Professional Dental Cleaning (114): What We Remove, Why It Matters, and Tips for Sensitive Teeth

The purpose of a professional clean

Even with great brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus) in hard-to-reach spots. Once it’s hardened, a toothbrush can’t remove it. A professional clean lifts away tartar, plaque, and surface stains to keep gums healthy, freshen breath, and help prevent cavities and gum disease.

Signature GFD difference:Hygienist clean + Dentist check — same appointment, included. You’ll see our hygienist for a gentle, thorough clean, and our dentist will review your teeth and gums in the same visit — with no extra charge for the check.

What happens during Item 114 (Scale & Clean)

• Assessment & plan – we look at your gums and plaque/tartar pattern and explain the plan in plain English.

• Scale (tartar removal) – using precise ultrasonic and hand instruments to remove deposits above and below the gumline.

• Polish – smooths the tooth surface and removes surface stains from coffee, tea, or red wine.

• Rinse & review – we show you where build-up tends to hide and how to reach those spots at home.

• Fluoride (often paired, Item 121) – a quick, protective treatment to strengthen enamel.

If you’re due for deeper gum care, we’ll discuss options like active periodontal therapy rather than a standard clean — and we’ll always quote first.

Stain vs tartar — what’s the difference?

• Stains sit on the surface (think coffee/tea). Polish removes most light staining.

• Tartar (calculus) is mineralised plaque that’s firmly attached. It must be removed carefully by a clinician to protect gum health and reduce inflammation/bleeding.

Worried about sensitivity?

• We use gentle settings and work in short sections.

• Topical desensitiser can be applied before we start.

• If a spot feels “zingy”, we pause, adjust, or add numbing gel — your comfort leads.

• Tip: Use a sensitive-care toothpaste for 1–2 weeks before your visit and avoid ice-cold drinks on the day.

How often should I book a clean?

Most people do well with a six-monthly clean. If you’re managing gum concerns, wear a night guard (occlusal splint), or have braces/aligners, we may recommend a tailored interval to keep everything healthy.

Typical fee notes (guide)

• Professional clean (114) – ~$140–$170

• Fluoride treatment (121) – ~$50–$70

• X-rays/photos (if needed, 022/072) – quoted first

*Fees are guides only. Exact costs depend on your needs, complexity, and eligibility (e.g., CDBS or DVA).

Our current offer: $179 Check-Up & Clean

Experience our care and save on prevention.

Included: hygienist scale & clean (114), dentist check in the same appointment (011/012), fluoride (121), and tailored home-care advice, X-rays/photos.

Book online in under a minute or call our friendly team. https://app.principle.dental/portal/booking/cJ5ZyIJyZxovIYEbpUXA

Home habits that make your clean last longer

• Electric toothbrush with a soft head, twice daily (2 minutes).

• Floss or interdental brushes once daily — we’ll size these for you.

• Rinse after coffee/tea; limit frequent snacking/sipping.

• If you grind at night, ask about a night guard (965) — it protects teeth and can reduce gumline wear.

Billing & Rebates

We accept health funds, Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), and Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) cards. DVA Gold Card holders are generally covered for all clinically necessary dental care, while White Card holders are covered for accepted conditions. Some services may require DVA pre-approval — we’ll help arrange this for you. [Read: How to Get the Most from the Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS) A guide for families, teens, and the Greenbank community]

FAQ

Does a professional clean hurt?

It shouldn’t. You may feel vibration or brief sensitivity. Tell us what you feel — we’ll adjust, use numbing gel, or take breaks.

Will a clean whiten my teeth?

Polish removes surface stains, so teeth often look brighter. For a bigger lift, ask about our whitening options after your exam.

Is the dentist check extra if I see the hygienist?

No. At GFD your hygienist clean and dentist check happen in the same appointment — included.

Friendly disclaimer

Information above is a guide only. Every visit is personalised and quoted before treatment. Rebates (CDBS, health funds, and DVA) may reduce or remove out-of-pocket costs.