Scaling and polishing is a procedure that removes dental plaque, tartar and extrinsic stains that are present on the outer surface of the teeth. After scaling & polishing, teeth can appear lighter if there are many stains on the outer surface of the teeth.
The purpose of the cleaning and polishing is basically to leave the surfaces of the teeth clean and smooth so that bacteria are unable to stick to them and you have a better chance of keeping the teeth clean during your regular home care.
The dental hygienist or dentist uses specialized instruments to gently remove these deposits without harming the teeth.
Most people find that cleanings are painless, and find the sensations described above – tickling vibrations, the cooling mist of water, and the feeling of pressure during “scraping” – do not cause discomfort. There may be odd zingy sensations, but many people don’t mind as they only last a nanosecond.
