Scaling & Polishing in Pune

A professional clean to remove plaque and tartar that brushing leaves behind.

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Scaling & Polishing

Professional teeth cleaning at Prudent Dental Care Clinic, Viman Nagar

✓ Medically reviewedby Dr. Puja Bansal, BDS · 27 years' experience · Last updated June 2026

What is scaling and polishing?

Scaling and polishing is a professional dental clean. Scaling removes the soft plaque and hardened tartar (calculus) that build up on teeth and along the gum line, which brushing alone cannot shift. Polishing then smooths the tooth surface and lifts everyday stains.

At Prudent Dental Care Clinic in Viman Nagar, your clean is carried out by Dr. Puja Bansal (BDS), who has 27 years of experience. A clean is usually paired with a dental examination so any problems are picked up early.

Key takeaways

Scaling removes plaque and hardened tartar from above and below the gum line, the deposits that brushing and flossing leave behind.
Tartar (calculus) is hardened plaque firmly attached to the tooth, and it can only be removed with dental instruments.
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria whose toxins inflame the gums. That is the start of gum (periodontal) disease.
Polishing lifts surface stains and smooths the teeth. It is a clean, not a whitening treatment.
Cost is quoted individually after an examination. There is no fixed online price.

What's involved

What does a professional clean include?

1

Removal of tartar (calculus)

Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth and is now firmly attached. It forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.

2

Removal of plaque

Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film on the teeth: a growing colony of bacteria, food debris and saliva. Its toxins inflame the gums, and that is the start of periodontal disease.

3

Polishing

The tooth surfaces are polished to remove stain and remaining soft plaque that is not lifted by brushing and scaling, leaving teeth smooth and clean.

Your clean is normally combined with a check-up so the dentist can review your gums and advise on home care between visits.

Why regular cleaning matters

Removes tartar that brushing and flossing cannot shift on their own
Helps control the gum inflammation that leads to gum disease
Lifts surface stains from tea, coffee and tobacco for a fresher look
Freshens breath by clearing bacteria-laden deposits
Lets the dentist spot early problems while they are easy to treat

Looking after your gums is good for your wider health too. The World Health Organization points to prevention and routine care as the foundation of good oral health.

What about cost?

There is no single price for scaling and polishing because every mouth is different. The cost depends on how much tartar has built up and the condition of your gums. Heavier deposits or signs of gum disease may need more time. After an examination, we give you a clear, written quote before any treatment starts, so there are no surprises.

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Plaque vs tartar: what's the difference?

	Plaque	Tartar (calculus)
What it is	A soft, sticky film of bacteria, food debris and saliva	Plaque that has hardened and firmly bonded to the tooth
Where it forms	On all tooth surfaces and along the gum line	Above and below the gum line
Can you remove it at home?	Yes, with regular brushing and flossing	No, it needs professional scaling with dental instruments

The longer plaque stays on the tooth, the more likely it is to harden into tartar. That is why routine cleaning and good home care work together.

FAQ

Scaling & polishing FAQs

Is scaling and polishing painful?

Most people find a routine clean comfortable, with at most mild sensitivity. If your gums are inflamed or there is heavy tartar, the dentist can numb the area or work gently in stages. Tell us if anything feels tender and we will adjust.

How often should I have my teeth cleaned?

A professional clean is commonly advised around every six months, but the right interval depends on your gum health, how much tartar you tend to build up and your overall risk. Dr. Bansal will suggest a recall interval that suits you.

Does scaling damage or weaken my teeth?

No. Scaling removes the hardened deposits stuck to the tooth and below the gum line; it does not remove healthy tooth structure. Any roughness or sensitivity afterwards is temporary and settles as the gums recover.

Will scaling and polishing whiten my teeth?

Cleaning is not a whitening treatment. Polishing lifts surface stains from things like tea, coffee and tobacco, so teeth can look brighter, but it does not change the natural shade of the tooth. For shade change, ask about teeth whitening.

Why do my gums bleed during cleaning?

Bleeding usually means the gums are inflamed by plaque and tartar, an early sign of gum disease. It is a reason to have the clean rather than to avoid it. As the gums heal with good home care, bleeding typically reduces.

How much does scaling and polishing cost in Pune?

There is no fixed online price. The cost depends on how much tartar has built up and the state of your gums. After an examination we give you a clear, personalised quote before any treatment begins.

Sources & further reading: Indian Dental Association; World Health Organization — Oral Health.

Also explore general dentistry, dental examinations, tooth extractions, and our sterilisation & safety standards.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for general information and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified dentist about your individual condition. Treatment outcomes vary from person to person.

Due for a clean? Book with Dr. Bansal. Call +91 70287 22200.

Call +91 70287 22200 · Open 7 days, 10 AM–8 PM

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