Ahead of your visit
Scaling and polishing
One appointment, explained before it starts.
Brushing and flossing do a lot, but they cannot reach everywhere. Plaque hardens into calculus over time, especially along the gum line and between teeth, and once it has hardened, only a professional clean removes it. A scale and polish clears that build-up away, then polishes your teeth to lift surface staining from things like coffee or tea. You'll leave with a mouth that feels noticeably cleaner, and gums that have a better shot at staying healthy.
Why this matters
What this treatment aims to improve
Results depend on the starting condition, the treatment plan and how the mouth responds. Your dentist will explain what is realistic for your case before treatment begins.
Calculus cleared from the gum line
Hardened build-up sitting right at your gum margin gets removed carefully, in the spots your toothbrush genuinely cannot reach on its own.
Your gums get a break
Clearing away build-up at the gum line takes away one of the biggest triggers for gum inflammation, so your gums have a genuine chance to settle.
A brighter, polished finish
Polishing lifts everyday staining from coffee, tea or similar habits. It won't change your natural tooth shade the way whitening would, but it will look and feel cleaner.
How it works
Step by step, from assessment to review
A quick look first
Your dentist or hygienist checks your teeth and gums briefly before starting, so the clean can be matched to how much build-up is there.
The scale itself
Plaque and calculus are removed from your tooth surfaces and gum line with purpose-made instruments, going carefully around any spot that feels sensitive.
A polish to finish
A polish smooths everything over and lifts surface staining, so your teeth feel thoroughly clean and smooth to the tongue by the time you're done.
Is it suitable for you?
A scale and polish suits most people with their own teeth, especially if your brushing routine cannot quite keep up with how fast build-up comes back for you.
Build-up's back sooner than expected
Your teeth feel rough or gritty again only months after your last clean, which usually means your own build-up rate runs a bit faster than average.
Your gums bleed when you brush
A bit of bleeding at the gum line often means build-up is sitting right against it, which a scale and polish is well placed to clear.
You want the clean, not the exam
You're due for a clean rather than a full check-up, maybe because your teeth were reviewed elsewhere recently.
Getting ready
Small things that help before you arrive.
Bring anything relevant
Old X-rays, a list of medications or notes on what you've noticed all help, though you're welcome to come without them.
Flag what makes it harder
If anxiety, a sensitive spot or a rough past experience make visits difficult, tell the team early so they can plan around it.
Give it enough time
A first look needs room for questions and a proper explanation, not just a quick glance and a nod.
Scaling and polishing questions
Questions patients often ask
The answers below cover what most patients experience. Your own dentist will tailor the advice to your examination, medical history and treatment plan.
It lifts surface staining from things like tea, coffee or tobacco, so your teeth often look brighter afterwards, but it won't change the actual shade of your teeth the way whitening does.
Have a different question?
Tell the clinic what you are concerned about. The team can explain the next sensible step before you decide on a visit.
Book when you're ready
Talk it through before you book.
Tell test what you've noticed and they'll help arrange the right appointment for it.
Bring whatever you're wondering about. Your dentist explains as you go, what's happening, why it matters and what comes next, so you leave with a plan that makes sense.