What Is Teeth Deep Cleaning?
Teeth deep cleaning, also known as prophylaxis or scaling and polishing, is a preventive dental procedure to remove plaque and tartar and surface stains from your teeth. Over time, even with good oral hygiene, areas along the gum line and between teeth can accumulate deposits that are too stubborn for home care removal.
Dental scaling and polishing target accumulated plaque and tartar that, if not removed, can form tartar buildup, or a hardened deposit that cannot be removed by regular brushing and needs professional attention from a dental professional. A dentist or dental hygienist will use special instruments to scale and polish beneath the gums and on the tooth surfaces.
In Singapore, teeth cleaning may also include an oral exam, X-rays (if needed) and sometimes a fluoride treatment to strengthen tooth enamel. On your first visit as a new patient, you can expect a complete examination and explanation of the cleaning process. For patients with gum issues, a procedure called scaling and root planing may be recommended to remove deposits under the gum tissue and smooth the root surface.
Why Regular Dental Cleaning Matters for Gum Disease Prevention
Deep teeth cleaning goes beyond aesthetics. Plaque and tartar harbour harmful bacteria that produce acids and inflammatory mediators. If it hardens into tartar, the bacteria become more aggressive, irritating the gums and potentially leading to gum inflammation, gingivitis or periodontal disease. Regular dental cleaning breaks this cycle, catching gum inflammation or early tooth decay before it gets worse and can help prevent gum disease.
Professional teeth cleaning during dental checkups and routine dental maintenance sessions also removes surface stains from coffee, tea or tobacco, to maintain a healthy smile. These visits also allow your dentist to monitor for cavities, signs of oral cancer, and changes in your teeth and gums, and to address your individual dental needs with personalised oral health advice. In the long run, investing in professional and routine dental cleanings reduces the cost and complexity of restorative dental treatments.
Gum Disease and Its Effects
Gum Disease and Its Effects
Gum disease or periodontal disease, a common dental condition in Singapore, affects the gums and the bone supporting your teeth. It develops when plaque and tartar accumulate along the gum line, leading to gum inflammation, infection and, if left untreated, more serious oral health problems. Early signs of gum disease are swollen or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath and discomfort when chewing. As the condition progresses, it can lead to tooth decay, gum recession, receding gums and even tooth loss.
Scaling and polishing are essential dental treatments that remove plaque and tartar, preventing gum disease and maintaining healthy teeth. Early detection is key – routine dental cleaning appointments allow your dentist to spot gum issues regularly before they get severe, making early treatment possible and reducing the need for more complex dental procedures. Is deep cleaning teeth necessary? For those with advanced gum disease, deep cleaning of teeth is often essential to treat gum disease and prevent further oral health problems.
If gum disease is detected, our dentists may recommend additional dental treatment, such as deep cleaning, antibiotic therapy, or, in advanced cases, specialist treatment such as root canal treatment or tooth extraction. Dental clinics in Singapore, including TEETH @ Tiong Bahru, offer a full range of dental services to manage gum disease, from preventive dental care to advanced dental procedures. For eligible patients, including permanent residents, CHAS subsidies can help offset the cost of dental treatments, making care more affordable.
What Happens During Scaling and Polishing?
A typical scaling and polishing session and dental cleaning are gentle but thorough. First, your dental professional will review your medical and dental health history and may do an oral exam or take X-rays, if required.
Next comes scaling, which uses handheld or ultrasonic instruments to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. As the deposits break off, you may feel vibrations or a tickling sensation, but discomfort is minimal when the process is done correctly. Polishing is not painful. Most patients feel minimal to no pain, though those with sensitive gums, sensitive teeth, or tooth sensitivity may experience some slight discomfort.
Once all hard deposits are removed, the teeth are polished using a gritty prophylaxis toothpaste and a rubber cup or brush. This polishing process smooths the tooth enamel surface, making it harder for new plaque to form and helping to prevent gum disease. Polishing also helps whiten teeth by removing surface stains. It effectively removes surface stains from coffee, tea, and smoking, thereby improving the appearance and brightness of your teeth. After polishing, a rinse is given, and often a fluoride gel or varnish is applied to help strengthen tooth enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity.
How long is a teeth cleaning? If your gums are healthy and you maintain good oral hygiene, the process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. In more advanced cases, when significant tartar buildup or gum disease is present, the dentist may schedule more frequent visits or a deep cleaning procedure.
How Often Should I Go for Teeth Cleaning?
Most dental professionals recommend a teeth cleaning every six months, but the ideal frequency can vary. Individuals with healthy gums and minimal buildup may require less frequent dental cleanings. Still, those with a history of gum disease, heavy plaque formation or certain medical conditions (like diabetes) might need regular cleaning every three to four months.
Your dental professional will determine a customised schedule based on how quickly plaque builds up, your oral hygiene habits and your gum health. Regular cleaning visits ensure minor issues are caught early, before invasive dental treatments become necessary.
Teeth Cleaning Cost in Singapore
One of the most common questions is “how much does teeth cleaning cost?” The price of teeth cleaning in Singapore varies by clinic type, location, and whether additional services (such as fluoride treatment or deep cleaning) are needed.
At TEETH @ Tiong Bahru, the cost of a standard teeth cleaning, scaling and polishing session in Singapore typically ranges from $98.10 to $174.40 (inclusive of GST). For cases requiring deeper cleaning or periodontal treatment, the teeth cleaning price may be higher.
Deep Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning
When plaque and tartar extend below the gum line, a deep cleaning is necessary. Deep cleaning teeth, also known as dental deep cleaning or scaling and root planing, is more extensive than routine cleaning. This deep cleaning procedure is often done in quadrants (one section of the mouth at a time) and may require local anaesthesia. In Singapore, deep cleaning costs much more than regular cleaning. At TEETH @ Tiong Bahru, the deep cleaning teeth cost in Singapore starts from $1,199.00 for a full mouth.
Deep cleaning teeth aims to stop gum disease progression by removing bacteria and infected gum tissue under the gums through root planing. The root planing process smooths the root surface to help the gums reattach to the teeth and prevent bone loss. Understanding the benefits of deep tooth cleaning includes knowing that it can help prevent tooth loss and more severe oral health problems. Afterwards, patients typically shift to maintenance dental cleanings every three to four months to prevent recurrence. Deep cleaning teeth before and after results show significant improvement in gum health. Importantly, regular dental appointments can help you avoid needing a deep teeth cleaning in the long run.
What are the pros and cons of deep teeth cleaning? While deep cleaning teeth can effectively treat gum disease and improve overall oral health, some patients may experience temporary tooth sensitivity or gum discomfort. The side effects of deep tooth cleaning are usually mild and include sensitivity to hot and cold foods for a few days.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Before your cleaning visit, brush and floss thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste to remove the hardest deposits and food particles. Bring your medical history and a list of any medications you take. During the dental cleaning procedure, you may experience mild tooth sensitivity or gum bleeding, all typical signs of plaque removal.
Afterwards, your teeth may feel smoother, and your gums may feel more comfortable. Mild tooth sensitivity or irritation can last a day or two, but should subside soon. Avoid very hot, very cold foods, or acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, until sensitivity eases. Follow up with maintaining good oral hygiene and your home oral care routine, and attend your next routine cleaning appointment as scheduled.
Is Teeth Deep Cleaning Worth the Investment?
While it may feel like an optional expense, skipping regular dental cleanings creates new and costly risks; without professional removal of plaque and tartar, gum disease can advance silently. By the time you notice pain or loose teeth, restorative dental treatment such as fillings, root canals, dental implants, or even extractions may be necessary.
The benefits of deep cleaning teeth include preventing advanced gum disease, reducing persistent bad breath, preventing tooth loss, and improving overall oral health. Deep dental cleanings help protect the periodontal tissues and tooth roots from further damage. Regular dental care and routine dental cleaning at dental clinics can help you maintain optimal oral health and a healthy smile.
At TEETH @ Tiong Bahru, we offer professional, thorough teeth cleaning services, including deep cleaning, scaling and polishing, to suit your needs, whether you’re due for a standard cleaning or require more extensive periodontal scaling. Don’t wait until oral health problems arise. Please book an appointment for a dental checkup today and let us help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come. Some patients may use dental insurance to help cover the cost of their dental treatments.
