Regular teeth cleaning primarily targets the surfaces of your teeth and the spaces between your teeth and gums, removing plaque and tartar buildup. On the other hand, scaling and polishing goes a step further, cleaning beneath the gum line and smoothing the tooth surfaces to help prevent future plaque accumulation.

Most patients experience minimal to no discomfort during scaling and polishing. While some sensitive areas may feel slight pressure or discomfort, local anesthesia can be used to ensure your comfort if needed.

After scaling and polishing, some patients may experience mild sensitivity or gum tenderness. However, these effects are typically temporary and subside quickly.