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Dental scaling and polishing are two of the most common nonsurgical dental procedures to remove plaque and tartar from the surface and spaces between teeth to prevent cavities or gum (periodontal) disease. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that clings to your teeth, while tartar, also known as dental calculus, is hardened plaque. Although you can get rid of plaque with good oral hygiene, tartar can only be removed through dental cleaning.
Scaling is a dental process to expel plaque, tartar, and stains on your teeth, as well as the bacteria stuck to plaque and tartar. Since scaling can leave your teeth feeling rough, polishing involves smoothing your teeth to leave your tooth enamel glossy and smooth. Dentists may also apply a small amount of fluoride on your teeth at the end of the procedure for extra protection for your teeth.
When coupled with good dental hygiene, regular dental scaling and polishing can help prevent oral diseases and offer the following various other benefits.
Dental scaling and polishing are suitable for people of all ages and should be done regularly, every six to 12 months, for optimum oral health. These dental procedures are recommended for those with oral diseases, as teeth scaling and polishing may help to slow down or prevent their oral condition from deteriorating.
Dental cleaning is also recommended if you have one or more of the following signs:
You will typically only need to go for one session that commonly lasts for around an hour. If you have sensitive teeth or significant tooth erosion, your dentist may perform a controlled version of the treatment or suggest alternative methods.
Dentists use various dental instruments for dental scaling. One of them is an ultrasonic device that discharges cooling water mist and delivers vibrations to your teeth to break up the visible and larger pieces of plaque and calculus deposits.
Your dentist may also use a hand scaler to gently clean the pockets between your teeth and gums to get rid of smaller calculus deposits, especially those stuck in between your teeth. Available in different sizes, hand scalers grant your dentist more control as they can reach deeper areas in which the ultrasonic device is unable to.
Once the scaling process is complete, your dentist will move on to polishing your teeth with a slow-speed handpiece with a soft rubber cup that spins and is filled with fluoride or a slightly abrasive polishing paste during the procedure. We also offer polishing with a prophyjet powder machine to remove stains effectively and very efficiently. The dentist will choose the polishing method best suited for you.
At the end of your treatment, your dentist may apply a protective top coat of fluoride for an extra layer of protection.
At An Dental, the cost of dental scaling and polishing ranges from $150 to $250, depending on the complexity of the case, oral hygiene condition and the amount of calculus present.
Subsidy options through Raffles Health Insurance and Baby Bonus benefits are available for individuals and families eligible for scaling and polishing treatment. For further details on pricing and available financing options, feel free to reach out to us.
If dental scaling and polishing have been long overdue for you, this is your sign to make an appointment now. Here at An Dental, we are committed to providing holistic and well-rounded dental care to all our patients. Contact us for a dental cleaning session today.
While those with thick and stubborn buildup of tartar may feel slight discomfort during the process, most find it painless. However, if you are feeling uncomfortable or are in pain, you should let your dentist know at once.
No, dental scaling and polishing will not damage your teeth. In fact, it protects your teeth and gums, as the tools used in the procedure only remove the tartar and stains from your teeth’s surface without damaging them.
Yes, dental scaling and polishing is still necessary even if you floss and brush your teeth regularly. While these good oral habits can get rid of plaque, tartar may still form in difficult-to-reach areas and can only be removed with professional teeth cleaning.
We recommend having dental scaling and polishing once every 6 months. However, patients with gum disease may need a check-up and cleaning every 3–4 months, depending on the severity of their condition.
The cost of dental scaling and polishing in Singapore varies based on the patient’s condition and whether any subsidised rates apply. Typically, it ranges from $50 to $250 or more per session.
After scaling and polishing, patients are advised to avoid smoking and refrain from consuming food or drinks that may stain the teeth, such as curry, tea, wine, or coffee for the first 24 hours. Daily flossing is also recommended to maintain clean and healthy teeth.
Periodontist in Singapore - Special interest in complex full mouth rehabilitation and dental implants
Dr Marlene Teo is a periodontist currently practising in Singapore. She graduated from the National University of Singapore, where she was the sixth dental graduate in its 64-year history to be awarded BDS Honours.
General dentist with special interest in wisdom tooth removal
Dr. Tony Wong graduated from the Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Singapore with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in 1997.
Periodontist - Special interest in digital dental implants and root recession coverage
Dr. Hu Cidong graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and subsequently completed his Master's in Dental Surgery (Periodontology) at NUS.
Orthodontist - Special Interest In Invisalign And Growth Modulation
Dr Ivan Prabowo graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from NUS in 2008. He honed his skills in government polyclinics and hospitals before embarking on his orthodontics residency, supported by the Alexandra Health scholarship.
General Dentist - Creative Smile Design and Aesthetics
Dr Kayla Toh graduated with the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (B.D.S.) from the National University of Singapore. She was awarded the IFDEA Medal for being the best student in Paediatric Dentistry. She is also the recipient of the 1st runner up-prize for the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme.
General Dentist - Your All-in-one Family Dentist
Dr. Yuan graduated from NUS with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. She has amassed a wealth of experience working in government institutions such as polyclinics, the National Dental Centre, the Institute of Mental Health, and Tan Tock Seng Hospital, as well as nearly 10 years of experience in the private sector.
Orthodontic Resident - Special Interest In Invisalign And Aesthetic Dentistry
Dr Carla Andreina graduated from the University of Glasgow (UK) with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree and was awarded the Head of College Scholars’ List for her achievements. She went on to pursue her passion in teeth straightening and is undergoing her Masters degree in Orthodontics in the National University of Singapore (NUS), while also honing her skills in clear aligner techniques through mini residency structured programmes.
Oral and maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Shermin Lee is a specialist in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS). She obtained her Bachelor of Dental Surgery in the University of Adelaide, Australia in 2001 and graduated with distinction in Master of Dental Surgery (OMS) in the University of Hong Kong, 2006. She later obtained a PhD from the Radboud University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands in 2009.
Prosthodontist
Dr. Willy S. W. Chang graduated from the University of Queensland Dental School, Australia in 1985. He then underwent specialist training in the US after many years of general practice. He completed his Master of Science degree and Certificate in Prosthodontics at the University of Maryland in Baltimore. This was followed by a Surgical Implantology Fellowship at the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine.
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