Scaling and polishing, often referred to as a professional dental cleaning, removes plaque, tartar and selected external stains as part of preventive dental care. If you are comparing the scaling and polishing price in Singapore, the fee depends mainly on the amount of buildup, the health of your gums and whether routine cleaning or more extensive periodontal treatment is required.
At Dr Mike Teoh Dental Clinic in Serangoon, simple scaling and polishing currently starts from $98.10. More complex cleaning starts from $130.80, while deep cleaning (root planing) starts from $163.50. The appropriate treatment and fee are confirmed after assessment.
Scaling and Polishing Prices at Our Singapore Clinic
At Dr Mike Teoh Dental Clinic, current fees for scaling, polishing and preventive dental care include:
- $98.10 onwards for simple cleaning
- $130.80 onwards for complex cleaning
- $163.50 onwards for deep cleaning (root planing)
- $38.15 onwards for stain removal (air polishing)
The treatment required and applicable fee can be discussed after assessment.
An Overview of Scaling and Polishing
What is Scaling?
Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the teeth using dental instruments. Plaque can accumulate along the gum line and, if it is not adequately removed, may contribute to gum inflammation and dental disease.
What is Polishing?
Polishing may be performed after scaling to remove residual plaque and external stains using a rotating brush or rubber cup. Air polishing may also be used for selected external stains using a controlled stream of air, water and polishing powder.
Factors that Influence the Cost of Scaling and Polishing
The Condition of Your Teeth and Gums
The amount of plaque, tartar and stain buildup can affect the time and treatment required. Some patients may need routine scaling and polishing, while others with periodontal disease may require more extensive treatment such as root planing or treatment over multiple visits.
Dental Provider
Fees can differ between public and private dental providers and between individual clinics. When comparing fees, consider what treatment is included and whether additional periodontal treatment is required.
Location
Dental fees may also vary between locations and practices because operating costs and fee structures differ.
Why Scaling and Polishing May Be Recommended
- Scaling removes plaque and tartar that cannot be fully removed with routine brushing alone.
- Polishing can remove selected external stains and residual plaque.
- Professional cleaning may form part of a preventive or periodontal care plan depending on your oral health.
Are Subsidies Available for Scaling and Polishing?
Eligible patients may receive subsidies for scaling and polishing under schemes such as CHAS, Pioneer Generation or Merdeka Generation, subject to the prevailing eligibility criteria, subsidy limits and claim rules. Because subsidy amounts and rules can change, check the current scheme details or ask the clinic to confirm the applicable subsidy before treatment.
How Often Should You Have Your Teeth Cleaned?
There is no single cleaning interval that is appropriate for everyone. The frequency of dental cleaning should be based on your gum health, plaque and tartar accumulation, home care, smoking status and other risk factors. Your dentist can recommend an interval after examining your teeth and gums.
Scaling and Polishing: Frequently Asked Questions
Is scaling and polishing the same as teeth cleaning?
In everyday use, professional teeth cleaning commonly refers to scaling to remove plaque and tartar, with polishing where appropriate to remove residual plaque and selected external stains.
How much does teeth cleaning cost in Singapore?
Fees vary according to the condition of the teeth and gums and the treatment required. At our clinic, simple cleaning currently starts from $98.10, complex cleaning from $130.80 and deep cleaning (root planing) from $163.50.
Does everyone need deep cleaning?
No. Deep cleaning or root planing is generally used when periodontal findings indicate treatment below the gum line is required. Routine scaling and polishing is different, and the appropriate treatment is determined after assessment.
The Bottom Line
The price of scaling and polishing depends on the condition of the teeth and gums and the treatment required. An assessment can help determine whether routine cleaning, periodontal treatment or another form of preventive dental care is appropriate and clarify the expected fee.