Everything About Scaling at Gangnam Station Dental Clinic

Hello, this is Lucid Dental Clinic.

At the dentist, you may have heard something like, "You should get scaling regularly."

But have you ever wondered what scaling actually is, how often you should get it, or what changes you might notice afterward?

Especially when delayed oral care in a busy daily life comes back as gum disease or bad breath, it often makes you regret thinking, "I should have gotten scaling sooner."

It may be helpful to read this as a light checkup of your current tooth condition.

Do you really need scaling?

Scaling is a procedure that removes tartar and plaque built up between the teeth and gums. It cleans not only the tooth surfaces, but also the areas inside the gums that are not visible, playing a role in reducing oral bacteria and preventing various oral diseases.

When is scaling needed?

1. When you are concerned about bad breath or gum disease When tartar and plaque build up, bacteria multiply and cause gum inflammation, bleeding, and bad breath. In such cases, scaling can remove the substances that cause bad breath.

2. When you are concerned about tooth discoloration Coffee, wine, smoking, and other factors can gradually make teeth look yellow. In particular, tartar attracts pigments, which makes staining progress more easily.

Scaling helps clean the tooth surface, so you can maintain your natural tooth color for longer.

3. When you want to keep your natural teeth for a long time Gum disease can damage even the bone that supports the teeth, causing teeth to loosen or fall out.

By reducing inflammation through scaling, you can extend the lifespan of your natural teeth.

How often should you get scaling?

In general, it is recommended to receive it regularly once every 6 months. However, in the following cases, you may need it more often, every 3 to 4 months.

▪ People whose gums often swell or bleed ▪ People with a history of periodontitis or advanced gum disease ▪ People undergoing orthodontic treatment or whose teeth do not contact well between spaces ▪ People with severe bad breath or a large amount of oral bacteria

At Gangnam Station Dental Clinic, we also provide personalized interval guidance along with regular checkups. The exact interval is safest to determine after an examination.

This is how scaling is performed.

1. Detailed oral examination ▪ Check the distribution of tartar, gum condition, and whether there is inflammation in the mouth

2. Use of an ultrasonic scaler ▪ Remove tartar and plaque from the tooth surfaces and under the gums ▪ Carefully manage even the parts inside the gums that are not visible

3. Disinfection and finishing ▪ Apply disinfectant as needed to help manage inflammation ▪ Check for bleeding and provide care instructions

Scaling itself usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and you can resume daily activities immediately after the visit.

Gangnam Station Dental Clinic Scaling Q&A

Q. Can teeth feel sensitive after scaling? A. Yes. Temporary sensitivity may occur. The reason is that the areas normally covered by tartar become exposed, making them more sensitive to temperature changes or stimulation. It usually eases naturally within 1 to 3 days.

Q. If there is bleeding or sore gums, should I still get it? A. In fact, scaling is especially necessary in such cases. Gum bleeding may be a sign that inflammation is already present. Scaling can be done gently without strong stimulation, so it is best to get examined and receive personalized care.

Q. Is insurance coverage available? A. For those aged 19 or older, health insurance coverage applies once a year. (However, out-of-pocket costs apply.) At Lucid in Gangnam Station Dental Clinic, we also check whether insurance coverage applies, and if needed, we can issue a medical certificate.

Q. I heard scaling weakens teeth. Is that true? A. Not at all. Scaling does not make teeth weaker; instead, it is the first step in protecting them. The tooth surface after tartar removal is in a healthier and stronger condition.

Scaling has meaning beyond simply "removing tartar." It is one of the most basic yet important procedures for healthy oral care, helping prevent gum disease, reduce bad breath, and extend the lifespan of teeth.

If you want to keep both your teeth and gums healthy, don't delay scaling any longer!

Lucid Dental Clinic 3rd–4th Floors, Coway Building, 606 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul