Scale and Polish in Melrose, Johannesburg
A meticulous professional clean by our oral hygienist Boitumelo, using precision tools to remove the plaque and tartar that daily brushing can't reach. Your teeth are left clean, smooth and looking their best.
What Is a Scale and Polish?
A scale and polish is a professional cleaning procedure that clears away plaque and tartar (or calculus) from your teeth. It is a fundamental component of oral hygiene care, designed to clean teeth thoroughly and prevent the onset of dental diseases.
Plaque is a sticky layer of food debris, bacteria and saliva. If it is not removed, it hardens into tartar, which leads to gum disease. The scale part of the treatment uses specialised instruments to gently remove these deposits, mainly targeting areas beneath the gum line and between the teeth that regular brushing can't reach. The polish part uses a high-powered brush and a gritty, toothpaste-like material to polish the surfaces of the teeth, leaving them smooth and shiny.
- Prevention of gum disease: removing plaque and tartar helps prevent the conditions that cause it
- Fresher breath: reducing plaque and tartar build-up helps eliminate the bacteria that cause bad breath
- Brighter smile: polishing removes stains and makes your teeth brighter and cleaner
- Overall health: good oral hygiene is linked to better overall health, limiting the risk of serious diseases linked to poor oral health
How Often Should You Have a Scale and Polish?
The scale and polish treatment frequency varies from person to person, based on individual oral health status and risk factors. Generally, it's recommended to have this treatment at least twice a year as part of your routine dental check-up.
Those with a history of periodontal disease or other specific dental issues may benefit from more frequent cleanings. Boitumelo, our oral hygienist, will advise you on the schedule that suits your mouth best.
Book Your CleanWhat Happens During Your Appointment?
During a scale and polish appointment at Melrose Dental Studio, you can expect four straightforward steps.
Our oral hygienist, Boitumelo, first evaluates your teeth and gums for any signs of gum disease or plaque build-up.
Using either hand tools or ultrasonic instruments, Boitumelo carefully removes tartar and plaque above and below the gum line.
After scaling, the teeth are polished to get rid of any remaining plaque and smooth the enamel surface, which helps prevent further plaque from adhering.
A fluoride treatment may occasionally be applied to help strengthen the teeth and protect against decay.
Scale and Polish Questions, Answered
What patients ask us most about professional cleaning.