Professional teeth cleaning helps remove plaque and hardened tartar from areas that daily brushing and flossing cannot fully clean. Scaling removes deposits from the tooth surfaces and around the gumline, while polishing may be used to reduce remaining surface stains.
At Smiles Clinic in Scarborough, your visit begins with an assessment so the care recommended reflects the condition of your teeth and gums.
Smiles Clinic accepts CDCP patients. Coverage and any amount you may need to pay depend on your eligibility, the services provided and current plan rules.
Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth. Tartar is hardened plaque and cannot be removed with a toothbrush or floss.
Polishing smooths the tooth surface and may reduce some surface stains. It does not change the natural colour of your enamel in the same way as teeth whitening.
Root planing is not the same as routine polishing. It is a deeper form of gum treatment that cleans root surfaces below the gumline when clinically indicated.
There is no single schedule that is right for everyone. The timing of your next cleaning should be based on your gum health, tartar buildup, home care and other individual factors.
Plaque is a soft film that forms on teeth. If it is not fully removed, it can absorb minerals and harden into tartar, also called calculus. Tartar can collect above or below the gumline and needs to be removed by an oral health professional.Professional cleaning may include scaling, polishing and home-care guidance. The exact care you need can only be decided after your teeth and gums have been assessed.
Results vary with the amount and location of buildup, surface staining, gum health and home care. A photograph of another patient cannot predict what your own teeth will look or feel like after treatment.
Direct insurance billing is available at Smiles Clinic. Coverage differs by plan, so confirm your eligibility, annual limits and any amount you may need to pay before treatment.
Smiles Clinic accepts CDCP patients. The CDCP may cover eligible cleaning and scaling, but plan limits, clinical requirements and clinic fees can affect the amount covered. Ask the clinic to confirm your current coverage and any amount due before your appointment.
If cost is a barrier and you are not covered, the City of Toronto lists free and low-cost dental services for eligible residents.
There is no universal fee. The Ontario Dental Association explains that fees vary among practices and can be affected by treatment time, complexity and operating costs. The amount of tartar, the scaling time required and any additional services can change the total. Ask for an estimate based on your assessment.
The total depends on how much scaling is required and whether polishing or other services are included. Ask the clinic to itemize the estimate so you know whether an examination, X-rays, polishing, fluoride or other care is billed separately.
Scaling may improve bad breath when plaque, tartar or gum inflammation is contributing to the problem. It will not address every cause. Persistent bad breath can also be associated with dry mouth, tobacco use, food, medication or a non-dental health condition, so it should be assessed rather than covered with mouthwash alone.
Scaling removes plaque and hardened tartar. Polishing smooths tooth surfaces and may reduce some surface stains. Polishing does not replace scaling, and it is not the same as whitening.
No. Routine scaling removes deposits from the teeth and around the gumline. Root planing cleans root surfaces below the gumline when deeper periodontal care is clinically indicated.
Your schedule should be individualized. Gum health, tartar buildup, medical and dental history, home care and previous treatment can all affect the recommended interval.
They may look cleaner if surface stains and tartar are removed, but cleaning does not change the natural shade of enamel like a whitening treatment. The visible change varies from person to person.
If you are due for a professional cleaning or are concerned about tartar, bleeding gums or persistent bad breath, request an assessment at Smiles Clinic in Scarborough.
If you are due for a professional cleaning or are concerned about tartar, bleeding gums or persistent bad breath, request an assessment at Smiles Clinic in Scarborough.
