Dental scaling is a procedure that removes calcified plaque from the tooth surface and below the gum line, performed in the clinic with specialised equipment.
At Dental Fam, there are 2 options: a basic ultrasonic package at 300.000đ/session and an advanced package using Aquacare technology at 1.500.000đ/session. Both include polishing, cover both arches, and cost the same no matter how much tartar you have.
The article below covers prices, the procedure, safety and the situations to be aware of before treatment.
What Is Dental Scaling?
Dental scaling, also called tartar removal, is a procedure that removes hardened, calcified plaque from the tooth surface and below the gum line using specialised instruments or equipment. This build-up forms from bacteria, food debris and minerals in saliva, and it accumulates gradually when an ordinary toothbrush cannot clean it away completely.
The procedure helps prevent gingivitis and periodontitis, reduces bad breath, lowers the risk of tooth decay and improves the look of your teeth, since they are less stained by plaque. Teeth with porcelain crowns still need regular scaling, because porcelain collects plaque just like natural teeth.
One thing to note: an ultrasonic tip can scratch the surface of low-quality porcelain, so if you have porcelain crowns, let us know beforehand so we can adjust the pressure accordingly.
Learn more about the clinical procedure and how tartar forms: What Is Dental Scaling
Dental Scaling Price List at Dental Fam
Dental Fam offers 2 scaling packages at fixed prices that do not change with the amount of tartar.
| Package | Technology | Price | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | Ultrasonic (Dentsply Sirona, EMS Switzerland) | 300.000đ | /session, both arches |
| Advanced | Aquacare air-polishing technology (UK) | 1.500.000đ | /session, both arches |
Both packages already include polishing after cleaning; it is not an extra charge. Whether you choose Aquacare over standard ultrasonic scaling depends on the amount of plaque, how sensitive your gums are, or simply whether you would like to try the newer technology.
When an accompanying condition is found
Some conditions are detected during the initial examination (through X-rays and gum pocket measurement), before scaling, and may need additional treatment:
| Situation | Related service | Price | Required/Optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced periodontitis, bone loss | Gum pocket curettage | 1.000.000đ/session/2 arches (2-3 sessions/course) | Required |
| Mild periodontitis, little bone loss | Non-surgical treatment | 500.000đ/tooth | Required |
| Periodontitis needing deeper intervention | Surgical treatment | 2.000.000đ/tooth | Required |
| Wish to thoroughly disinfect the inflamed area | Laser treatment | 1.000.000đ/tooth | Optional |
| Tooth decay detected | Restorative filling | 500.000-1.000.000đ/tooth | Optional |
If any of the above applies to you, the dentist will explain your condition and the corresponding price before treatment, so there are no unexpected charges after you have agreed.
The Dental Scaling Procedure at Dental Fam
One scaling session at Dental Fam takes about 30 minutes for both the ultrasonic and the Aquacare package, and includes the following steps:
- Examination and assessment of tartar: checking the amount of plaque and the condition of the gums, and choosing the right package.
- Protective glasses are given to the patient before treatment begins.
- Cleaning area by area with an ultrasonic tip or an Aquacare nozzle, depending on the package chosen.
- Final check and polishing of all tooth surfaces after cleaning.
The ultrasonic units used at Dental Fam are Dentsply Sirona (USA) and EMS (Switzerland). The Aquacare unit is made in the UK. Both use cooling water during treatment, which reduces sensitivity compared with traditional hand instruments.
Why Have Regular Dental Scaling?
Regular scaling stops tartar from building up to the point where it causes gingivitis or periodontitis, two problems that are hard to reverse once they progress. A toothbrush and dental floss do not have enough mechanical force to break up hardened, calcified plaque, especially below the gum line. This is a physical limitation, not a sign that you are not cleaning carefully enough.
The usual interval is once every 6 months, which matches the regular check-up schedule at Dental Fam. If you smoke heavily or your oral hygiene is not yet good, once every 3 months is a better interval. Repeated scaling does no harm when the dentist recommends it, but it is not a procedure to overuse in place of brushing every day at home.
Some people try to remove tartar at home with instruments or mini devices sold on the market to save money. This approach cannot control force and depth the way professional dental equipment does, can easily injure the gums or cause infection, and cannot remove all the plaque below the gum line. Dental scaling should be performed by a trained professional in a clinic.
Why Choose Dental Scaling at Dental Fam?
Dental Fam is a family dental clinic in Nha Trang that operates to ISO 13485:2016 and ISO 9001:2015 standards. Three things set our scaling service apart:
- Transparent pricing by technology: 2 fixed-price packages, clearly published for ultrasonic and Aquacare, with no "depends on your condition" pricing that makes costs hard to predict before your visit.
- Polishing already included: no charges beyond the published price list.
- Equipment of clear origin: Dentsply Sirona, EMS Switzerland and Aquacare UK units, never equipment of unknown origin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does dental scaling hurt?
It is usually painless, though you may feel slight sensitivity depending on your constitution and the degree of gum inflammation. If there is a lot of tartar and you cannot tolerate the sensitivity, Dental Fam will numb the area before treatment and then advise you on a mouthwash or toothpaste that helps relieve sensitivity. (Full details: Does Dental Scaling Hurt? Does It Affect Your Teeth)
Can I eat and drink right after scaling?
Yes. If you only have routine scaling, you can eat and drink normally as soon as it is finished, with no need to wait. For a short time afterwards, it is best to limit very hot or very cold foods, acidic foods such as lemon or pickles, sticky sweets and dark-coloured drinks to keep your teeth healthy; this general rule applies to most dental procedures.
Does dental scaling whiten teeth?
Not entirely. Scaling removes plaque and surface stains, making your teeth look brighter, but it does not change the natural colour of the enamel. Teeth whitening is the procedure that acts on tooth pigment to genuinely whiten teeth.
If you have in-clinic whitening (3.000.000đ/course), ultrasonic scaling is included free of charge; at-home whitening (1.500.000đ/course) does not include this step. (See also: Dental Scaling and Teeth Whitening: How Much Do They Cost, and Should You Have Them Together)
Is dental scaling covered by health insurance?
Dental Fam does not currently accept state health insurance for this service. For private health insurance or corporate insurance with dental benefits, Dental Fam is happy to discuss directly if the insurer contacts us.