Oral treatments

Scaling involves the removal of dental plaque, calculus and stains from the tooth surfaces so that the teeth become clean and smooth.

Purpose

Scaling removes the accumulated dental plaque, calculus, and stain from the surfaces of our teeth, and prevent gum disease.

Before scaling After scaling
Photograph of lower front teeth with calculus before scaling.
Photograph of the clean lower front teeth after scaling.

Procedures for scaling

  • Use dental instruments or ultrasonic scaling machine to remove calculus

  • Remove the stains and smoothen the tooth surfaces by polishing with pumice powder, or by using a prophyjet machine that eject a mixture containing sodium bicarbonate.

    Animation showing the use of prophyjet to remove the stains on the lower teeth.

Points to note after scaling

There may be slight discomfort and minor gingival bleeding in the first few days after scaling. Please do not worry. Please remind your child to thoroughly clean his/her teeth every day, and the discomfort and gingival bleeding will gradually disappear. The gum will become healthy as well.