Scaling

Dental scaling is a procedure to remove tartar from teeth and helps prevent cavities. Dental scaling might be done by a dentist or dental hygienist in your dentist’s office. Dental scaling can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 1 hour depending on the number of surfaces that need to be cleaned.

Dental scaling can be uncomfortable because some areas of your mouth may not have any feeling. Dental scaling is usually not very painful but you may feel pressure when the instrument scrapes off plaque buildup. Dental scaling will leave your mouth numb for about an hour after the procedure.