Teeth cleaning (scaling) removes hardened plaque (tartar) that has built up on the tooth surfaces and along the gum line. The aim is to remove the bacterial deposits that cause gum inflammation.
This page explains how the procedure is done, how often it is needed and what to pay attention to afterwards, for information purposes.
How does tartar form?
- Bacterial plaque builds up on the tooth surface — at this stage it can be removed with a toothbrush.
- Plaque that is not removed starts to harden with minerals from saliva.
- Within a few days the hardened plaque turns into tartar.
- The rough surface of tartar holds more plaque; build-up accelerates.
- Inflammation develops along the gum line and in the gum pockets.
Because of this cycle, daily cleaning matters more than professional cleaning.
How is the procedure carried out?
- Examination. The condition of the gums, pocket depths and the extent of build-up are assessed.
- Ultrasonic cleaning. A vibrating tip and water break up the hard deposits.
- Finishing with hand instruments. Remaining deposits in hard-to-reach areas are removed.
- Gum pockets, if present, are cleaned of deposits (under local anaesthesia if needed).
- Polishing. The tooth surface is smoothed, which slows down new plaque from attaching.
- Care advice. Brushing and interdental cleaning techniques are shown.
Teeth cleaning versus gum disease treatment
| Teeth cleaning (scaling) | Gum (periodontal) treatment | |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Tooth surfaces and gum line | Gum pockets and root surfaces |
| When | Preventive, on a regular basis | When pockets and bone loss are present |
| Anaesthesia | Usually not needed | Often used |
| Visits | Mostly one | Several, divided by area |
If pocket depths have increased, cleaning alone is not enough; see Gum Disease Treatment.
How often should it be done?
The frequency is set individually. Factors that affect the interval:
- How quickly tartar builds up
- Gum bleeding and pocket depth
- Smoking
- Systemic conditions such as diabetes
- Orthodontic appliances, bridges or implants
- The standard of daily oral hygiene
After the procedure
| Topic | What to expect / advice |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity | May last a few days; usually fades |
| Gum bleeding | Slight bleeding on the first day is normal |
| Feeling of gaps | Areas covered by tartar are exposed; you get used to it |
| Staining foods | Avoid tea, coffee and smoking on the first day |
| Brushing | Back to normal the next day; a soft brush is preferable |
| Interdental cleaning | Use floss or interdental brushes every day |
Risks and possible problems
- Temporary tooth sensitivity
- Temporary bleeding and tenderness of the gums
- Root surface sensitivity in areas with receding gums
- Sensitivity at the margins of existing restorations
- Existing tooth looseness becoming noticeable in advanced gum disease
This list is not exhaustive. Additional precautions may be needed for conditions such as heart valve disease, joint replacements or a weakened immune system; please tell your dentist about your general health.
What should patients travelling from abroad consider?
A cleaning is mostly completed in a single visit, but it can be split into two if the build-up is heavy. Whether cleaning alone is sufficient, or gum treatment is needed, can only be decided after an examination and, where needed, X-rays.
- Visits: mostly one visit of about 30–45 minutes; two if build-up is heavy.
- If pockets are found: gum treatment takes place in stages with a re-evaluation several weeks later.
- Health information: let the clinic know in advance about conditions such as heart valve disease, joint replacements or a weakened immune system.
- Records in advance: recent X-rays can be shared before your visit.
- Back home: regular cleanings can continue with a local dentist at the interval they recommend.
About treatment fees
No fee information is given on this page. The extent of build-up and the number of visits needed vary from person to person; fees can only be discussed after an examination.
