{"id":8789,"date":"2021-03-08T21:17:02","date_gmt":"2021-03-08T21:17:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nutrident.fr\/?p=8789"},"modified":"2022-06-09T11:27:01","modified_gmt":"2022-06-09T11:27:01","slug":"scale-and-polish","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nutrident.fr\/en\/scale-and-polish\/","title":{"rendered":"Scale and Polish – What\u2019s Involved in Tartar Removal?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Updated: June 9, 2022<\/span><\/div><\/div>

\"tartarIf you\u2019ve ever been to your dentist and you\u2019ve heard scale and polish services talked about, you may well have wondered what that was. Well, it\u2019s the long way of saying tartar removal in order to prevent the onset of tooth decay and gum disease.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a very common procedure, however, as 73% of UK adults are known to have tartar to some degree*. (*National Institute for Health & Care Excellence)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re lucky enough never to have needed to have tartar removal carried out, then this article is for you. At Nutrident, we regularly publish blogs like this one, as you can see by visiting this link<\/a> as we are dedicated to helping people enjoy great dental health and prevent tooth loss and gum issues. In this article, we look at the Scale & Polish procedure.<\/p>\n

So, What Is Tartar & Why Does It Need to Be Removed?<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Also known as \u2018calculus\u2019, tartar is something that builds up on the teeth when plaque is left in place and may harden. Made up of organic matter and bacteria, it\u2019s much easier to see than plaque, as we often see it as a brown, black or yellow colour. The longer you wait for tartar removal, the darker it will become.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s not all that will happen if you don\u2019t get your tartar removed either, as when left in place, it very often leads to:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Halitosis<\/li>\n
  • Receding gums<\/li>\n
  • Gingivitis<\/li>\n
  • Tooth decay<\/li>\n
  • Tooth loss<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    On top of all this, it\u2019s going to make your teeth look unsightly and possibly make you lose confidence in your smile. However, before it gets too bad, your family dentist will usually suggest you get your tartar seen during your regular six-month check-up.<\/p>\n

    Let\u2019s have a look now at how tartar removal is carried out.<\/p>\n

    The Scale & Polish Process<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n

    The reason the scale and polish process needs to be carried out by a dentist is that tartar bonds tightly to the enamel on your teeth. You can\u2019t simply scrape it away and it calls for the use of specialist dentistry tools and it involves two distinct steps.<\/p>\n

    Step One – Teeth Scaling<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The first part of the job carried out by your dentist or a dental hygienist is the actual tartar removal part. Typically involving electric scaling equipment and a water spray to take the debris away, it can be a slightly unpleasant sensation as the tartar is lifted off.<\/p>\n

    Step Two – Teeth Polishing<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The next step after the tartar is gone is the polishing stage, which makes the surface of your teeth nice and smooth. This really helps, as it eliminates any rough areas that are easier for tartar to get a hold of, as well as makes the appearance of your teeth better.<\/p>\n

    How Long is a Scale & Polish Treatment?<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The treatment time varies from person to person, as each person\u2019s tartar build-up is going to be slightly different, but you\u2019re typically looking at anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes. Depending on your teeth sensitivity, your dentist or hygienist may offer a mild anaesthetic to help keep you comfortable.<\/p>\n

    The severity of the tartar removal procedure will depend on how long it has been left and how much it has built up. Should the tartar have affected the root below the gum line, it can still be dealt with by something known as root planing*.<\/p>\n

    (*NHS)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

    <\/span>Keep on Top of Your Tartar With Regular Treatment<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

    Tartar removal is an important part of most people\u2019s dental health and you can either wait for your NHS dentist to suggest it or book a private appointment. The good news is that, like with all NHS dental treatment, it\u2019s heavily subsidised, so will be classed as Band 2, which is currently at \u00a362.10. Privately, you might pay as much as \u00a3100.<\/p>\n

    While we haven\u2019t gone into intricate detail in this article, you should now have a much better idea about what tartar is and why removing is important. If you\u2019re still unsure at your next appointment, why not have a chat about your tartar concern with your dentist? They will be able to offer advice on getting it done, as well as on preventative measures you can take to keep it away.<\/p>\n

    Either way, we hope you have found it super-useful and that it has given you enough knowledge to keep your and your family\u2019s tartar under control.<\/p>\n