We always take care of your smile
What Is Dental Scaling (Tartar Removal)?
Dental scaling is one of the most effective ways to maintain oral health. Over time, plaque accumulates on the teeth and hardens into tartar, which can lead to gum disease, bad breath, and tooth loss. With professional dental scaling performed by our experienced dentists at our clinic, you can achieve a healthier smile both aesthetically and medically.
Why Is Dental Scaling Performed?
To prevent gum diseases
To eliminate bad breath
To restore the natural whiteness of the teeth
To reduce gum bleeding
How Is Dental Scaling Performed?
During the procedure, ultrasonic devices are used to remove tartar and plaque from the teeth. When necessary, the tooth surfaces are polished and fluoride application may be performed. The procedure is generally painless and takes approximately 20–30 minutes.
How Often Should It Be Done?
Dental scaling is a preventive dental treatment usually recommended every 6 months. However, this interval may vary depending on the individual’s oral structure and hygiene habits.
What Happens If Tartar Is Not Removed?
1. Gum Diseases (Gingivitis and Periodontitis)
Tartar accumulates along the gum line and causes inflammation of the gums. This condition may first lead to gingivitis (gum inflammation) and, if left untreated, can progress to periodontitis (advanced gum disease). Periodontitis can result in gum recession and even tooth loss.
2. Bad Breath (Halitosis)
3. Bleeding Gums
4. Tooth Sensitivity
As a result of gum recession, tooth roots become exposed, which may cause sensitivity to hot and cold.
5. Tooth Loss
Advanced tartar buildup can damage the bone tissue that supports the teeth. This may cause the teeth to loosen and eventually be lost.
6. Aesthetic Problems
Tartar creates an unpleasant appearance on the teeth, appearing yellow, brown, or nearly black. This negatively affects smile aesthetics.
What Is Gingivitis (Gum Inflammation)?
Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums.
It is usually caused by bacterial plaque that accumulates on the teeth due to inadequate oral hygiene. If plaque is not removed, it hardens over time and turns into tartar, leading to gum disease that commonly presents with bleeding gums.
What Is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is the most advanced stage of gum disease. It is a serious infection that develops when gum inflammation (gingivitis) is left untreated and progresses to affect not only the gums but also the bone and connective tissues that support the teeth.
Over time, this condition can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and ultimately tooth loss. Periodontitis may progress slowly and is often painless, which makes it difficult to detect.
What Are the Symptoms?
Gum bleeding (especially during brushing)
Swollen, red, and sensitive gums
Persistent bad breath
Gum recession and exposure of tooth roots
Loosening or shifting of teeth
Discomfort while chewing
Formation of deep pockets between the teeth and gums
Does Scaling (Tartar Removal) Damage the Teeth?
No, when performed correctly, dental scaling does not cause any damage to the teeth or tooth enamel. On the contrary, it is extremely important for maintaining both dental and gum health. Specially designed ultrasonic devices are used to ensure that the tooth surface is not harmed. These devices remove only tartar and plaque without damaging the enamel.
Is Sensitivity Normal After Scaling?
Yes, some patients may experience temporary sensitivity to hot and cold after the procedure. This is a temporary condition and usually resolves within a few days.
What Is Subgingival Curettage?
Subgingival curettage is a deep cleaning procedure used in the treatment of gum diseases. It aims to remove inflamed tissue, plaque, and tartar located below the gum line.
This procedure is of critical importance in the treatment of periodontitis (advanced gum disease).
Subgingival curettage is recommended in the following cases:
If the depth of gum pockets is greater than 4 mm
If there is gum recession and bone loss
If routine scaling is insufficient
If there is persistent gum bleeding, swelling, redness, and sensitivity
How Are Periodontal Diseases Treated?
The treatment of periodontal diseases is planned according to the stage of the disease, the depth of periodontal pockets, the level of tissue loss, and the patient’s general health condition.
Early Stage: Gingivitis (Gum Inflammation) Treatment
Gingivitis is a reversible condition. Its treatment generally includes:
Professional dental scaling (tartar removal)
Plaque control and oral hygiene education
Effective tooth brushing and flossing twice a day
With proper care, gingivitis can heal completely.
Advanced Stage: Periodontitis Treatment
Since periodontitis involves bone loss in the tissues surrounding the teeth, it requires more advanced treatment:
• Subgingival Curettage (Deep Cleaning):
Removal of plaque and tartar located beneath the gum line using special instruments.
• Root Surface Planing (Root Planing):
Smoothing of the root surfaces to reduce bacterial adhesion.
• Antibiotic Therapy:
Infection control using local or systemic (oral) antibiotics.
• Periodontal Surgery (If Necessary):
In advanced cases, the following surgical procedures may be performed:
Flap surgery (reduction of periodontal pockets)
Bone grafting (regeneration of lost bone)
Soft tissue grafting (for gum recession)
Follow-up and Supportive Care After Treatment
Periodontal disease may recur after treatment; therefore, regular follow-up is essential.
• Dental check-ups every 3–6 months
• Repeated professional cleaning if necessary
• Continued home oral care (tooth brushing, dental floss, interdental brushes)
What Do Healthy Gums Look Like?
Healthy gums are one of the main indicators of good oral health. The following criteria show that your gums are healthy:
Characteristics of Healthy Gums:
• Color: Pale Pink
Gums are light pink in color (they may appear slightly darker depending on skin tone).
• Shape: Firmly Attached to the Teeth
They tightly surround the teeth.
They fill the spaces between the teeth.
• Texture: Orange Peel Appearance
They have a slightly textured (matte and natural-looking) surface.
A very shiny, tense, or spongy appearance is not healthy.
• No Bleeding
Gums do not bleed during brushing, flossing, or eating.
(Bleeding is usually a sign of gingivitis.)
• No Pain or Sensitivity
Gums do not hurt when touched or during brushing.
Signs of Unhealthy Gums:
Redness and swelling
Bleeding during brushing or spontaneously
Gum recession
Bad breath
Loose teeth
Persistent sensitivity
What Is Gum Recession?
Gum recession is the condition in which the gums move away from their normal position, exposing the tooth roots. This can lead to aesthetic problems as well as sensitivity, cavities, and, in advanced cases, tooth loss.
Causes of Gum Recession:
Poor oral hygiene
Dental calculus (tartar)
Periodontal diseases (gum diseases)
The most common cause:
Plaque and tartar accumulation → gingivitis → periodontitis → gum recession
Incorrect brushing technique
Wrong toothbrush selection
Teeth grinding / clenching (bruxism)
Poorly fitting crowns, fillings, or dentures
Improperly planned tooth movements in orthodontic treatments
Malocclusion (incorrect bite)
How Is Gum Recession Treated?
Gum recession does not heal on its own and may progress over time. Therefore, early detection and appropriate treatment are very important to stop its progression. The treatment plan varies depending on the severity and the cause of the recession.
1. Early-Stage Treatment (Mild Recession)
Goal: To stop the progression of gum recession and improve oral hygiene.
Procedures include:
Professional scaling (tartar removal)
Proper tooth brushing education
Necessary corrections to teeth and dental restorations
Desensitizing toothpastes
(If tooth sensitivity is present due to recession)
In the early stage, the condition can be controlled before it progresses.
2. Moderate Gum Recession Treatment
Goal: To remove deep plaque and bacteria causing the recession and to preserve gum tissue.
Subgingival curettage (deep cleaning): Removal of inflamed tissue and calculus below the gum line.
These procedures are usually performed painlessly under local anesthesia.
3. Advanced Gum Recession Treatment
Depending on the shape and severity of the recession, surgical techniques and sometimes graft materials may be used.
Not every case of gum recession requires treatment. In some cases, the goal is simply to prevent further progression.
What Is Gum Overgrowth?
Gum overgrowth is a condition in which the gum tissue grows or swells more than normal. It usually involves an increase in the volume of gum tissue. This enlargement can be localized (in one area) or generalized (throughout the mouth).
Causes of Gum Overgrowth
Gum overgrowth may occur due to various reasons.
1. Inflammatory Causes (Most Common Cause)
Plaque accumulation (poor oral hygiene)
Formation of tartar (calculus)
Gum diseases
2. Medication-Related Causes
Some medications may cause gum overgrowth:
Anti-epileptic drugs
Certain medications used to suppress the immune system
Some blood pressure medications
3. Hormonal Changes
4. Genetic and Systemic Diseases
Treatment of Gum Overgrowth
• Oral Hygiene Education and Professional Cleaning
Professional scaling (tartar removal)
Oral hygiene instruction (proper brushing and flossing)
• Medication Adjustment
If the cause is related to a medication, switching to alternative drugs may be possible under the guidance of a physician
(medications should never be discontinued without consulting a doctor).
• Surgical Intervention (Gingivectomy)
• Treatment of the Underlying Disease
If a systemic disease is present, a multidisciplinary approach in cooperation with relevant medical specialists is required.
What Is Pink Aesthetics?
“Pink aesthetics” refers to achieving an aesthetically ideal appearance of the gums in dentistry.
Just as white aesthetics (teeth) are important, healthy and symmetrical gums (pink tissues) are essential for a beautiful smile — which is why it is called “pink aesthetics.”
What Does Pink Aesthetics Include?
Pink aesthetic procedures generally include the following:
• Gum level correction (gingivectomy / gingivoplasty):
If too much gum tissue is visible or if the teeth appear short, the gum line is reshaped and corrected.
• Gummy smile treatment:
These are treatments applied when excessive gum tissue is visible while smiling.
• Gum recession treatment:
If the gums have receded excessively, these areas can be covered using various surgical or aesthetic techniques.
• Gum color correction:
Dark discoloration of the gums (usually caused by smoking) can be lightened using different techniques, restoring the natural pink color of the gums.
Why Is It Important?
• Healthy and natural-looking gums are one of the fundamental elements of smile design.
• No matter how well-aligned the teeth are, aesthetic harmony cannot be achieved if the gum appearance is poor.
• Pink aesthetics is often planned together with treatments such as laminate veneers, zirconium crowns, or orthodontic treatment.
We always take care of your smile
+90533 302 77 78
Dentamar Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic Services © 2025 | All Rights Reserved. Crow Digital Agency
