Scaling and polishing at our Setapak clinic

Klinik Pergigian Genting provides scaling and polishing at our clinic on Jalan Genting Kelang, Setapak, from RM100. Most patients need a single visit. Scaling removes hardened plaque, known in Malay as karang gigi, that brushing and flossing cannot shift once it has set.

Starting price, not a quotation. Your personalised treatment plan and fee estimate will be provided following assessment.

Why brushing is not enough

Plaque is a soft bacterial film that forms on teeth continuously. Brushing and flossing remove it while it is soft. Left in place, minerals in saliva harden it into calculus, or tartar, within a few days.

Once hardened, calculus bonds to the tooth surface. No amount of brushing removes it, and brushing harder only damages gums and wears enamel. It has to be removed with dental instruments.

This is not a sign of poor hygiene. Everyone forms calculus. How quickly varies from person to person, and some people build it up rapidly even with careful brushing twice a day.

What scaling prevents

Calculus has a rough surface that gives new plaque more to hold onto. Bacteria collecting at the gumline cause inflammation, which progresses in stages:

Gingivitis. Gums become red, swollen and bleed when brushed. At this stage the damage is fully reversible.

Periodontitis. Inflammation reaches the tissue and bone supporting the teeth. Bone lost at this stage does not grow back.

Tooth mobility. As bone support reduces, teeth loosen and can eventually be lost.

Calculus also contributes to persistent bad breath that brushing does not fix.

Bleeding gums are not normal. Many people assume some bleeding when brushing is just how it is. It is an early sign of inflammation, and it is the most common reason to book a scaling appointment.

What happens at your appointment

Examination. Your dentist checks your teeth and gums and assesses how much calculus has built up. X-rays may be taken if there are signs of deeper inflammation.

Scaling. An ultrasonic scaler breaks up calculus using vibration and a water spray. Hand instruments finish the detail work, particularly below the gumline where calculus does the most damage.

Polishing. Tooth surfaces are polished to lift surface staining and leave them smoother, so new plaque takes longer to accumulate.

Most appointments take 30 to 45 minutes. If there is heavy build-up or significant gum inflammation, your dentist may recommend more than one visit.

Does it hurt?

Most patients describe scaling as uncomfortable rather than painful. You will feel vibration and water spray. If your gums are already inflamed, some bleeding during treatment is normal and the area may be more sensitive.

Tell your dentist if you feel pain during treatment. Local anaesthetic can be used if needed.

Some sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days afterwards is common and settles on its own. Toothpaste for sensitive teeth helps in the meantime.

How often should you have it done?

Most people are advised to have scaling every six months. More frequent visits are usually recommended for people who smoke, have diabetes, wear braces, or have a history of gum disease.

Your dentist will suggest an interval that suits you after examining your gums.

What it costs

Scaling and polishing at Klinik Pergigian Genting starts from RM100. A consultation and oral examination starts from RM25.

The final cost depends on how much calculus needs removing and whether gum inflammation needs additional treatment.

Starting price, not a quotation. Your personalised treatment plan and fee estimate will be provided following assessment.

See all our prices

When to book

Make an appointment if you notice any of the following:

• Gums bleeding when you brush or eat
• Gums that look red, swollen or feel tender
• Bad breath that does not clear after brushing
• Visible yellow or brown hardening on teeth, particularly at the gumline
• Teeth that feel loose or have shifted position
• More than six months since your last scaling

Klinik Pergigian Genting accepts walk-in patients, though booking ahead means less waiting.

Frequently asked questions

Can I remove tartar at home? No. Hardened calculus can only be removed with dental instruments. The scraper tools sold online risk cutting your gums and scratching enamel. Brushing and flossing prevent new calculus forming; they do not remove what has already hardened.

Does scaling loosen teeth or create gaps? Scaling does not move teeth. If gaps appear afterwards, they were already there, previously hidden by calculus or swollen gum tissue. It is a sign of inflammation resolving, not damage.

Does scaling damage enamel? Ultrasonic scalers are designed to break up calculus without harming enamel. Scaling performed by a dentist does not wear your enamel down.

Will it whiten my teeth? Polishing lifts surface staining from tea, coffee, and smoking, which often makes teeth look noticeably cleaner. It does not change the natural underlying shade of your teeth - that is what whitening does.

Can I eat straight afterwards? Yes. If your teeth feel sensitive, avoid very hot or very cold food and drink for the rest of the day.