in the future, as poor oral hygiene leads to dental caries or severe gum issues.

Scaling will not create any damage to your teeth or gums as the procedure is done using an advanced scaler machine which creates safe vibrations only. However, many patients complain of temporarily increased sensitivity in teeth immediately following the procedure.