Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scaling and Polishing?

The two most common prophylaxis dental treatments are Scaling and Polishing. Scaling is a dental procedure that removes calculus deposited on the teeth or the stains on the teeth. This procedure can be likened with the peeling or scraping the paint off the wall. If the roots are also damaged the same process is carried out for the gums and it is known as root planing. Followed by scaling, polishing is a smoothening process of the teeth as scaling makes the teeth rough. Additional protection can be applied to the teeth by adding a small amount of fluoride. An individual should brush their teeth at least thrice or after every meal. By this way, the damage to teeth is minimized. However, plaque and tartar build-up are common. This happens because of the bacterial film present in the mouth and teeth.  As the food mixes with saliva the food is converted into starch or sugar and then, this mixes with oral bacteria and forms an acidic environment in the mouth. This causes stains and damage to the enamel on the teeth and even roots as the cycle continue. Hence, regular brushing should be complemented with scaling and polishing at least every 6 months.

Who can undergo Scaling and Polishing?

1. Individuals of all age groups can go for scaling and Polishing. If not then the damage starts and more complex dental procedures have to be done. 
2. Individuals showing early stages of the disease may still proceed with Scaling and Polishing as these procedures can help slow down the progression of the disease. 
3. Bacteria release some substance in the mouth due to metabolic function hence causes bad breath in an individual. Hence a person can go for deep cleaning with scaling and polishing.

Apart from the above conditions, if an individual is planning to undergo Scaling and Polishing, pleases consult Dentist and discuss all the risks and benefits associated with the procedure.

How are Scaling and Polishing performed?

1. First of all, a local anesthetic is given to the gums and teeth to minimize the discomfort. Then, a variety of instruments are used by the Dentist to start the scaling process.
2. An ultrasonic instrument that sends vibrations to the teeth is used by the dentist to loosen the teeth and hence more visibility of large deposits is obtained. Then an instrument that emits cooling mist of water is used to wash away the debris as the procedure progresses. The patient is even asked to spit once in a while to expel out the washed away debris deposited.
3. After the expulsion of the debris, the dentist uses hand scales (available in different sizes) and this may increase the procedure time. 
4. Though the hand scaler prolongs the time, the dentist gets more control to reach deeper areas that cannot be reached by ultrasonic instruments. The deposits which are lodged between teeth and smaller in size can also be removed with the help of hand scalers.
5. Once scaling is finished, the dentist proceeds for polishing by using handpiece equipment that has a cup made up of rubber filled with fluoride paste. 
6. The dentist then moves the cup on the teeth hence smoothening the cleaned teeth. 
7. The patient is asked not to eat or drink at least half an hour after the procedure is completed and the patient can go back to regular activities.