Carmel Dental Clinic
Scaling and Polishing
Scaling and polishing in Vellimadukunnu, Kozhikode
The routine hygiene appointment: plaque, tartar and surface staining removed, and the teeth polished. It is the least dramatic thing we do and the one that prevents the most expensive problems later.
- Typical visit30 minutes
- Sittings1
When this treatment is usually needed
If any of these sound familiar, it is worth being examined. None of them is a diagnosis on its own — several different problems can produce the same symptom.
- Gums that bleed when you brush
- Visible tartar build-up behind the lower front teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- It has been more than a year since your last clean
How we do it here
The specifics that shape your visit, rather than a generic description of the procedure.
- Plaque and hardened tartar removed above and below the gumline
- Surface staining from tea, coffee and tobacco lifted
- Gum health checked and bleeding points noted
- Brushing and cleaning technique reviewed with you
How the visit usually goes
Every step is explained before it happens, so nothing arrives as a surprise.
- 1Gum check
We look at gum health and note where there is bleeding or build-up.
- 2Scaling
Plaque and hardened tartar are removed from above and below the gumline.
- 3Polishing
Surface staining is lifted and the teeth polished smooth.
- 4Technique
We go through brushing and interdental cleaning for the spots you are missing.
This page describes a dental procedure in general terms. It is not a diagnosis and not a treatment plan, and outcomes vary from person to person. What is right for you is decided after a clinical examination at the clinic. See our terms and medical disclaimer.
After your treatment
General aftercare. The instructions you are given at the clinic, for your own mouth, come first.
- Teeth can feel sensitive to cold for a few days after tartar is removed. This usually settles on its own.
- Gums may bleed a little for a day or two while they heal. Keep brushing gently - stopping makes it worse.
- Some gaps between teeth may feel larger. That is space the tartar was filling, not something the cleaning created.
- Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or interdental brushes, as shown at the appointment.
- Book your next cleaning at the interval suggested for your gums. For many adults that is every six months.
Questions we are actually asked
Does scaling damage or loosen teeth?
No. Scaling removes hardened deposits from the tooth surface. Where teeth already feel loose, that is usually a sign of existing gum disease, which is exactly what the appointment is there to address.
How often should I have this done?
For most people, roughly once a year. If you have gum disease, smoke, or build up tartar quickly, we may suggest more often.
Will my teeth be sensitive afterwards?
Short-lived sensitivity is common, particularly if there was heavy build-up. It usually settles within a few days.
Is scaling the same as teeth whitening?
No. Scaling and polishing removes tartar and surface stains, so teeth often look brighter and cleaner, but it does not change the natural colour of the tooth. Whitening does, and is a separate treatment.