Scaling and Polishing
Maintain strong oral health with Ocean Dental’s expert scaling and polishing services in Singapore.
Overview
A standard preventive treatment combining ultrasonic/manual scaling with gentle polishing to remove buildup and smooth tooth surfaces. Scaling and polishing not only make your teeth look cleaner but also prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Scaling and Polishing Cost
Treatment
Cost (inclusive of 9% GST)
Scaling and polishing
$87.20 – $163.50
Scaling and root planing (per tooth)
$32.70 – $54.50
Scaling and root planing (per quadrant)
$163.50 – $327
What’s Included
Gum Health Assessment
Evaluation of gum condition to identify early signs of gum disease, inflammation, or bleeding.
Removal of Plaque & Tartar (Scaling)
Thorough removal of plaque and hardened tartar above and below the gumline using ultrasonic and hand instruments.
Stain Removal & Tooth Polishing
Polishing of teeth to remove surface stains from food, drinks, or smoking, leaving teeth smoother and cleaner.
Oral Hygiene Advice
Personalised guidance on brushing, flossing, and maintenance to help keep teeth and gums healthy between visits.
Treatment Procedure
Visual Examination
- Your dentist first checks your teeth and gums to identify areas with visible plaque or tartar buildup, especially around the gum line and between teeth.
Scaling with Ultrasonic and manual scaler instruments
- Plaque and hardened tartar are carefully removed from the tooth surfaces and along the gumline using ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments. This step helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
- For ultrasonic scaler, high-frequency vibrations loosen hardened tartar, while a stream of water flushes away debris.
- Application of Polishing Paste
After scaling is complete, the dentist applies a special polishing paste to the teeth. - Use of Rotating Instrument
A soft rubber cup or rotating brush is used to spread and work the paste over the tooth surfaces.
This smooths the enamel and helps remove stains, leaving your teeth feeling clean and shiny. - Additional Polishing for Severe Stains
If there are stubborn stains from coffee, tea, or smoking, the Prophy-Jet air-powder polishing system may be used.
Air Polishing Process
The Prophy-Jet sprays a concentrated mix of air, water, and fine powder onto the teeth.
This effectively removes bacterial plaque and extrinsic stains, resulting in a cleaner, smoother finish.
- Flossing Between Teeth
The dentist or hygienist carefully flosses between your teeth to remove any remaining debris left behind after polishing. - Rinsing the Mouth
You will then rinse with water to wash away any leftover polishing paste.
At the end of the procedure, our dental professional will provide oral hygiene instructions, including proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques, to help you maintain your oral health at home.
In some cases, we may offer fluoride treatment after scaling and polishing to further prevent tooth decay by increasing your teeth’s resistance to acid attacks from oral bacteria.
Type of CHAS Card
Subsidy Amount
Pioneer Generation (PG)
$70.50
Merdeka Generation (MG)
$60.50
Blue CHAS Card
$50.50
Orange CHAS Card
$33.50
Green CHAS Card
Not available
Treatment Subsidies
CHAS subsidies are available for up to 2 times of scaling and polishing per calendar year, subject to CHAS guidelines.
Why Scale and Polish Your Teeth?
The Hidden Threat: Plaque and Tartar
Even with regular brushing, some dental plaque remains behind and eventually hardens into calculus (tartar).
Early Warning Signs: Gingivitis
The first stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, is marked by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily during brushing or flossing.
When It Progresses: Periodontitis
If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a more serious infection. In this stage, the gums begin to pull away.
Prevention Through Professional Care
Regular dental scaling and polishing is key to preventing tartar buildup and protecting your gums.
What is tooth scaling and polishing?
Tooth scaling and polishing is a routine professional dental cleaning that removes plaque and hardened tartar (calculus) from the tooth surfaces and along the gumline.
Scaling focuses on removing plaque and tartar that regular brushing and flossing cannot reach, especially around the gums and between teeth. Polishing follows scaling to smooth and shine the teeth, making it harder for plaque and bacteria to accumulate.
This treatment helps prevent common dental problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath, and plays an essential role in maintaining long-term oral health. In Singapore, dentists generally recommend scaling and polishing every six months as part of regular dental care.
Even with good oral hygiene, plaque can still build up after meals and harden into tartar over time. Professional dental cleaning is therefore necessary to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Why should I scale and polish my teeth?
Some plaque cannot be removed by brushing alone. When plaque hardens into tartar, it harbours harmful bacteria that can damage both teeth and gums.
- The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which causes gum redness, swelling, and bleeding.
- If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition where the gums pull away from the teeth and bone loss occurs.
- As the condition worsens, deep gum pockets form, leading to further bone destruction, loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss.
Regular scaling and polishing, combined with good daily oral hygiene, helps prevent gum disease, protects your teeth, and supports long-term oral health.
Why Choose Ocean Dental?
Experienced Dental Treatment Team
Our team of qualified dentists brings extensive experience across multiple areas of dental care.
Ultrasonic Scalers and Polishing Tools
The first stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, is marked by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily during brushing or flossing.
Personalized Care for Teeth
Every patient’s smile is unique. We tailor each procedure to your specific needs — taking into account tooth sensitivity.
Calming Clinic Environment
Our clinic is thoughtfully designed to help you feel at ease — with soothing interiors and a welcoming atmosphere.
Gentle & Thorough Cleaning
We use modern ultrasonic scaling techniques combined with careful hand instrumentation to remove plaque and tartar effectively while keeping the procedure comfortable.
Experienced Dental Professionals
Our dentists are trained to detect early signs of gum disease and tailor the cleaning process to your gum condition for safe, effective results.
Personalised Oral Care Advice
Beyond cleaning, we provide practical brushing and flossing tips to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums between visits.
Transparent Pricing & Trusted Care
All scaling and polishing fees are clearly communicated upfront, with no hidden charges — so you can proceed with confidence.
Schedule Appointment
- Complete the form with your basic details
- Select the dental service you need
- Pick a convenient date and time
- Choose how you’d like us to reach you
- Relax – we’ll get in touch within 24 hours to confirm your appointment!
Clinic Hours
Book an Appointment
Get personalized care from our expert team
FAQs
Got questions? Relax, we’ve got your back
Is scaling and polishing bad for my teeth?
No. When performed by qualified dental professionals, scaling and polishing is not harmful to your teeth. In fact, it is an essential part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums and helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
How often should I scale and polish my teeth?
For most patients, scaling and polishing is recommended every 4–6 months. However, the ideal frequency depends on your individual oral health, gum condition, and plaque buildup. Your dentist will advise a personalised schedule based on your needs.
Is scaling and polishing painful?
Scaling and polishing is usually painless, especially when done regularly. Some mild discomfort or sensitivity may occur if your gums are inflamed or sore. If needed, local anaesthesia can be provided to ensure your comfort.
I have bleeding gums, what should I do?
Bleeding gums are often a sign of gum inflammation, such as gingivitis or periodontitis. Continue brushing and flossing gently, and visit your dentist as soon as possible for proper assessment and treatment. Early care can prevent the condition from worsening.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, includes:
- Gingivitis – the early stage, causing redness, swelling, and bleeding
- Periodontitis – the advanced stage, where bone and gum support around teeth are damaged
If left untreated, gum disease can eventually lead to loose teeth or tooth loss.
What causes gum disease?
Gum disease is mainly caused by plaque and tartar buildup due to inadequate oral hygiene. Factors such as smoking, certain medical conditions, and irregular dental visits can increase risk. Regular scaling and polishing, good brushing and flossing habits, and routine dental check-ups are key to prevention.