What Is Dental Scaling and Why Your Gums Need It

Dental Scaling Melbourne

Dental Scaling

This article explains the following:

  • Dental scaling is the professional removal of plaque and calculus (tartar) from your tooth surfaces and along the gum line.
  • Once plaque hardens into calculus, brushing and flossing cannot remove it. Only professional scaling can.
  • Regular scaling helps prevent and manage gum disease, from early gingivitis to more advanced periodontitis.
  • Scaling is usually done as part of a routine dental check up and clean, recommended every six months for most people.
  • The procedure is gentle and quick. Mild sensitivity for a day or two afterwards is normal.
what is dental scaling

What is dental scaling?

Dental scaling is a professional tooth cleaning procedure. Your dentist removes two things from your teeth: plaque, the soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms every day, and calculus, also called tartar, which is plaque that has hardened onto the tooth.

Scaling cleans the visible tooth surfaces, the areas between your teeth, and just below the gum line, where bacteria do the most damage. In Australia, dental scaling is usually part of what we call a scale and clean, and it is included in your routine check-up and clean at MC Dental.

why do i need scaling teeth if I brush everyday

Why do I need dental scaling if I brush every day?

Brushing and flossing remove soft plaque, and they are essential. But any plaque you miss starts to harden within days, as minerals in your saliva turn it into calculus. Calculus bonds firmly to the tooth, it cannot be removed by brushing at home.

Calculus has a rough surface that traps even more bacteria against your gums. Over time this irritates the gums, making them red, puffy and quick to bleed. This early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition that damages the bone holding your teeth in place. Regular scaling breaks this cycle before it starts. Scaling teeth every six months removes calculus before it has the chance to harm your gums.

What needs removing Brushing and flossing at home Professional dental scaling
Soft plaque Yes Yes
Hardened calculus (tartar) No Yes
Deposits just below the gum line No Yes
Surface stains from coffee, tea and red wine Limited Yes, with polishing
Early signs of gum disease Cannot be checked at home Checked by your dentist
How do I know if I need my teeth scaled

How do I know if I need my teeth scaled?

Common signs include gums that bleed when you brush or floss, red or swollen gums, bad breath that will not go away, and yellow or brown build-up near the gum line. Gums that look like they are pulling away from the teeth are another warning sign.

Many people have calculus build-up with no symptoms at all, which is why a regular teeth check up (normally every 6 months to a year) matters. Your dentist can see and remove build-up long before it causes trouble.

What happens when the dentist is scaling my teeth

What happens when the dentist is scaling my teeth?

Your dentist examines your teeth and gums first. Then scaling begins:

  1. Ultrasonic scaling. A fine tip vibrates at high speed with a gentle stream of water, loosening and washing away larger deposits of calculus.
  2. Hand scaling. Precise hand instruments remove the finer deposits between teeth and along the gum line.
  3. Polishing. Your teeth are polished smooth, which removes surface stains and makes it harder for plaque to stick again.
  4. Fluoride (if recommended). A fluoride treatment can be applied to strengthen your enamel.

As part of a full check up and clean, this typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how much build-up you have.

teeth deep clean vs scaling teeth

What is the difference between a dental scaling and a deep clean?

A routine dental scaling maintains healthy gums and treats early gingivitis. A deep clean, known as scaling and root planing, is a treatment for gum disease that has progressed to periodontitis. It cleans deeper below the gum line, along the tooth roots, and the root surfaces are smoothed so gums can heal and reattach. MC Dental provides both.

Feature Routine dental scaling Deep clean (scaling and root planing)
Best for Healthy gums and early gingivitis Periodontitis (advanced gum disease)
Area cleaned Above and just below the gum line Deeper below the gums, along the tooth roots
Anaesthetic Usually not needed Local anaesthetic keeps you comfortable
Appointments One visit One or two visits, depending on your gums
Cost Exam, clean and fluoride from $226 Quoted after your gum assessment
How often should I book a dental check up and clean

How often should I book a dental check up and clean?

Every six months is recommended for most people. If your gums and teeth are in excellent health, your dentist may suggest every 12 months. If you have gum disease, or a higher risk due to factors such as smoking or diabetes, more frequent scaling, for example every three months, may be recommended. Your dentist will advise the interval that suits your condition, not a one-size-fits-all schedule.

How do I look after my teeth after scaling

How do I look after my teeth after scaling?

Your teeth may feel slightly sensitive to hot and cold for a day or two, and gums that were inflamed may feel tender or bleed a little. This settles quickly. Keep brushing gently twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and use a sensitive toothpaste if needed. Your teeth will feel noticeably smoother, that is the calculus gone. If discomfort lasts more than a few days, please contact your dental clinic.

How much does dental scaling cost in Melbourne

How much does dental scaling cost in Melbourne?

At MC Dental, a dental examination starts from $70, and a cleaning package (exam, scale and clean, and fluoride) starts from $226. Your final cost depends on three things: the amount of build-up, the health of your gums, and whether an X-ray is needed. New patients can book our $239 New Patient Offer, and tertiary students and pensioners without private health insurance receive 15% off the regular price.

We offer HICAPS on-the-spot claiming for all major health funds, and members of our preferred provider health funds receive the maximum rebate. Zip Pay and Afterpay are also available. See health funds and payments for details.

6 dental clinics, open 7 days (6 Days at Brighton)

Book Your Dental Scaling Appointment

Give yourself a healthy and beautiful smile. With our six locations across Melbourne, quality dental care is always nearby.

Phone the clinic on
(03) 8608 8968.

Or select a Melbourne clinic below to book.

 

Melbourne Central Dental Clinic

Shop 254, Level 2, 211 La Trobe Street, Melbourne

Docklands Dental Clinic

Shop 10, 677 La Trobe Street, Docklands

Westfield Doncaster Clinic

Shop 45, Ground Floor, 619 Doncaster Rd, Doncaster

Highpoint Dental Clinic

Level 2, Highpoint Shopping Centre, 120-200 Rosamond Rd, Maribyrnong

Glen Waverley Dental Clinic

110 Kingsway, Glen Waverley

Brighton Dental Clinic

754 Hampton St, Brighton

 

FAQ – Dental Scaling Melbourne

Does dental scaling damage my tooth enamel?

No. Scaling instruments are designed to remove plaque and calculus, not healthy enamel. Teeth can feel different afterwards simply because the hard deposits are gone.

Does dental scaling hurt?

For most people, no. You will feel some vibration, water spray and pressure, but scaling is generally comfortable. If you have sensitive teeth or areas of gum inflammation, please tell your dentist. We can adjust our approach or use a numbing gel to keep you comfortable. If dental visits make you anxious, read our nervous patient information – our team takes extra care with you.

Why do my teeth feel strange after scaling?

Calculus can fill the small spaces between teeth. Once removed, those spaces feel open again and surfaces feel smoother. This is your teeth back to normal, and the feeling passes within days.

Can dental scaling help with bad breath?

Yes. Persistent bad breath is often caused by bacteria trapped in plaque and calculus. Removing these deposits will remove the main source of the odour.

Where can I get dental scaling in Melbourne?

MC Dental offers scale and clean appointments at six clinics across Melbourne: Melbourne Central (CBD), Docklands, Westfield Doncaster, Glen Waverley, Brighton and Highpoint (Maribyrnong). We are open seven days a week (six days at Brighton), with extended hours, and you can book online in minutes.