What Is Teeth Scaling?
Teeth scaling is a deep cleaning procedure designed to remove plaque and tartar (calculus) that build up on the surface of your teeth and beneath the gumline. Plaque is a thin, sticky film made of food particles and bacteria. If not cleaned by brushing twice daily, plaque hardens into tartar.
Once tartar has formed, it cannot be removed with regular brushing or mouthwash. Only a dentist, using special tools, can remove it through the teeth scaling procedure. By scheduling routine dental scaling, you can prevent gum inflammation (gingivitis) and more serious gum diseases.
How Is the Teeth Scaling Procedure Done?
Dentists usually perform scaling using an ultrasonic scaler, which creates gentle vibrations to break down tartar. The procedure includes:
Removing tartar from the surface of the teeth.
Cleaning tartar below the gumline to maintain healthy gums.
Some patients may feel slight sensitivity or discomfort, especially if tartar is thick or the gums are inflamed. However, this discomfort is temporary. If necessary, dentists can apply local anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure.
Benefits of Dental Scaling
Getting your teeth scaled every six months provides numerous oral health benefits, including:
Keeping gums healthy and reducing the risk of gum disease.
Lowering the risk of tooth decay.
Eliminating bad breath caused by tartar buildup.
Making teeth look cleaner and brighter, boosting confidence in your smile.
In other words, the benefits of dental scaling go beyond aesthetics—it’s an essential step for long-term oral health.
Teeth Scaling Cost
The cost of teeth scaling varies depending on the condition of your teeth, the amount of tartar buildup, and the dental clinic’s facilities. In some cases, additional treatments such as root planing may be required, which can increase the cost.
For a more accurate estimate of teeth scaling cost, it’s best to consult directly with your dentist.
Aftercare: How to Keep Teeth Clean After Scaling
To maintain the results of your scaling, you should:
Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Use dental floss to clean between teeth.
Limit sugary and acidic foods or drinks.
Visit your dentist every six months for checkups and preventive care.
Conclusion
Teeth scaling is not just a routine procedure but an essential step in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. With this treatment, you can prevent gum disease, bad breath, and tooth damage that may affect your daily comfort.
Remember, brushing at home is crucial, but it is not enough to fight hardened tartar. The teeth scaling procedure is a long-term investment in your oral health with visible results you can feel immediately.
If you’re considering this treatment, the professional dental team at Onyx Dental Center is ready to provide safe, comfortable, and comprehensive scaling procedures. Don’t wait until symptoms appear and schedule your consultation for teeth scaling treatment today for a healthy, fresh, and confident smile.
References:
ScienceDirect. (n.d.). Dental scaling. In Medicine and dentistry. Elsevier. Retrieved September 13, 2025, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/dental-scaling
Dental Scaling and Root Planing for Periodontal Health: A Review of the Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-effectiveness, and Guidelines. (2016). Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health.
