Professional dental scaling and polishing removes what brushing cannot — hardened tartar, hidden plaque, and surface stains — to protect your gums and keep your smile healthy long-term.
Dental scaling and polishing is a professional clean that goes beyond your daily toothbrush. Over time, plaque hardens into calculus (tartar) — a rough, mineralised deposit that cannot be removed at home, no matter how well you brush.
Left untreated, calculus irritates the gum tissue, causing inflammation, bleeding, and eventually, bone loss. A professional scaling session removes this buildup before it can progress into gum disease.
Polishing follows, smoothing the tooth surface and removing superficial stains from coffee, tea, and food — leaving your teeth feeling clean and looking refreshed.
Your dentist assesses your gum health, checks for tartar buildup, and identifies any areas of concern before treatment begins.
A gentle ultrasonic device breaks down hardened tartar above and just below the gum line using fine vibrations and water irrigation.
Fine hand instruments remove any remaining calculus in tighter areas between teeth and around the gum margin.
A rotating cup with polishing paste smooths the tooth surface and lifts superficial stains, leaving teeth clean and bright.
Your dentist guides you on brushing technique, flossing, and the right recall interval for your individual gum health.
If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, it is usually a sign of gingivitis — early gum disease caused by plaque and tartar buildup along the gum line.
Bacteria living in tartar deposits release sulphur compounds that cause chronic bad breath — something that mouthwash can mask but not resolve.
Yellowish or brown deposits on the back of your teeth — especially lower front teeth — are hardened calculus that has built up over months. Brushing will not remove it.
Tartar buildup below the gum line can cause the gums to recede, exposing the more sensitive root surface of your teeth to hot and cold temperatures.
Most dentists recommend a professional clean every 6 months. If you cannot remember your last visit, it is likely overdue — even if your teeth feel fine.
Patients who have had periodontitis should attend more frequent maintenance cleans — every 3 to 4 months — to prevent disease from recurring.
Research consistently links chronic gum disease to systemic health conditions including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. A routine professional clean is one of the most impactful things you can do for your overall health.
Prevents gum disease progression — removes the tartar that brushing cannot, stopping gingivitis before it becomes periodontitis.
Protects your teeth long-term — untreated gum disease causes bone loss around teeth, which can ultimately lead to tooth loss.
Fresher breath — removes the bacterial deposits responsible for chronic bad breath that no mouthwash can address.
Early problem detection — your dentist checks for cavities, cracks, and early signs of other concerns during the appointment.
For most patients with healthy gums, a professional clean every 6 months is sufficient to maintain good periodontal health.
Patients with active or past gum disease may require more frequent visits — every 3–4 months. Your dentist will advise the right interval for you.
CHAS subsidies available. Please bring your CHAS card and NRIC on the day of your appointment. Final pricing depends on the complexity of your case and the level of tartar buildup. A full cost breakdown is provided during your consultation — no surprise charges.
At Vera Dental, scaling and polishing starts from $99. CHAS Blue and Orange cardholders are eligible for subsidies. The final cost depends on the complexity of your case and the level of calculus buildup. A full cost breakdown is provided at your consultation — no hidden fees.
Most patients benefit from scaling and polishing every 6 months. If you are prone to gum disease, smoke, or have heavy tartar buildup, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits — every 3 to 4 months.
Scaling and polishing is a gentle procedure for most patients. Some sensitivity is normal, particularly around the gum line. If you have sensitive gums, let us know and we can take extra care to keep the experience comfortable.
Scaling removes hardened plaque (calculus or tartar) that has attached to the tooth surface and cannot be removed by brushing. Polishing uses a fine paste to smooth the tooth surface and remove superficial stains, leaving teeth feeling clean and looking brighter.
Scaling and polishing can remove surface stains from coffee, tea, and food, which may make your teeth look brighter. However, it does not chemically bleach teeth. For significant whitening, a separate whitening treatment would be needed.
Yes. Vera Dental is CHAS accredited. Eligible Blue and Orange CHAS cardholders can receive subsidised scaling and polishing. Please bring your CHAS card and NRIC on the day of your appointment.
A standard scaling and polishing appointment takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Patients with heavier tartar buildup or gum disease may require a longer appointment or multiple sessions.
Some light bleeding during scaling is common, particularly if you have inflamed gums or have not had a professional clean in a while. This typically improves significantly after cleaning and with improved home care.
Tartar buildup that is not removed professionally will continue to accumulate below the gum line, leading to gum inflammation (gingivitis) and, if left untreated, periodontitis — a more serious form of gum disease that can cause bone loss and tooth loss over time.
For a routine scaling and polishing, X-rays are not always required. However, if it is your first visit or your dentist suspects deeper gum or bone issues, X-rays may be recommended to get a full picture of your dental health.
10 Anson Road, International Plaza #02-47
Singapore 079903
Phone / WhatsApp: 8980 0247
3-minute walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT
Mon – Fri: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Sat: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sun & PH: Closed
Book a scaling and polishing appointment at Vera Dental — Tanjong Pagar CBD. From $99, with CHAS subsidies available.