What Is a Scaling Unit for Dentists?

Treatment for periodontal disease (gum disease) often involves dental scaling followed by dental planing. The dentist scrapes calculus (tartar) from beneath the gums, either manually or with an ultrasonic tool. Scraping leaves a rough surface which in turn must be planed (smoothed) down.

Units

• An invoice from a dentist may indicate that a patient has had one unit (or two, or three) of dental scaling. "Unit" is a slightly misleading term as it seems to indicate a specific quantity of plaque removal when in fact it does not.

Language Determiners

• Often insurance companies determine the quantity and quality of treatments required for dental health. In so doing, terms are assigned.

  "Unit" is a term that measures quantity of service, not quantity of plaque removal.

  One unit of scaling equals 15 minutes.

Time and Money

• More time spent scaling teeth implies a greater amount of plaque removed. However, the limits set by the dental insurance provider may influence both dentists and patients to make scaling decisions based on monetary considerations rather than health considerations.

Incidence

• Scaling is one of the most common dental procedures performed.

Follow-up

• After scaling and planing are complete, good dental hygiene is essential. Brush, floss and gargle after every meal.