Plaque is a soft film of bacteria that forms on the teeth every day. What is not brushed away hardens into tartar, which grips the tooth surface, the spaces between the teeth and the gum line, and can no longer be removed by brushing. Scaling is the professional cleaning that takes it off; polishing smooths the surfaces afterward. Scaling removes the deposit; it does not change the natural shade of the teeth, which is what whitening addresses.
Why tartar has to be removed
Tartar holds bacteria against the gum, and the gum responds with inflammation: it bleeds when brushed, looks red and swollen, and in time pulls away from the tooth. Removing it at regular intervals addresses several problems at once.
- Decay and gum disease, which begin where plaque is left undisturbed.
- Gums that bleed, swell or recede, and pus at the gum margin.
- Persistent bad breath, produced by the bacteria held in the deposits.
- Tooth loss, which follows the loss of the bone and gum that support a tooth.
How the treatment works
The dentist works over each tooth in turn with an ultrasonic instrument and with hand instruments, lifting deposits from the crown of the tooth, from between the teeth and from just under the gum margin where the film collects. The teeth are then polished with a rubber cup and paste, which smooths the surface and takes off remaining stain. A smooth surface gives plaque less to hold on to.
Aftercare
Gums that were inflamed may be tender for a short period, and the teeth can feel more sensitive to cold, which settles. Where tartar had built up heavily, small spaces can be noticeable between the teeth once it is gone, because the deposits had been filling them. Daily brushing and cleaning between the teeth is what keeps the result, with scaling repeated at the interval your dentist advises.
Book this treatment
Pick a time that suits you. We will call you back to confirm the appointment.