Scaling removes hardened plaque (tartar) that brushing cannot shift. It is the standard treatment for bleeding gums and the main way to prevent gum disease.
Plaque hardens into tartar within days and bonds to the tooth. Once hardened it can only be removed with instruments. Tartar sitting at the gum line is what causes the inflammation behind bleeding gums and bad breath.
An ultrasonic scaler breaks up deposits above and below the gum line, followed by polishing. It normally takes 30 to 45 minutes. Where gum disease is established, deeper cleaning under local anaesthetic may be done over more than one visit.
Every six months suits most people. Smokers, people with diabetes, and anyone with a history of gum disease are usually seen more often.
Does scaling loosen teeth?
No. Tartar can mask existing bone loss, so teeth may feel different once it is removed, but scaling does not cause looseness — untreated gum disease does.
Does it hurt?
Routine scaling is uncomfortable rather than painful. Deep cleaning of inflamed gums is done under local anaesthetic.
Will it whiten my teeth?
It removes surface staining from tea, coffee and smoking, which often looks brighter, but it does not change the natural shade.
Dr. Muhammad Haider
General
Haider & Associates Dental Surgeons
25+ yrsPMDC verified
3rd Floor 161, Road 1-A Shaheen Junction Bahria Town Phase 7, Rawalpindi
Dr. Abrar Husnain
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Abrar & Associates
30+ yrsPMDC verified
H No. 6-A Ismail Zabeeh Road, Sector F 8/3, Islamabad
Dr. Farrukh Said
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The Dental Clinic
26+ yrsPMDC verified
E35/1 Satellite Town Rawalpindi
Dr Wafa Abdi
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True Dental Care Islamabad
10+ yrsPMDC verified
Shop No lg-9 Pakland, Business Center Plaza, Markaz, below Soneri bank, I-8 Markaz I 8 Markaz I-8, Islamabad
Dr. Muhammad Ali
General
Enemels Dental Lounge
5+ yrsPMDC verified
Office No. 214, 2nd Floor Vista Tower I/8 Markaz Islamabad
Dr. Brig. Muhammad Nazeer Khan
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Nazeer Maxilofacial & Dental Clinic
30+ yrsPMDC verified
2nd Floor, Rafy Mall, Main Peshawar Road, Rawalpindi
This page is general information, not dental advice. Treatment suitability, length and cost depend on your own examination — ask the dentist at your consultation.
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