Why brushing alone isn't enough
Plaque is the soft film of bacteria that forms on teeth every day. Left in place, it hardens into tartar (also called calculus). Tartar is hard to remove with a toothbrush, so a dentist or hygienist needs to take it off.
Plaque and tartar irritate the gums, and that irritation is how gum disease starts. Gums that bleed when you brush are often the first sign. Read more about gum disease and how it is treated.
What happens during a scale and polish
- 01Tartar is scraped off the teeth with fine instruments, above and just below the gumline. Ultrasonic instruments may be used to loosen it.
- 02The teeth are polished to remove stains and any plaque that is left.
- 03You're shown how to keep plaque and tartar from building up again.
How our dentists manage it
How we manage your scaling and polishing
Check your gums first
Before cleaning, we look for signs of gum disease, because that decides whether a routine clean is enough or a deeper clean is needed.
Clean gently and thoroughly
Tartar is removed above and just below the gumline, then the teeth are polished. If you're nervous or your teeth are sensitive, tell us and we'll go slowly.
Numb the gums for a deep clean
Scaling and root planing is done under local anaesthetic, in one visit or split over two, and you know which before we start.
Show you how to keep it off
We show you how to clean between your teeth, and suggest when to come back based on the health of your gums.
Deep cleaning for gum disease (scaling and root planing)
When gum disease has gone below the gumline, a routine clean isn't enough. Scaling and root planing is a deeper clean that removes tartar and bacteria from around the roots of the teeth and smooths the root surfaces.
It is done with the gums numbed by local anaesthetic and takes one to two hours, in one appointment or split over two. There are no cuts or stitches, and most people go back to their normal routine the same day. Some tenderness and bleeding afterwards is common, and any sensitivity usually settles within one to two months.
Keeping tartar away
- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between your teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes
- Keep up regular check-ups, so tartar is removed before it causes problems
Who may need cleaning more often
People with a higher risk of gum disease may need professional cleaning more often to keep it under control. That includes smokers, people with type 2 diabetes, pregnant women and anyone who has had gum disease before. If that is you, we will suggest a shorter interval between cleans.
Who treats you
Scaling and Polishing at Dental Plus
Some of our most detailed Google reviews come from patients who came in for a scale and polish. They mention two things: it didn't hurt, and each step was explained to them.
Patients mention having their scaling done by Dr Ahmad Mahmood.
Lead ConsultantDr Ahmad MahmoodBDS, MDS Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry, C-ImplantologyRoot canals, including re-treating ones that have failed, restorative work and dental implants.
I recently had my scaling done with Dr.Ahmad Abdullah Mahmood.The procedure was surprisingly pain-free.”
I underwent scaling, polishing, and a dental filling, all of which were painless and comfortable.”Read more Dental Plus patient reviews
Common questions about scaling and polishing
Does scaling hurt?
A routine scale and polish is usually comfortable, and patients have described theirs at Dental Plus as pain-free. A deep clean for gum disease is done with the gums numbed, and some tenderness afterwards is normal.
How often should I have my teeth cleaned?
It depends on your gums. People who have had gum disease may need professional cleaning more often to keep it under control. We will suggest an interval at your check-up.
Is bleeding after a deep clean normal?
Some bleeding is common after scaling and root planing, especially if the gums were inflamed beforehand. Tell us if it doesn't settle.
Will scaling make my teeth sensitive?
Teeth can feel sensitive after a deep clean. It usually settles within one to two months.
Does polishing whiten teeth?
Polishing removes surface stains, so teeth can look brighter, but it doesn't change their natural colour. That is what teeth whitening does.
Guides on this topic
- Bad Breath: Causes, Treatment and When to See a DentistThe common causes of bad breath, what to do about it at home, and when it is a sign of gum disease or decay that needs a dentist.
Related treatments
- Gum Disease TreatmentFor gums that bleed, swell or pull back from the teeth.
- Children's DentistryFirst visits, fluoride, fissure sealants and calm check-ups for children.
- Teeth WhiteningLightening the natural colour of your teeth, safely.
- Dental FillingsRepairing cavities, chips and small cracks, usually in one visit.
How this guide was made
Dental Plus, a family dental clinic in Bahria Town, Rawalpindi, publishes this guide. It was drafted with the help of AI writing tools. Every medical statement was then checked against the sources below, last on 6 October 2026. What we say about our own clinic, our dentists and how we treat patients comes from the clinic. Patient quotes are copied word for word from Google reviews.
- NHS: Dental treatments
- Cleveland Clinic: Scaling and root planing
- NHS: Gum disease
- Cleveland Clinic: Periodontitis
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. For advice about your own teeth, book an examination.