Scaling is a type of dental cleaning that eliminates calculus and plaque from your teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky bacterial film that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Calculus is hardened plaque that only a dentist can remove. Scaling aids in the prevention and treatment of gum disease by cleaning places that are difficult to reach with normal brushing and flossing.

Scaling is frequently done in conjunction with root planning, which smoothest the roots of your teeth and aids in the reattachment of your gums to them. This is sometimes referred to as a deep cleaning. Depending on the state of your gums, scaling and root planning may require more than one visit. To make you more comfortable, your dentist may administer a local anaesthetic.