Cleaning and Polishing
Oral hygiene is essential to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Regular brushing and flossing are crucial, but sometimes they aren't enough. That's where your hygiene visit comes in. Cleaning and polishing appointment can help remove plaque and tartar build-up in order to achieve a healthy smile.
Do I need to see a hygienist?
Both dentists and hygienists can carry out scale and polish treatment. It's a preventative measure to
keep your teeth and gums healthy. Even if you brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar can still
build up in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. Over time, this can cause tooth decay, gum disease,
and other oral health problems. A hygienist/dentist can remove these build-ups and give you advice
on how to maintain a healthy mouth.
keep your teeth and gums healthy. Even if you brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar can still
build up in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. Over time, this can cause tooth decay, gum disease,
and other oral health problems. A hygienist/dentist can remove these build-ups and give you advice
on how to maintain a healthy mouth.
What happens in an appointment?
During a scale and polish appointment, the hygienist/dentist will first examine your mouth to
determine the extent of the cleaning needed. They will then use specialized tools to remove any
plaque and tartar from your teeth and gum line. After the scaling, the hygienist will polish your teeth
to remove any remaining stains and smooth the surfaces. Finally, they may apply a fluoride
treatment to help protect your teeth.
determine the extent of the cleaning needed. They will then use specialized tools to remove any
plaque and tartar from your teeth and gum line. After the scaling, the hygienist will polish your teeth
to remove any remaining stains and smooth the surfaces. Finally, they may apply a fluoride
treatment to help protect your teeth.
Does it hurt?
Most patients find scale and polish appointments comfortable and pain-free. However, if you have
sensitive teeth or gums, you may experience some discomfort during the scaling process. The
hygienist can adjust their technique and use an anaesthetic gel if necessary.
sensitive teeth or gums, you may experience some discomfort during the scaling process. The
hygienist can adjust their technique and use an anaesthetic gel if necessary.
What does it cost?
Normal scale & polish is available on the NHS for only £12.36*. If you are looking for advanced
periodontal scale & polish, it costs £30.04*. Your dentist may ask you to come back for another visit
depending on your gum health and buildup of calculus.
periodontal scale & polish, it costs £30.04*. Your dentist may ask you to come back for another visit
depending on your gum health and buildup of calculus.
*based on rates as of April 2023 and may be subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date
pricing information, please refer to the fees section of our website.