Scaling and Polishing (Tooth Cleaning)
Involves the Removal of
Why is Tooth Cleaning Important?
Plaque and calculus contain bacteria, and so this can lead to gingival recession, gingivitis, bleeding from gums, caries, periodontitis and tooth mobility. Cleaning the tooth will help prevent from all these problems.
Tooth Bleaching or Tooth Whitening
Teeth Whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that lightens pigmentation within the teeth.
FAQs
Specialized instruments are used to gently remove plaque and calculus deposits without harming the teeth. The ultrasonic scaler uses vibrations to loosen hardened tartar that sticks to the teeth/in between teeth.
Polishing is usually carried out after scaling to further remove stains and make the teeth feel smooth and shiny. It’s done with a soft rubber cup that spins. Prophylaxis paste – a special toothpaste-like material is scooped up into the cup and spun around on the teeth.
Most people find that cleanings are painless, and find the sensations described above do not cause discomfort. Most patients enjoy cleanings because of the smooth feel of their teeth afterwards. Some patients report sensitivity for one to two weeks after cleaning. But that resolves on its own and doesn't occur with every case.
What is the Difference Between Teeth Whitening and Scaling & Polishing?
Teeth can become more yellow with age and with the continuous consumption of dark staining foods like coffee, tea, red wine or tobacco. Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that lightens pigmentation within the teeth. Scaling and polishing is a procedure that removes dental plaque, tartar and extrinsic stains that are present on the outer surface of the teeth. Scaling and polishing cleans your teeth, preventing and controlling the severity of gum diseases. After scaling & polishing, teeth can appear lighter if there are many stains on the outer surface of the teeth. If the intrinsic colour of teeth is very yellow, there will be no changes after teeth cleaning as the yellow colour comes from inside the tooth. In that case, tooth whitening is advised.
