dental scaling in singapore

Dental Scaling and Polishing

TWC Dental offers dental cleaning services in Singapore, ranging from S$80 – S$150:

  • Dental Examination
  • Anaesthesia Application
  • Scaling (Decay and Plaque Removal)
  • Polishing

The price of our teeth cleaning services depends on the complexity of the procedure.

Scaling and Polishing Price in Singapore

Components Details
Estimated Cost Range S$80 – S$150
What Affects the Price Severity of plaque/tartar buildup, gum condition, frequency of visits
Subsidies Accepted CHAS Dental Subsidy
Subsidies Accepted CHAS and MediSave are not applicable
Insurance Coverage Most major dental insurance plans accepted; claims support available
How TWC Dental Helps Transparent pricing, assistance with insurance & subsidy claims

Subsidies for Scaling and Polishing

When considering dental scaling and polishing, it is important to understand the associated costs, as they vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the process and the patient’s specific needs.

You can explore various avenues to make the dental scaling and polishing price more manageable. Subsidies and insurance claims can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses. For instance, the CHAS Dental Subsidy can assist with dental scaling and polishing costs.

Dental ServicesMaximum subsidy amount per claim ($)
 PGMGCHAS BlueCHAS Orange
PolishingS$30.50S$25.50S$20.50S$13.50
ScalingS$40S$35S$30S$20

For patients with dental insurance, the medical team at your chosen dental clinic can assist in understanding and making claims. They can also provide support in navigating the claims process, ensuring you maximise your benefits.

dental scaling and polishing

What is Dental Scaling and Polishing?

When you visit a dental clinic, the dentist will first examine your oral condition then proceed to scaling and polishing your teeth.

Scaling is a process aimed at maintaining oral hygiene by removing plaque and tartar, particularly from areas where regular brushing may miss. During the dental cleaning, the dentist may use specific tools, such as manual scalers and ultrasonic instruments, to help address tartar and plaque from the teeth and gums. A water spray is often used to wash away debris after that.

Following scaling, polishing is performed to smooth the surfaces of your teeth. This part of the process helps to reduce stains from your teeth, contributing to a cleaner and brighter appearance. By smoothing and cleaning the tooth surface, polishing helps to improve your smile’s aesthetic appeal and oral hygiene.

Why is Scaling and Polishing Important?

Visiting your dentist for scaling and polishing is important because it helps you:

  • Enjoy a Brighter Smile: Regular teeth scaling and polishing can prevent the buildup of yellowish calculus before it leads to long-term stains or discolouration.
  • Improve Gum Health: Scaling and polishing address plaque and tartar buildup, preventing them from causing gum irritation and inflammation, thereby lowering the risk of gum disease.
  • Fresher Breath: Scaling and polishing help manage these odour-causing bacteria, enhancing overall oral freshness of breath.
  • Early Detection of Potential Oral Problems: During scaling and polishing, dentists thoroughly examine your oral cavity, enabling them to detect early signs of cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer, facilitating timely and less costly interventions.
  • Safeguard Overall Health: Dental cleanings help manage harmful oral bacteria buildup, preventing them from entering bodily systems and causing diseases, thus protecting overall health.

Process of Dental Scaling and Polishing

Scaling and polishing are routine dental treatments designed to maintain oral health by addressing plaque and tartar buildup while polishing the teeth’s surfaces. The process typically involves:

person undergoing a dental check-up

Step 1: Preparation for Procedure

  • Ensure you brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before your appointment.
  • Inform your dentist about any dental issues or sensitivities you may have.
  • Eat a regular meal before the appointment, as dental scaling and polishing may cause temporary sensitivity.

dentist applies anaesthesia on patient for tooth filling

Step 2: Anaesthesia Application (If Necessary)

  • In most cases, local anaesthesia is not required for scaling and polishing. However, your dentist may apply a topical anaesthetic to minimise discomfort if you have sensitive teeth or gums.

dentist using a manual scaler to address plaque and tartar

Step 3: Scaling (Decay and Plaque Removal)

  • The dentist or dental hygienist will use manual scalers and ultrasonic instruments to address plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums.
  • Scaling targets hard-to-reach areas, such as between teeth and below the gumline, where plaque buildup is most common.

a dentist using an air polisher

Step 4: Tooth Preparation

  • After scaling, the teeth are rinsed with water to remove any debris.
  • The dentist may use an air polisher to prepare the tooth surface for polishing.

dentist doing teeth cleaning procedure for male pa 2026 01 05 23 02 00 utc

Step 5: Polishing

  • A special paste and a rotating rubber cup or brush are used to polish the teeth.
  • Polishing helps to smooth the tooth surfaces, lessen stains, and enhance the teeth’s appearance.

dentist performing the polishing procedure

Step 6: Duration of the Procedure

  • The entire teeth scaling and polishing process typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the extent of plaque and tartar buildup.

Post-procedure care after scaling and polishing

Step 7: Post-Procedure Care

  • Avoid eating or drinking anything acidic or staining (such as coffee or tea) for a few hours after undergoing teeth scaling and polishing.
  • Regularly brush and floss to maintain oral hygiene and prevent plaque buildup.
  • Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth if you experience any post-procedure sensitivity.
  • Schedule regular dental check-ups to ensure ongoing oral health.

When Should You Consider Dental Scaling and Polishing?

Aside from removing plaque through regular daily cleaning, it’s essential to recognise when you might need professional teeth cleaning. Look out for these signs:

tooth being brushed

Visible Tartar Buildup

You'll notice a yellow or brown residue accumulating between your teeth or at the gum line.

tooth with a swollen gum

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing might signal gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease.

person dealing with bad breath

Persistent Bad Breath

Also known as halitosis, this can result from poor oral hygiene and bacteria buildup in the oral cavity.

dentist ensuring that the implants have been integrated properly

Gum Recession

This occurs when the gum pulls back from the tooth, exposing additional portions of the tooth or its root.

person experiencing pain due to gum inflammation

Swollen or Red Gums

This may indicate gum inflammation, often caused by plaque accumulation.

teeth experiencing sensitivity

Sensitive Teeth

This may be a sign of receding gums or enamel wear, which can be addressed with professional dental care.

stained teeth scaling

Stained Teeth

Surface stains from food and drink can be managed with polishing.

person experiencing a loose tooth

Loose Teeth or Change in Bite

This could signal advanced gum disease, affecting the support structures of your teeth.

post-procedure care

Time Since Last Visit

If it has been six months or more since your last dental check-up, it is time to consider scheduling another.

Why Choose TWC Dental for Scaling and Polishing?

our dentist showing his expertise at twc dental

Our Expertise

Our dentists and staff engage in ongoing training and education to maintain their proficiency in dental care. Through comprehensive practice and the integration of patient feedback, we ensure that all aspects of the dental scaling and polishing process are thorough, gentle, and tailored to individual patient needs.

the dentist showing our all-on-4 dental implants approach

Our Approach

We're dedicated to providing a personalised and stress-free experience for all patients. From our calming environment to meticulous hygiene standards, we prioritise your comfort and well-being throughout your visit.

dentist looking at X-ray

Our Technology

We utilise reliable dental technologies and thoroughly researched materials to provide optimal outcomes for our patients. Our continuous adoption of evolving technologies enhances the comfort and efficiency of our scaling and polishing treatments.

Why Choose TWC Dental for Scaling and Polishing?

  • Experienced dentists with training in preventive care and professional teeth cleaning
  • Gentle, patient-focused approach designed to minimise discomfort and protect sensitive gums
  • Scaling and polishing technology for thorough plaque and tartar removal
  • Strict hygiene and infection control standards to ensure a safe and clean treatment environment
  • Comfortable, stress-free clinic setting to help patients feel relaxed throughout their appointment

Book a Teeth Cleaning Appointment

Schedule an appointment for scaling and polishing from our dental clinic in Jurong or dentists in Yishun.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Scaling and Polishing

Regular dental scaling and polishing are recommended every six months to maintain optimal oral health, but this can vary based on individual oral health conditions. During each visit, the dentist will evaluate your specific needs and may advise more or less frequent scaling and polishing sessions to manage tartar buildup and maintain gum health.

Teeth scaling and polishing are feasible and beneficial for patients with sensitive teeth. Your dentist may use dental approaches and products designed for sensitive teeth to maximise comfort during the process, considering varying degrees of sensitivity among patients.

It is not uncommon for some patients to experience temporary sensitivity in their teeth and gums after undergoing dental scaling and polishing. This sensitivity is typically mild and diminishes quickly. The dental team can recommend specific oral hygiene practices and products to help manage any discomfort following the treatment.

Scaling and polishing remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains from your teeth, which can make them appear brighter and cleaner. While this can improve your teeth’s aesthetic appearance, it does not change the natural colour of the tooth itself. For actual teeth whitening, a separate procedure is required.

Most patients report minimal pain during their dental cleaning sessions due to patient-friendly methods. If you have concerns or a low threshold for discomfort, please communicate with the team so they can take additional steps to optimise your comfort and help provide a positive dental experience.

Scaling is not only possible but also recommended for patients with dental braces. Dental professionals can help clean around the braces, removing plaque and tartar without harming the orthodontic appliances. Regular scaling is also essential for those with braces, as it helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which may be more challenging to manage with orthodontic treatments in place.

Yes, dental scaling and polishing are generally considered safe for pregnant women. However, it’s recommended that pregnant women inform their dentist of their pregnancy so that the dentist can take the necessary precautions and ensure maximum comfort during the procedure.

The cost of scaling and polishing typically ranges from S$80 to S$150, depending on the severity of plaque or tartar buildup, the condition of your gums, and how frequently you attend dental cleanings.

Yes, CHAS dental subsidies are available for scaling and polishing treatments, subject to eligibility and claim limits.

Maximum CHAS subsidy per claim:

Dental Service PG MG CHAS Blue CHAS Orange
Polishing S$30.50 S$25.50 S$20.50 S$13.50
Scaling S$40.00 S$35.00 S$30.00 S$20.00

Subsidy amounts may vary based on individual eligibility. Our clinic team will be happy to help you check your coverage and guide you through the claims process.

Dr Tan Wei Chong

Dr Tan Wei Chong

Dental Surgeon

Dr Tan is a dedicated and passionate dental surgeon, who has catered to the needs of various patients from all walks of life with a wide range of oral problems. He is knowledgeable in all aspects of general dentistry, including dental cleanings, smile makeovers, wisdom tooth surgery, and dental implant.

With every appointment, Dr Tan is committed to providing gentle, efficient care, ensuring a comfortable and positive experience for each patient.

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