Scaling and polishing is one of the most important preventive dental treatments you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy. While brushing and flossing help remove plaque on a daily basis, they are often unable to remove hardened tartar that builds up over time.
When plaque and tartar are left untreated, they can lead to gum disease, bad breath, tooth decay, and other oral health problems. Professional scaling and polishing helps remove these deposits, reducing the risk of dental issues before they become more serious. Ocean Dental’s scaling and polishing treatment combines thorough plaque and tartar removal with gentle polishing to help keep teeth clean, smooth, and healthy.
For residents living in Clementi, regular dental cleaning is an important part of maintaining long-term oral health. Whether you are a student, working professional, parent, or senior, routine scaling and polishing can help prevent small dental problems from developing into more complex and costly treatments in the future.
Scaling removes plaque and hardened tartar from areas that are difficult to clean with brushing alone, especially around the gumline and between teeth. Polishing then smooths the tooth surfaces and removes surface stains caused by coffee, tea, food, and smoking, leaving your teeth feeling cleaner and fresher.
Most dentists recommend having your teeth professionally cleaned every 4 to 6 months, although the ideal frequency depends on your oral health, gum condition, and how quickly plaque and tartar accumulate. Regular scaling and polishing helps remove plaque and tartar before they contribute to gum disease, which is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
What Happens During a Scaling and Polishing Appointment in Clementi?
If it’s your first time getting a professional dental cleaning or it has been a while since your last visit, you may be wondering what happens during a scaling and polishing appointment.
The procedure is a routine and preventive treatment designed to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains that cannot be removed through regular brushing and flossing alone. Most appointments are straightforward and can usually be completed within a single visit.
1. Dental Examination
Before starting the cleaning, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to assess your oral health. This allows any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other dental concerns to be identified early.
The examination also helps determine whether a routine scaling and polishing is sufficient or if additional treatment may be recommended.
2. Scaling
The scaling process removes plaque and hardened tartar deposits from the surfaces of the teeth and around the gumline.
Even with good oral hygiene habits, tartar can accumulate in areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush or dental floss. Over time, this buildup can irritate the gums and increase the risk of gum disease.
Using specialised dental instruments, your dentist will carefully remove these deposits to help restore a cleaner and healthier oral environment.
3. Polishing
After scaling is completed, the teeth are polished to remove surface stains and create a smoother tooth surface.
Polishing can help reduce stains caused by coffee, tea, coloured foods, and smoking while leaving your teeth feeling cleaner and fresher. A smoother tooth surface may also make it more difficult for plaque to accumulate quickly after treatment.
4. Oral Health Assessment and Advice
Once the cleaning is completed, your dentist may discuss any findings and provide recommendations based on your oral health.
This may include advice on brushing techniques, flossing habits, dietary considerations, or the ideal frequency for future dental cleanings.
How Much Does Scaling and Polishing Cost in Clementi?
The cost of scaling and polishing in Clementi can vary depending on factors such as the amount of plaque and tartar buildup, the condition of your gums, and whether additional treatment is required.
At Ocean Dental, scaling and polishing costs between $87.20 and $163.50 (inclusive of GST). Patients with heavier tartar buildup or signs of gum disease may require additional treatment, which can affect the overall cost.
What Affects the Cost of Scaling and Polishing?
Several factors can influence the cost of treatment, including:
- The amount of plaque and tartar present
- The overall health of your gums
- Whether additional gum treatment is required
- The complexity of the cleaning procedure
- How long it has been since your last professional cleaning
Patients who attend regular dental check-ups and cleanings every 4 to 6 months often require less extensive treatment compared to those who have not had a professional cleaning for several years.
Can CHAS Be Used for Scaling and Polishing?
Yes. Eligible Singaporeans may receive CHAS subsidies for scaling and polishing at participating dental clinics.
At Ocean Dental, the current subsidies for scaling and polishing are:
| CHAS Scheme | Subsidy |
|---|---|
| Pioneer Generation (PG) | $70.50 |
| Merdeka Generation (MG) | $60.50 |
| Blue CHAS Card | $50.50 |
Subsidy amounts are subject to prevailing government guidelines and eligibility requirements.
Where Can I Get Scaling and Polishing in Clementi?
If you are looking for scaling and polishing in Clementi, there are several dental clinics in the area that provide professional teeth cleaning services. When choosing a dental clinic, it is worth considering factors such as convenience, operating hours, available subsidies, and the experience of the dental team.
Many patients choose a dental clinic in Clementi that is easily accessible from their home, workplace, or school. Convenient appointment availability can also make it easier to maintain regular dental check-ups and cleanings every 4 to 6 months.
When comparing dental clinics in Clementi, you may wish to consider:
- Whether the clinic accepts CHAS subsidies
- The experience and qualifications of the dental team
- The availability of weekend appointments
- Accessibility by public transport
- Whether the clinic offers a full range of dental services should additional treatment be required
Ocean Dental Singapore
Ocean Dental is a dental clinic located at Clementi West Street 2 and has been serving the Clementi and West Coast community since 2017. Established by Dr. Terence Kooi and Dr. Ryan Chua, the clinic provides a wide range of dental services, including scaling and polishing, fillings, root canal treatment, braces, dental implants, wisdom tooth removal, and children’s dentistry.
The clinic is conveniently located near Clementi MRT and is accessible by several bus services. Parking is also available nearby, making it convenient for patients travelling by public transport or car.
Ocean Dental is open seven days a week, allowing patients to schedule appointments around work, school, and family commitments. The clinic also accepts various government subsidy schemes, including CHAS, helping eligible patients reduce their out-of-pocket dental expenses.
For patients seeking regular preventive dental care, scaling and polishing appointments at Ocean Dental are designed to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains while helping maintain healthy teeth and gums. Regular professional cleanings can play an important role in preventing gum disease, reducing bad breath, and supporting long-term oral health.
Whether you are visiting for your routine six-month dental cleaning or returning after a longer gap between appointments, professional scaling and polishing can help keep your smile healthy and your gums in good condition.
