Scale & Polish

Your hygienist removes stubborn tartar with special dental tools.

As a PRSI payer, you maybe entitled for scale and polish for 15€ or Scale and Polish with Laser teeth whitening for additional 90€

You brush and floss at home after every meal. You use a quality mouth rinse. And you keep up with your routine check-up’s. These types of oral health care steps can go a long way to helping you keep your mouth clean and healthy.

An appointment with a dental hygienist can take your good oral hygiene just one extra step further. Good oral hygiene involves treating the whole mouth for any of the dental complications that may arise.

Brushing and flossing will remove plaque from your teeth, but they cannot remove the stuck-on tartar that forms both above and below the gum line. Your dental hygienist uses specialised dental tools to remove that stubborn tartar.

Signs that indicate the need for teeth scaling and polishing

Your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold
You have a spot or sore that doesn't look or feel right in your mouth and it isn't going away.
Your gums are puffy and/or they bleed when you brush or floss
You have fillings, crowns, dental implants, dentures, etc.
You don't like the way your smile or teeth look
You have persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
You have pain or swelling in your mouth, face or neck
You have a medical condition such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease,eating disorders, or are HIV positive

You have a family history of gum disease or tooth decay
You are undergoing medical treatment such as radiation, chemotherapy or hormone replacement therapy
Your mouth is often dry
You are pregnant
You smoke or use other tobacco products
You have persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
You have difficulty chewing or swallowing
Your jaw sometimes pops or is painful when opening and closing, chewing or when you first wake up; you have an uneven bite

Five tips to maintain good oral hygiene and take care of your teeth and mouth

Brushing twice daily - It is important to brush twice daily, with a soft simple flat headed toothbrush. It’s important to focus on the gum line as plaque always migrates towards the gums. Use a fluoride toothpaste also, it helps strengthen the tooth surface against decay.
Change your toothbrush regularly - Like any product once it begins to wear it becomes less effective so it is important to change your tooth brush when the bristles start to lose their shape or every three months.
Change your toothbrush regularly - Like any product once it begins to wear it becomes less effective so it is important to change your tooth brush when the bristles start to lose their shape or every three months.
Try to quit smoking - Smoking is a very well researched cause of gum disease. It contains lots of toxins that can disguise the normal signs of gum disease and because of these toxins your tartar can be more aggressive and destroy tooth tissue quicker than for a non-smoker.
Visit your dentist and hygienist regularly - It is important to see your dentist and hygienist regularly for dental check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist will identify any teeth that may need fillings or look at risk and monitor them. Your hygienist will clean your teeth and advise you on the best tools suited to you to keep your home care up to scratch.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a teeth scaling and polishing procedure take?

Teeth scaling and polishing procedures typically range from 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the extent of tartar buildup and individual dental needs.

Will teeth scaling and polishing cause sensitivity?

While some individuals may experience temporary tooth sensitivity following the procedure, it is generally mild and subsides within a few days. Your dentist can recommend desensitizing toothpaste or other measures to alleviate any discomfort.

How often should I undergo teeth scaling and polishing?

The frequency of teeth scaling and polishing depends on individual oral health needs. In general, it is recommended to undergo the procedure every six months to one year, but your dentist will determine the ideal interval based on your specific condition.

What are dental hygienic treatments

When you have an appointment with a dental hygienist you can look at it as being a deep clean for your teeth and your gums. Tooth decay is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in Ireland. Working with your dentist and your dental hygienist you’ll be able to keep your teeth and gums healthy between full check-up’s.

During a dental hygienic treatment, you’ll get a scale and polish. What this means is that any built-up tartar on your teeth will be removed.
This build up cannot be removed easily with brushing and flossing alone. Scaling removes it from above the gum line and also from below the gum line. Polishing is used to remove superficial discoloration and also making sure that the tooth surface is nice and smooth. Your dental hygienist will polish each of your teeth so that they are clean and looking their best.

What are the treatment options?

It can be tempting to skip your appointments with your dental hygienist and pursue other cleaning options. This is not advisable for a number of reasons. Brushing and flossing are a very important part of your good oral hygiene, but they cannot remove that stuck on tartar that can lead to decay and further infection in your gums.

Remove surface stains
Reduce the potential
Clean teeth
Clean gums
Remove plaque from teeth

There may be over-the-counter solutions for cleaning teeth but it’s important to remember that your in-office appointment also gives your dentist the opportunity to gauge your overall oral health prior to your cleaning.