Dental scaling is a routine, common procedure carried out at dental clinics such as Family Dental Centre to remove hardened plaque and tartar, also known as calculus, from along and below the gum line. Doing this regularly matters, as calculus left in place can contribute to tooth damage and gum disease.
Scaling can leave the tooth surface feeling rough, which is where polishing comes in. Polishing uses a polishing paste and a rotating rubber cup to smooth the tooth surface and help lift surface stains.
Regular scaling and polishing may help with:
Plaque and tartar can build up on teeth even with regular brushing and flossing. Left undisturbed, this buildup can progress in stages:
Scaling and polishing once or twice a year is generally recommended to help manage this build-up before it progresses. This is not something to attempt at home. Plaque and tartar removal is best left to a trained dentist using professional instruments.
Scaling and polishing are often mentioned together, but they serve different purposes within the same visit.
| Scaling | Polishing | |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Removes hardened plaque and tartar | Smooths the tooth surface and lifts surface stains |
| Area of focus | Along and below the gum line | The visible tooth surface |
| Type of step | The main clinical treatment | A finishing step that follows scaling |
| What it addresses | Build-up that contributes to gum irritation and decay | Surface roughness and staining left after scaling |
Both steps are typically carried out in the same appointment, with polishing following scaling to complete the clean.
Generally, once or twice a year is recommended for most patients. Some people may benefit from more frequent dental cleaning, depending on individual circumstances:
A dentist can advise on a suitable frequency based on your individual oral health.
Professional scaling and polishing offers a more thorough clean than what is achievable at home, reaching areas that regular brushing often misses. Here is what the process generally involves:
Both scaling and polishing are generally associated with minimal discomfort. A topical anaesthetic may be applied if needed for comfort.
After your appointment, a few simple habits can help maintain the results:
Dental scaling and polishing helps maintain oral health by removing plaque and tartar build-up, which, if left untreated, could contribute to gum disease.
At Family Dental Centre (FDC), Basic Scaling and Polishing (SAP) is priced at $90, excluding Goods and Services Tax (GST). It is generally recommended to have this procedure performed every six months. CHAS dental subsidy is also available for eligible cardholders under the respective schemes.
To find out whether you are a good candidate, schedule an appointment with our dental clinician for
an initial consultation. Once the assessment of your dental health is done, our clinician will work with
you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
An ultrasonic scaler uses high-frequency vibrations to break apart plaque and tartar. Depending on the amount of build-up present, some patients may notice some discomfort, and a topical anaesthetic can be used if needed. Generally, the procedure is not associated with significant pain. Your dentist will also check in on any sensitivity during treatment so this can be factored into future visits.
Dental scaling is a specific kind of dental cleaning. It involves removing plaque and tartar build-up, particularly below the gum line and around the roots of the teeth where regular brushing and flossing cannot reach. In contrast, a regular dental cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, mainly focuses on the surfaces of the teeth and the area just above the gums. This type of cleaning helps remove plaque, tartar, and minor stains present on the tooth’s surface.
How long the effects of scaling last can vary between individuals, depending on factors such as oral hygiene habits, diet, and genetic predisposition. This is why regular check-ups matter more than any general rule of thumb, and your dentist can advise on a suitable interval based on your own teeth and gums.
Dental scaling can make teeth look slightly less discoloured, since removing built-up tartar also removes some of the surface staining it holds. However, scaling is not a teeth-whitening procedure. If tooth colour is a concern, professional teeth whitening is one of the options that can be considered.
After dental scaling, it is best to avoid hot or spicy foods and alcohol or tobacco for the rest of the day, as these can irritate the gums. It is also best to avoid vigorous physical activity for the rest of the day. Sticking to soft foods and drinking plenty of water is recommended.
The length of a scaling and polishing appointment can vary depending on the extent of plaque and tartar build-up. On average, the procedure can take between 30 minutes and an hour.
Maintaining good oral health involves consistent oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Brush your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. An antibacterial mouthwash may also help reduce bacteria that contribute to plaque and gum disease.
Regular check-ups, at least twice a year, are recommended. You can book an appointment at the nearest dental clinic to get started.
Once plaque hardens into tartar, it bonds firmly to the tooth surface in a way that a toothbrush cannot dislodge. Removing tartar requires the specialised instruments and technique a dentist uses during scaling.
Since its inception in 2003, Family Dental Centre (FDC) has grown into a network of 10 dental clinics in Singapore, driven by the mission to provide quality and accessible dental care to the community. As part of the Oracare Group and recognised by both the Singapore Dental Council and the Ministry of Health, our focus is on upholding professional standards in dental services, a commitment that has led to our inclusion in Dental Asia and listing on HealthHub, Singapore’s national health information portal.
At FDC, understanding and meeting the individual needs of our patients is at the heart of what we do. Our expansion to multiple conveniently located clinics reflects our commitment to making dental care accessible to all, supported by a team of over 30 dental clinicians. Continuous professional development is key, ensuring our team is equipped to provide comprehensive care. In recognition of Singapore’s diverse culture and languages, our staff are conversant in English, Mandarin, and Malay, facilitating clear and effective communication with our wide-ranging clientele.
If you are unsure which option is right for you or your child, a dentist can take a look and talk you through what they find. You can book a consultation at your nearest FDC clinic, and our dentist will assess your needs and outline treatment options.
