The real difference between a scale & polish and periodontal treatment

When it comes to keeping your gums and teeth healthy, many people assume that a simple scale & polish is all they need. But for patients with gum inflammation or gum disease, a standard cleaning isn’t enough, and that’s where periodontal treatment comes in.

Understanding the difference helps you protect your smile, avoid long-term problems, and choose the right treatment for your needs.

Let’s break it down clearly and simply:

What is a scale & polish?

A scale & polish is the standard professional cleaning most patients receive during their routine dental check-ups.

What it does:

• Removes plaque and tartar above the gumline

• Polishes the teeth to remove surface stains

• Leaves your teeth feeling smooth and clean

• Helps prevent gum disease

  
  

Who it’s for:

• Patients with healthy gums

• Patients with mild plaque

• People coming for their regular 6-month check-up

  
  

Key point:

A scale & polish is preventive, not a treatment for gum disease.

What is periodontal treatment?

Periodontal treatment is a deeper, therapeutic cleaning designed for patients with gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis). This treatment goes far beyond a simple cleaning.

What it does:

• Removes plaque, bacteria and tartar below the gumline

• Cleans deep pockets around the teeth

• Smooths the root surfaces (root planing) to help gums heal

• Reduces inflammation, bleeding and infection

  
  

Who it’s for:

• Patients with bleeding gums

• Gum recession

• Bad breath caused by bacteria

• Loose teeth

• Visible tartar under the gums

• Signs of periodontitis on X-rays

  
  

Key point:

Periodontal treatment is medical treatment, not cosmetic and not optional if gum disease is present.

Why the two treatments are not the same

Scale & Polish	Periodontal Treatment
Light cleaning	Deep therapeutic cleaning
For healthy gums	For gum disease
Above the gumline	Below the gumline
Fast, simple	Longer and more detailed
Cosmetic + preventive	Medical + essential

A scale & polish cannot treat gum disease.Trying to use it as a replacement is like washing a car when the engine needs repair, it won’t fix the underlying problem.

What happens if gum disease is not treated?

Untreated periodontitis can lead to:

• Persistent bad breath

• Gum recession

• Pain or discomfort

• Tooth mobility

• Tooth loss

• Higher risks for heart disease, diabetes complications and inflammation in the body

  
  

This is why periodontal treatment is so important and why early diagnosis matters.

How to know which one you need

The best way to know if you need a scale & polish or periodontal treatment is through a dental exam with gum measurements (periodontal charting).

Your dentist will check:

• Gum depth

• Level of inflammation

• Bone loss

• Plaque and tartar levels

• Bleeding points

  
  

Based on this, we can recommend the right treatment for long-term health.

A scale & polish is perfect for maintenance, keeping everything clean and healthy. Periodontal treatment is necessary when the gums need healing, not just cleaning. Both are important, but they serve different purposes.

At Pro Dental Dublin, we guide you through every step of your gum health journey, with clarity, honesty and the right care for your smile. 🧡