Scaling and Polishing

Maintaining a radiant, healthy smile requires much more than just a daily brushing and flossing routine. Even with meticulous home care, microscopic food particles, minerals, and saliva combine over time to form soft dental plaque. When plaque is left unaddressed, it hardens into stubborn tartar (calculus) along the gumline that standard toothbrushes and floss simply cannot remove.

At Hilton Dental Clinic, our professional scaling and polishing procedures provide deep clinical cleansing to eliminate harmful bacteria, protect your gum health, and restore your natural, bright smile. Operating across three fully equipped branches in Lagos—Lekki, Amuwo, and Sangotedo—we bring expert, comprehensive preventive dental care right to your neighborhood.

All You Need to Know About Scaling & Polishing

Professional teeth cleaning, widely known as scaling and polishing, is the cornerstone of preventive dental health. Understanding what the procedure entails helps demystify the process and highlights why it is non-negotiable for long-term oral well-being:

• What is Scaling? Scaling is the specialized clinical process of removing hardened calculus (tartar) and bacterial plaque from the surfaces of the teeth and deep beneath the gumline using advanced ultrasonic instruments.
• What is Polishing? Following scaling, polishing smooths out the tooth surfaces and buffs away superficial stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, and food pigmentation, leaving your teeth glossy and clean.
• Why Home Care Isn’t Enough: Toothbrushes can only clean about 60% of tooth surfaces. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it bonds aggressively to enamel and requires professional ultrasonic intervention to break down safely.

The Clinical Importance of Professional Cleaning

Scaling and polishing go far beyond cosmetic upkeep; it is a vital therapeutic treatment designed to stop oral disease in its tracks:

• Stopping Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis): Unremoved tartar harbors millions of bacteria that irritate the gums, causing them to bleed, swell, and recede. Left unchecked, gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, which destroys the jawbone and leads to tooth loss.
• Eliminating Chronic Bad Breath (Halitosis): Bacteria trapped within rough tartar deposits produce persistent odors that mouthwashes and brushing cannot mask. Professional cleaning clears out these odor sources entirely.
• Protecting Systemic Health: Clinical research continuously links poor oral hygiene and gum inflammation to systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory issues. Keeping your mouth clean protects your entire body.

Scaling & Polishing Prices in Naira (Lagos Rate Guide)

At Hilton Dental Clinic, we believe in transparent, patient-first pricing with no hidden costs. The investment for a professional scaling and polishing session varies based on individual buildup levels and clinical requirements:

Treatment Category	Description	Price Range (Nigerian Naira – ₦)
Standard Scaling & Polishing	Routine professional cleaning for standard plaque and light surface stains (Recommended every 6 months).	₦30,000 – ₦50,000
Advanced / Heavy Buildup Cleaning	For patients with heavier calculus accumulation or those who haven’t had a professional cleaning in over a year.	₦60,000 – ₦80,000
Deep Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing	Specialized deep-pocket cleaning for patients showing early signs of gum disease or periodontitis.	₦140,000 – ₦220,000

Note: Corporate health insurance (HMO) and family package discounts may apply. Reach out to your preferred Hilton Dental Clinic branch to confirm your specific coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is scaling and polishing painful?

No, the procedure is generally painless. You may experience minor vibrations or brief sensitivity if you have pre-existing gum inflammation, but our clinicians ensure your absolute comfort throughout the appointment.

2. Will scaling and polishing damage my tooth enamel?

Not at all. Ultrasonic scalers use precise, high-frequency sound waves to fracture and remove hardened calculus safely, leaving your protective natural tooth enamel completely intact.

3. Will teeth cleaning make my teeth whiter?

While scaling and polishing is primarily a dental procedure, it removes stubborn surface stains from food and drinks, leaving your smile visibly cleaner and brighter. For deeper shade lifting, inquire about our professional teeth whitening options.

4. How often should I get my teeth scaled and polished?

Dental associations and our specialists at Hilton Dental Clinic recommend scheduling a scaling and polishing session every 6 months. If you smoke, wear orthodontic braces, or naturally accumulate tartar quickly, your dentist may suggest visiting every 3 to 4 months.

5. Can I eat immediately after the procedure?

Yes, you can eat and drink normally right after your appointment. However, if your gums feel temporarily sensitive, it is best to avoid extremely hot, cold, acidic, or spicy foods for the first few hours.

Visit Hilton Dental Clinic Across Lagos

Ready to experience superior dental care? Book your scaling and polishing session at any of our three accessible, modern clinic branches in Lagos:

• Lekki Branch: Strategically located to serve patients across Lekki Phase 1, Ikate, Maroko, and Victoria Island corridors.
• Amuwo Branch: Perfectly positioned to provide family and specialized dental care across Amuwo Odofin, Festac Town, and surrounding environments.
• Sangotedo Branch: Easily accessible for residents around Sangotedo, Ajah, Awoyaya, and the expanding Lekki-Epe Expressway axis.