How often do I actually need scaling and polishing in Singapore?

For most adults, every 6 months is the standard recommendation. However, low-risk patients with excellent oral hygiene and minimal tartar buildup may only need it once a year. Patients with gum disease, heavy staining (from coffee, tea, or smoking), or a history of rapid tartar accumulation should stick to 6-monthly appointments. Your dentist in Novena will advise you based on what they see during your visit.

Does scaling and polishing hurt? I've heard it can be quite uncomfortable.

Some sensitivity or discomfort is normal, especially if you have heavy tartar buildup or inflamed gums — but it should never feel severely painful. The ultrasonic scaler produces vibration and water that most patients describe as mildly uncomfortable rather than painful. If you're anxious, let your Novena dentist know before they start — most are very accommodating and can take a gentler approach or use topical numbing gel in sensitive areas.

Why do my gums bleed after scaling and polishing — did the dentist do something wrong?

Bleeding gums after a clean are almost always a sign of pre-existing gum inflammation, not damage from the procedure itself. Inflamed gum tissue has more blood vessels close to the surface and bleeds easily when touched. The good news: regular cleaning reduces this inflammation, so most patients find their gums bleed less and less with each subsequent visit. If heavy bleeding persists for more than 2–3 days after your clean, check back with your clinic.

Can I use CHAS to pay for scaling and polishing at Novena clinics?

Yes — CHAS Orange and Blue cardholders can claim subsidies on scaling and polishing at participating GP dental clinics in Novena. The claimable amount is typically $14.50 (CHAS Orange) to $17.00 (CHAS Blue) per visit. Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation cardholders receive additional subsidies. Note that Medisave cannot be used for routine scaling and polishing, as it is not classified as a medical procedure. Always confirm with the specific clinic that they are CHAS-accredited before your visit.

What's the difference between a regular scale and polish and deep cleaning — do I need deep cleaning?

A standard scaling and polishing removes plaque and tartar from the surface of teeth and just at the gumline. Deep cleaning (also called root planing or subgingival debridement) goes below the gumline to clean infected root surfaces — it's done under local anaesthesia and is used to treat periodontitis. Your Novena dentist will only recommend deep cleaning if probing depths during your gum assessment indicate active gum disease. Most patients with healthy gums will never need it.

41 clinics · Central Region

Top clinics for Scaling & Polishing in Novena

LQ Dental

5(369 reviews)

10 Sinaran Drive 10-33/34 Square 2, Medical Center, Singapore 307506

+65 6538 0890

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Happy Teeth Family Dental | Dentist

5(153 reviews)

275 Thomson Rd, #01-11 Novena Regency, Singapore 307645

+65 8820 9458

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Thomson Specialist Dentistry

5(35 reviews)

8 Sinaran Dr, #06-05/06/07 Novena Specialist Center, Singapore 307470

+65 6255 1771

View clinic →

Scaling & Polishing in Novena — Cleaner Teeth, Healthier Gums

Worried about sensitivity or feeling judged for a long gap since your last clean? Novena's top-rated dentists offer gentle, judgement-free scaling from just $60.

41 clinics · Central Region

How Much Does Scaling & Polishing Cost in Novena?

$60 – $200

Severity of tartar builduphigh

Patients who haven't cleaned in 2+ years or have heavy calculus deposits will require more chair time and may be quoted at the higher end of the range.

Clinic type (GP dental vs. specialist centre)high

Specialist centres in Novena's medical hubs (e.g. Novena Specialist Centre, Royal Square Medical Centre) typically charge more than general dental clinics.

Polishing method usedmedium

Air polishing or Airflow technology costs more than traditional rubber-cup polishing, but is gentler and more effective on staining.

CHAS / Medisave subsidy appliedmedium

CHAS Orange and Blue cardholders can claim $14.50–$17.00 off scaling and polishing at participating GP dental clinics in Novena, bringing out-of-pocket costs down significantly.

Claimable under CHAS (Orange/Blue) at participating GP dental clinics. Medisave is not claimable for routine scaling and polishing.

Option	Cost	Longevity	Best for
Budget General Dental Clinic	$60 – $90	6–12 months	Routine maintenance with mild buildup; CHAS cardholders
Mid-range Dental Clinic	$90 – $130	6–12 months	Moderate tartar; patients wanting air polishing or ultrasonic scaling
Specialist / Private Centre	$130 – $200	6–12 months	Heavy staining, heavy calculus, or patients requiring a hygienist-led clean at a specialist medical centre

Prices are indicative. Contact clinics directly for current quotes.

What Happens During a Scaling & Polishing Appointment in Novena?

1
Oral Examination
5–10 minutes
Your dentist or hygienist does a quick visual check of your teeth, gums, and soft tissues before starting. This is when they assess tartar severity and flag any concerns like gum disease or cavities that may affect the clean.
2
Ultrasonic Scaling
10–20 minutes
A vibrating ultrasonic tip is used to break up and flush away heavy calculus and plaque deposits, especially around the gumline and between teeth. Water jets simultaneously irrigate the area. Some sensitivity is normal — it's not a sign anything is wrong.
3
Manual Scaling (Fine Detail)
5–15 minutes
Hand scalers are used to remove finer deposits that the ultrasonic device can't reach, particularly in tight spaces between teeth and just below the gumline. This step is what causes gums to feel tender afterwards.
4
Polishing
5–10 minutes
A rotating rubber cup with mildly abrasive polishing paste removes surface stains from coffee, tea, and food. Some clinics in Novena offer air polishing (a gentler, pressurised water-powder spray) as an upgrade — ask when booking.
5
Fluoride Application & Review
5 minutes
A fluoride gel or varnish is often applied to strengthen enamel and reduce post-clean sensitivity. Your dentist will then advise on your ideal recall frequency — typically 6 months for most adults, or 12 months for low-risk patients.

Total timeline: 30–50 minutes for a standard appointment; up to 60–75 minutes if tartar buildup is heavy or a long time has passed since your last clean.

Are You a Good Candidate for Scaling & Polishing in Novena?

Good candidates

Adults due for their routine 6-monthly or annual clean, even with no obvious symptoms
Patients who notice visible tartar buildup — especially the yellowish or brownish deposits behind lower front teeth
Anyone experiencing persistent bad breath or bleeding gums when brushing, both common signs of plaque-related gum inflammation
CHAS Orange or Blue cardholders looking to use their subsidy at a participating GP dental clinic in Novena

May need extra assessment

Patients with heavy calculus below the gumline may be assessed for deep cleaning (root planing), which is a separate, more involved procedure done under local anaesthesia
Those with active gum disease (periodontitis) may need a periodontal assessment before a standard clean is performed — this is a precaution, not a disqualifier
Patients on blood thinners or with certain medical conditions should inform the clinic beforehand, as gum sensitivity and minor bleeding are expected side effects that may be more pronounced

Frequently asked questions

Book Your Scaling & Polishing in Novena Today

Find the right clinic for Scaling & Polishing in Novena. Compare options, read reviews, and get matched to a clinic that fits your budget and schedule.

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Top clinics for Scaling & Polishing in Novena

LQ Dental

Happy Teeth Family Dental | Dentist

Thomson Specialist Dentistry

Scaling & Polishing in Novena — Cleaner Teeth, Healthier Gums

How Much Does Scaling & Polishing Cost in Novena?

What Happens During a Scaling & Polishing Appointment in Novena?

Oral Examination

Ultrasonic Scaling

Manual Scaling (Fine Detail)

Polishing

Fluoride Application & Review

Are You a Good Candidate for Scaling & Polishing in Novena?

Good candidates

May need extra assessment

Frequently asked questions

How often do I actually need scaling and polishing in Singapore?

Does scaling and polishing hurt? I've heard it can be quite uncomfortable.

Why do my gums bleed after scaling and polishing — did the dentist do something wrong?

Can I use CHAS to pay for scaling and polishing at Novena clinics?

What's the difference between a regular scale and polish and deep cleaning — do I need deep cleaning?

Book Your Scaling & Polishing in Novena Today

Scaling & Polishing clinics in Novena