What Is A Scale And Polish?

What Is A Scale And Polish?

What Is A Scale And Polish?

A scale and polish is the procedure of professionally cleaning the teeth and gums.

It involves removing staining, plaque (soft, sticky bacteria) and tartar build up. Tartar is formed when plaque is left on the teeth for too long and hardens. This cannot be removed with regular tooth-brushing.

Specialized instruments are used to gently remove these deposits. The teeth are then polished using a soft rubber cup and a gritty-like paste.

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How Much Does Scale And Polish Cost?
Leanne's Teeth Cleaning Experience

How Much Does Scale And Polish Cost?

How Much Does Scale And Polish Cost?
Leanne's Teeth Cleaning Experience

A scale and polish with a dental hygienist at 3Dental costs €70 for a 30 minute session.

Patients with PRSI contributions are entitled to one scale and polish per annum, at a cost of €15.

3Dental does not accept medical cards.

Dental Hygiene At 3Dental

Dental Hygiene At 3Dental

Dental Hygiene At 3Dental

With state of the art surgeries and equipment, patients are guaranteed a highly professional level of care.

Our hygienists regularly update their skills and knowledge, as part of their continuing professional development.

They are constantly providing and promoting oral care advice.

All the hygienists welcome feedback from their patients.

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Benefits of Scale and Polish Treatment

Healthier Gums

Lowers The Chance of Tooth Decay

Cleaner Teeth

Brighter Smile

Less Tartar Build Up

Fresher Breath

Become More Conscious Of Good Oral Care Habits

Boost Your Confidence

How Does Scale and Polish Work?

  • Initial Consultation
  • The Scaling Procedure
  • The Polishing Procedure
  • Results
Initial Consultation
Initial Consultation

Initial Consultation

On a patient's first visit, their medical history is noted and checked before any treatment is carried out.

Any issues that the patient may be having in relation to their oral hygiene are then discussed.

This can range from bleeding gums, to difficulties flossing etc. The health of the gums is then assessed, using an instrument called a probe.

This instrument is gently walked along the gum line to check for bleeding, inflammation and any plaque deposits that may have accumulated below the gumline.

By doing this assessment we are able to check for the presence of gum disease.

After this assessment has been made, a treatment plan can be devised. In the cases of gum disease, deep cleaning is needed, which would require more visits.

The Scaling Procedure
The Scaling Procedure

The Scaling Procedure

An ultrasonic scaler called a Cavitron is primarily used during a scale and polish.

This device vibrates at a high frequency and sprays water in order to remove plaque and staining from the teeth.

This is the most effective way of deposit removal. Hand scalers may be required to remove tougher deposits.

If a patient has sensitive teeth local anaesthetic can be administered, in order to make the cleaning more comfortable for them.

The Polishing Procedure
The Polishing Procedure
The Polishing Procedure

The Polishing Procedure

After the scaling comes the polishing. This is done with the aid of a small motorized rubber cup and polishing paste.

The polish helps to remove staining and leaves the teeth feeling nice and smooth.

Oral hygiene instructions are given to every patient.

This includes correct brushing technique and interdental cleaning demonstrations e.g. flossing.

Patients are advised as to which products are most suitable to them. 

It is advised that patients have a scale and polish every 6 months in order to maintain a healthy mouth.

Some patients accumulate a build up of tartar, faster than others.

These patients need more frequent cleanings, every 3 or 4 months.

This is something that we discuss with patients at their initial consultation.

Results
Results

Results

Following a scale and polish, patients should expect to have cleaner teeth, healthier gums and fresher breath.

Polishing will successfully remove tea, coffee and red wine stains.

Regular scaling and polishing helps to reduce the risk of infection and gum disease.

What Our Patients Say

I can't take the smile off my face now. You would never know it's an implant.

I can't stop smiling. It's (the dental implant) the right colour. It's the right shape. It's beyond my expectations. It's phenomenal!

Theresa Lowe (Dental Implant)
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What Our Patients Say

I had 6 Month Braces, Teeth Whitening And Bonding.

It's (braces and bonding) really massively changed my life. I didn't realise how much more confidence would come with having a straight white smile.

Danielle Farrell (Braces & Bonding)
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What Our Patients Say

10 years later, I'm still going to 3Dental

It's an enjoyment coming here to the dentist. It's a very laid back, very comfortable, very friendly and very fun place to attend.

Paul Fitzgerald (Invisalign)
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What Our Patients Say

It's the best thing I ever did. I was so delighted!

It's so much easier to smile and talk! The process was so easy. It was 6 months from start to finish. (There was) No pain.

Sandra Dolan (6 Month Braces & Composite Bonding)
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What Our Patients Say

When I speak, I (now) show my teeth, and when I laugh, I laugh with my mouth open - and then same when I smile.

I came back the same evening I had the 12 teeth removed and I had a mockup of my new teeth. Fully screwed in. I felt no pain. All in the same day! That to me, was the biggest thing of all!

Caroline Dwayne (Smile In A Day)
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What Our Patients Say

I've more confidence in myself. It's changed my life.

I've started to learn how to smile for the first time in 18 years. There's no price that you could put on the amount of compliments that I'm getting now and the amount of confidence that I now have in myself.

Anita Toner (Bonding)
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composite bonding testimonial - anita toner - 3dental Watch Video
dental implants testimonial - theresa lowe - 3dental
6 month braces, teeth whitening, bonding testimonial - danielle farrell - 3dental
invisalign testimonial - paul fitzgerald - 3dental
6 month braces and dental bonding testimonial - sandra dolan - 3dental
teeth in a day testimonial - caroline dwayne - 3dental
composite bonding testimonial - anita toner - 3dental

What Our Patients Say

I've more confidence in myself. It's changed my life.

I've started to learn how to smile for the first time in 18 years. There's no price that you could put on the amount of compliments that I'm getting now and the amount of confidence that I now have in myself.

Anita Toner (Bonding)
Watch Now
composite bonding testimonial - anita toner - 3dental Watch Video

What Our Patients Say

When I speak, I (now) show my teeth, and when I laugh, I laugh with my mouth open - and then same when I smile.

I came back the same evening I had the 12 teeth removed and I had a mockup of my new teeth. Fully screwed in. I felt no pain. All in the same day! That to me, was the biggest thing of all!

Caroline Dwayne (Smile In A Day)
Watch Now
teeth in a day testimonial - caroline dwayne - 3dental Watch Video

What Our Patients Say

It's the best thing I ever did. I was so delighted!

It's so much easier to smile and talk! The process was so easy. It was 6 months from start to finish. (There was) No pain.

Sandra Dolan (6 Month Braces & Composite Bonding)
Watch Now
6 month braces and dental bonding testimonial - sandra dolan - 3dental Watch Video

What Our Patients Say

I can't take the smile off my face now. You would never know it's an implant.

I can't stop smiling. It's (the dental implant) the right colour. It's the right shape. It's beyond my expectations. It's phenomenal!

Theresa Lowe (Dental Implant)
Watch Now
dental implants testimonial - theresa lowe - 3dental Watch Video

What Our Patients Say

I had 6 Month Braces, Teeth Whitening And Bonding.

It's (braces and bonding) really massively changed my life. I didn't realise how much more confidence would come with having a straight white smile.

Danielle Farrell (Braces & Bonding)
Watch Now
6 month braces, teeth whitening, bonding testimonial - danielle farrell - 3dental Watch Video

What Our Patients Say

10 years later, I'm still going to 3Dental

It's an enjoyment coming here to the dentist. It's a very laid back, very comfortable, very friendly and very fun place to attend.

Paul Fitzgerald (Invisalign)
Watch Now
invisalign testimonial - paul fitzgerald - 3dental Watch Video
composite bonding testimonial - anita toner - 3dental
teeth in a day testimonial - caroline dwayne - 3dental
6 month braces and dental bonding testimonial - sandra dolan - 3dental
dental implants testimonial - theresa lowe - 3dental
6 month braces, teeth whitening, bonding testimonial - danielle farrell - 3dental
invisalign testimonial - paul fitzgerald - 3dental

Ready for the Next Step? Book Your Free Consultation

Our team of experienced dental hygienists are waiting to hear from you. Book your free consultation today.

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Visit Us In Dublin (Red Cow), Dublin 2 (Aungier Street), Limerick Or Galway

13-16 Redmond's Hill, Aungier Street, Dublin 2, D02 RP46

The Red Cow Complex, Naas Rd, Fox-And-Geese, Dublin, D22 KV24

Old Quarter House, Little Ellen St, Limerick, V94 D72V

28, Briarhill Business Park, Galway, H91 C9DR

Commonly Asked Questions

How often should I get a scale and polish?

6 months for a healthy mouth, 3-4 months for people with fast tartar build up.

Does a scale and polish hurt?

No. Patients may feel unusual sensations and light vibrations from the Cavitron. If patients are extra sensitive, numbing gel and anaesthetic are available if required.

Is scale and polish necessary?

Yes, scale and polish is vital to maintain good oral hygiene.

If plaque build up is not removed professionally, it can be very harmful to the health of the gums and teeth.

Is scale and polish the same as visiting a dental hygienist?

Thorough scale and polishing is carried out by dental hygienists.

While some dentists carry out cleanings during 6 month check-ups, in the majority of dental practices, patients are referred to the dental hygienist for their cleanings.

Does a scale and polish whiten your teeth?

While the polish can be useful to remove tea, coffee, red wine and some smoking stains, it does not whiten the teeth.

Some patients may notice that their teeth look brighter following a scale and polish, but their teeth will not be whiter. Teeth whitening is a separate procedure.

Can scaling loosen teeth?

In the case of a healthy mouth, no.

If a patient presents with advanced gum disease and a large build up of tartar, their teeth may seem looser once the tartar has been removed, as this would have been holding their teeth in place.

What do dentists use to polish teeth?

A non-abrasive polishing paste is used by dental hygienists. This has a gritty toothpaste consistency.

What does a dental hygienist do?

A dental hygienist is responsible for carrying out routine dental cleanings. They educate patients on how to improve their overall oral health as well as promoting healthy behaviours.

Hygienists also perform preventative treatments such as the application of fluoride and fissure sealants.

Dental hygienists are not trained to detect cavities.

How is a dental hygienist different from a dentist?

Dental hygienists work under the instruction of a dentist. They carry out all routine dental cleanings and provide oral hygiene instructions.

A hygienist will refer a patient to the dentist if more serious problems are detected. Dentists carry out more extensive procedures.

Can I get a scale and polish near me?

Yes! We provide scale and polish in each of our clinics - Dublin (Red Cow), Dublin (Aungier Street) Limerick and Galway.

Book your free consultation today! We look forward to welcoming you in person soon :)

Recent Reviews

Aine O'Neill

“I chipped my front tooth a little and was very worried about how it would look. Dr Paul O’Connell fixed it and it looks and feels perfect. I can’t believe how well it turned out: I am delighted...”

Fiona

“Went to Rosario for a scale and polish. She was so gentle but extremely effective and quick. And her manner is so relaxing. It was probably the most pleasant teeth cleaning I've ever had by a dental...”

Fiona and Marko Halovanić

“Great service, quick check in before and check out after the treatment at the reception desk. Had scale and polish just recently with their resident hygienist Laura and she is great at what she does....”