Regular dental care is essential to maintaining a bright, healthy smile, and one of the most important procedures in your dental hygiene routine is Scale and polish. At Didsbury Dental Clinic, we offer professional scale and polish services designed to remove plaque and tartar build-up, leaving your teeth feeling clean and fresh. This simple yet effective treatment helps prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and ensures your smile remains at its best.
In this article, we will explore what scaling and polishing are, why they are important, and how Didsbury Dental Clinic provides top-notch dental care to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
What is Scale and Polish?
Scale and polish is a routine dental procedure designed to clean your teeth by removing plaque and tartar that can accumulate over time. While regular brushing and flossing at home are essential for maintaining good oral hygiene, scaling and polishing offer a deeper clean that cannot be achieved with your regular home care routine.
1. Scaling
Scaling refers to the process of removing plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the surfaces of your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and can lead to cavities and gum disease if not removed regularly. If plaque is not cleaned off, it hardens into tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing alone. Scaling uses specialized dental instruments, such as an ultrasonic scaler or manual hand tools, to gently scrape away this build-up, ensuring your teeth are free of harmful bacteria and debris.
2. Polishing
Once scaling is complete, the next step is polishing. Polishing smooths the surface of the teeth, helping to remove any remaining plaque and stains that may have built up over time. The polishing process also leaves the teeth looking shiny and feeling smooth. A polishing paste is used to buff the tooth surfaces, ensuring they are free of imperfections, creating a smoother surface that makes it more difficult for plaque to reattach.
The Importance of Scale and Polish
Scaling and polishing are essential parts of preventive dental care that should be performed regularly to ensure optimal oral health. Here are some of the key benefits of this treatment:
1. Preventing Gum Disease
When plaque and tartar build-up along the gumline, it can lead to gum disease, which can result in symptoms such as bleeding gums, bad breath, and even tooth loss if left untreated. Regular scaling and polishing remove this build-up, helping to prevent gingivitis and more severe forms of gum disease, such as periodontitis.
2. Maintaining Healthy Teeth
By removing plaque and tartar, scaling helps prevent cavities from forming, as bacteria that cause decay are effectively cleaned away. This ensures that your teeth remain healthy and reduces the risk of needing fillings or other dental treatments in the future.
3. Fresher Breath
Scaling and polishing also help eliminate bacteria that contribute to bad breath (halitosis). By cleaning the surfaces of your teeth and gums, your mouth feels fresher, and your breath is noticeably improved. Regular cleaning also helps reduce plaque, which can harbor odorous bacteria.
4. A Brighter Smile
Polishing leaves your teeth looking bright and shiny. It removes surface stains from food, drink, or tobacco, helping to restore the natural whiteness of your smile. While scaling and polishing are not a substitute for professional whitening treatments, they can help maintain the appearance of your teeth between whitening sessions.
5. Reducing the Risk of Tooth Decay
Scaling removes plaque and tartar that can lead to the development of cavities. By removing these harmful deposits, you are significantly reducing the risk of tooth decay and its associated complications.
The Scale and Polish Procedure at Didsbury Dental Clinic
At Didsbury Dental Clinic, we offer professional scale and polish treatments that are quick, effective, and comfortable. Here’s what you can expect during your visit:
1. Initial Consultation
Before performing any dental procedure, your dentist or hygienist will conduct an initial consultation. This includes assessing your oral health and discussing any concerns you may have. If you have a history of gum disease or other oral health issues, the dentist may tailor the treatment to your needs.
2. Cleaning and Scaling
The dental hygienist will begin by scaling your teeth, using specialized instruments to remove plaque and tartar. This process may involve the use of an ultrasonic scaler, which uses vibrations to dislodge deposits, or manual instruments for more precise cleaning. The dentist or hygienist will ensure your comfort throughout the procedure and address any areas of concern.
3. Polishing
Once scaling is completed, the hygienist will move on to polishing your teeth. Using a soft rubber cup and a special polishing paste, they will gently buff your teeth to remove surface stains and leave them feeling smooth and polished. The polishing process enhances the appearance of your smile and creates a smooth surface that is harder for plaque to stick to.
4. Post-Treatment Care
After your scale and polish, you may experience some mild sensitivity, especially if you have gum recession or exposed tooth roots. This should subside within a day or two. Your dentist will offer guidance on how to care for your teeth and gums after the procedure, including tips for maintaining a consistent brushing and flossing routine.
How Often Should You Have a Scale and Polish?
The frequency of scaling and polishing treatments depends on your individual oral health needs. For most patients, it is recommended to have a scale and polish every six to twelve months. However, some individuals with a higher risk of plaque build-up or gum disease may need this treatment more frequently.
Your dentist will recommend the appropriate schedule for your needs based on factors such as your oral hygiene habits, medical history, and the condition of your teeth and gums.
Why Choose Didsbury Dental Clinic for Your Scale and Polish Treatment?
At Didsbury Dental Clinic, we are committed to providing the highest standard of care in a friendly and relaxed environment. Here’s why you should choose our clinic for your scale and polish treatment:
1. Experienced Hygienists and Dentists
Our team of skilled dental hygienists and dentists have extensive experience in providing high-quality scale and polish treatments. They are committed to ensuring that your teeth remain healthy and that you feel comfortable throughout the process.
2. State-of-the-Art Facilities
We use the latest dental technology and equipment to ensure that your scale and polish procedure is efficient and effective. Our modern, clean facilities are designed to make your visit as comfortable as possible.
3. Patient-Centered Care
At Didsbury Dental Clinic, we put your needs first. We take the time to understand your oral health goals and provide personalized care tailored to your unique needs. Our team is always available to answer your questions and offer advice on how to maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.
4. Comfortable Environment
We understand that some patients may feel anxious about dental visits, which is why we focus on creating a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. Our team is friendly and caring, and we are dedicated to making your experience as stress-free as possible.
A professional scale and polish treatment is an essential part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. By removing plaque and tartar build-up and polishing your teeth, you can prevent gum disease, improve your breath, and keep your smile bright. At Didsbury Dental Clinic, we offer thorough and gentle scaling and polishing treatments to help you maintain excellent oral health.
If you’re due for a scale and polish or would like to learn more about how we can help you maintain a healthy smile, contact Didsbury Dental Clinic today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve a cleaner, brighter, and healthier smile!
