A procedure to remove the hard deposit of calcified plaque, called calculus, from the surface of the crown or the roots of the teeth. The purpose of dental scaling is to eliminate deposits on the teeth that cannot be removed by routine brushing and dental flossing. Calculus releases toxins that cause tooth decay. Deposits of calculus that adhere to the surface of the teeth contribute to the formation of pockets between the gum and the tooth and can cause periodontal disease. Dental scaling is one of several procedures referred to as dental prophylaxes, which are treatments designed to prevent more serious dental conditions.
The elimination of tough accumulations from teeth to prevent or address periodontal disease in the tissues that support the teeth.