Dental Scaling Prices 2026

No — in fact, the opposite. Professional scaling is the foundation of dental health and does no harm to the teeth. The ultrasonic vibration only breaks up the mineralised calculus layer; it doesn’t affect the enamel. The myth that “scaling wears the teeth down” is widespread but has no scientific basis. Calculus left in place causes gum inflammation and tooth loss.

Standard scaling is pain-free for most patients. You may feel a mild vibration, water spray, and occasional brief sensitivity. In patients with sensitive teeth, those who haven’t had a cleaning in a long time, or those with gum inflammation, sensitivity can be more noticeable. Local anaesthesia can be used in such cases. Subgingival cleaning (curettage) is typically performed under local anaesthesia.

Every six months is ideal for healthy individuals. This frequency keeps plaque and calculus from accumulating and gives your clinician regular checkpoints on your dental and gum health. For patients with risk factors such as gum disease, diabetes, or smoking, every 3–4 months can be recommended. Patients in orthodontic treatment or wearing prosthetics may also need more frequent cleanings.

Mild bleeding and sensitivity for 1–2 days afterwards can occur. It reflects the healing of gums that were previously inflamed and resolves quickly. The more advanced the gum inflammation, the more noticeable the healing period. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, rinsing with warm salt water, and sticking to soft foods improves comfort during this time. If bleeding lasts longer, let your clinician know.

This is a very common misconception. The spaces between your teeth were already there — calculus was filling them, so you didn’t notice. Once it is cleaned away, the natural spaces become visible again. Similarly, where there is gum recession, calculus bridges the receded gumline, so teeth appear the same length; after cleaning, the true level shows. This is not a bad thing — it’s a return to a healthy state.

No. Because of its mineralised structure, calculus can only be removed with professional ultrasonic devices or dedicated hand instruments. The “at-home calculus removal” methods you may see online or on social media (vinegar, lemon, baking soda, hook-style calculus removers) should never be tried. These can damage the enamel, cut the gum, and increase the risk of infection. Scaling should only be done by a dentist.

Avoiding very hot, very cold, or very spicy foods for the first 24 hours helps comfort in any sensitive areas. If airflow polishing was performed, also avoid pigmented drinks (coffee, tea, red wine) and smoking for the first 4–6 hours. Freshly cleaned tooth surfaces stain more easily during this window. Normal brushing can be resumed the same day — with a soft-bristled brush and gentle technique.

Partly, yes. Surface staining built up on the teeth (from coffee, tea, smoking) is largely removed by scaling and especially by airflow polishing, which makes the teeth look whiter. This is not a “whitening” effect, however — it’s the natural colour returning. For more noticeable lightening, a separate teeth whitening treatment is needed. Ideally, scaling is performed first, then whitening.

SGK covers scaling performed in contracted state hospitals and oral and dental health centres, though appointment waiting times are usually long. Scaling done in private clinics is outside SGK coverage; some private health insurance policies offer partial cover for routine preventive procedures.

Yes — in fact, it’s very important during pregnancy. Hormonal changes increase gum bleeding and sensitivity, and conditions like hormonal gingivitis and pregnancy tumour can develop. The second trimester (months 4–6) is the most suitable time for scaling. In emergencies, it can be performed at any stage. Studies have shown that pregnant women with regular dental care have a noticeably lower risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.