Scaling and Polishing at DePacific Dental

Regular Scaling and Polishing for Fresh Breath and Healthy Gums 

Brushing and flossing alone can't always clear plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth or below the gumline. Scaling and polishing, done professionally by our dentists, is one of the most effective ways to keep on top of it. CHAS subsidies may apply for this treatment.

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Understand Dental Cleaning: Scaling and Polishing

Scaling and polishing are two different steps of the same dental cleaning visit, each targeting a different problem on your teeth.

Scaling removes hardened plaque, known as tartar or calculus, from the tooth surface and along the gumline. Once plaque hardens into tartar, brushing can no longer remove it, only a dentist can. Our dentists use an ultrasonic scaler to loosen larger deposits, followed by fine hand instruments for tighter spaces. Cost typically depends on how much tartar has built up and whether it extends below the gumline.

Polishing follows scaling to smooth the tooth surface and lift surface stains, such as those from coffee, tea or smoking, using a fine paste or an air-polishing tool. 

Why choose Scaling and Polishing at dePacific Dental?

4 clinics across Singapore. 

Ang Mo Kio, Balestier, Jurong West and Pasir Ris, so a routine cleaning fits around your schedule.

CHAS-claimable. 

Scaling and polishing is a CHAS-subsidised treatment at all our clinics.

Care for sensitive teeth. 

Water cooling and topical numbing gel are available if you're prone to sensitivity.

An experienced team. 

60% of our dentists have more than 10 years of clinical experience.

26 years in Singapore. 

dePacific has treated patients since 2000.

The Importance of Scaling and Polishing

Plaque forms naturally from leftover food particles and saliva. Left alone, it may harden into tartar, a rough surface where bacteria thrive, and brushing and flossing at home can't remove it once it sets. That's why a professional dental cleaning matters, not just for a brighter smile, but for your gum health too.

  • Removes stubborn tartar: Clears hardened calculus that regular brushing cannot reach.
  • Prevents gum disease: Reduces plaque buildup from triggering gingivitis (bleeding, inflamed gums) and, over time, periodontitis (bone loss around the teeth).
  • Reaches where a toothbrush can't: Clears bacteria hiding in tight spaces between teeth and along the gumline.
  • Essential routine maintenance: Most guidelines recommend dental cleaning every six months to maintain oral health.

Benefits of Dental Scaling and Polishing

Scaling and polishing does more than clean your teeth. Because gum health is linked to your general health, keeping on top of it can matter beyond your mouth.

  • A brighter, fresher smile: Lifts coffee, tea and food stains, and clears the bacterial buildup behind persistent bad breath.
  • Improved gum health: Removing tartar from the gumline helps prevent swelling, bleeding and gum recession.
  • Systemic health support: Gum disease has been linked to conditions including diabetes and heart disease.
  • Long-term protection: Supports your teeth and jawbone against decay and bone loss over time.
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Dental Scaling and Polishing Procedure: Things to Expect

  1. 1

    Oral Examination & Assessment

    Step 1

    Your dentist will begin with a thorough examination to assess the condition of your teeth and gums, taking X-rays if needed to check for hidden decay or bone loss.

  2. 2

    Ultrasonic Scaling

    Step 2

    A specialised instrument that uses high-frequency vibrations is then used to loosen and lift away larger tartar deposits and plaque along your gumline.

  3. 3

    Fine Hand Scaling

    Step 3

    Your dentist follows up with fine hand instruments to carefully clear any remaining debris from the tighter, harder-to-reach spaces between your teeth.

  4. 4

    Tooth Polishing

    Step 4

    Finally, a fluoride paste or an air-polishing tool (the Prophy Jet) is used to smooth the surface of your teeth and lift away stubborn stains, giving you a fresher finish.

  5. 5

    Flossing, Rinsing & Enamel Protection

    Step 5

    Your dentist finishes with interdental flossing and an antiseptic rinse, and can apply an optional topical fluoride treatment to help strengthen your teeth.

  6. 6

    Post-Care & Hygiene Advice

    Step 6

    Before you leave, your dentist will run through brushing and flossing tips tailored to you, and set up your next 6-month review.

Meet Our Dentists

Dental Cleaning Treatment Across Our Singapore Clinics

Scaling and polishing is available at all 4 dePacific clinics.

Ang Mo Kio Branch

Address: Blk. 721, Ang Mo Kio Ave 8, #01-2809, Singapore 560721

Tel: (65) 6455 3343

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Balestier Branch

Address: 536 Balestier Road Singapore 329861

Tel: (65) 6684 4862

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Jurong West Branch

Address: Blk. 965, Jurong West St. 93, #01-211, Singapore 640965

Tel: (65) 6397 1050

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Pasir Ris Branch

Address: Blk. 446, Pasir Ris Drive 6, #01-124, Singapore 510446

Tel: (65) 6585 0030

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Frequently Asked Questions About dePacific’s Dental Scaling and Polishing

Does scaling and polishing hurt?

While most patients do not experience any pain during scaling and polishing, it is important to let your dentist know if you experience any discomfort. In the event of discomfort, your dentist may numb the gums before continuing the procedure.

Is scaling and polishing suitable for everyone?

For most people, yes, including patients with braces, though your dentist may gently adjust the procedure around brackets and wires. If you have any sensitivity or existing dental work, do let your dentist know beforehand so they can take extra care.

Can I eat or drink after the procedure?

You're welcome to eat and drink as normal afterwards. If your teeth feel a little more sensitive than usual, you may find it more comfortable to hold off on very hot, cold or staining foods and drinks for a few hours.

Will my teeth be whiter after polishing?

Polishing lifts surface stains, so you can expect your teeth to look brighter and cleaner afterwards. It won't change your natural tooth colour the way a professional whitening treatment would, but many patients are pleasantly surprised by the difference.

How frequently should my teeth be scaled and polished?

We recommend a routine visit every 6 months to ensure good oral hygiene, unless your dentist advises otherwise based on your individual gum health.

What happens if you skip scaling and polishing?

It's understandable that routine visits can slip, but tartar left behind will keep building up and hardening, which can gradually lead to gum inflammation, bad breath and, over time, gum disease. Keeping to regular visits helps catch this early, before it becomes a bigger concern.

What are the risks or side effects of scaling and polishing?

As scaling and polishing is a routine, low-risk procedure, some patients may notice mild gum sensitivity or a little bleeding for a day or two afterwards, particularly if there was more tartar buildup than usual, but this settles quickly.

Can I use a CHAS card subsidy for scaling and polishing?

Yes. Scaling and polishing is a CHAS-claimable treatment at all four dePacific Dental clinics. Simply bring your CHAS card along to your appointment and our team will check your eligibility with you.

What are the available payment methods at dePacific Dental?

dePacific Dental accepts standard payment methods, including cash, PayNow, and major credit cards. Payment options and any available instalment arrangements can be discussed at the consultation. Please contact us to learn about the current payment options for your treatment plan.

Reliable . Gentle . Caring

The dePacific Dental Group has been established since 2000. We have since been providing our patients with personalised and professional dental experience. We also offer comprehensive, high quality dental services in a safe and comfortable environment.

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