PENN PACIFIC DENTAL CENTER · 160 ROBINSON ROAD · NEAR TANJONG PAGAR MRT
Teeth Cleaning in Singapore's CBD
Professional scaling and polishing for busy professionals near Tanjong Pagar. Thorough care that fits into your lunch break.
What does professional teeth cleaning involve?
Dr. Barry Yu General and restorative care, root canal treatment
Dr. Chrissie Lam General and preventive care, cosmetic treatments
Professional teeth cleaning at Penn Pacific Dental Center consists of two stages: scaling and polishing.
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Scaling removes plaque and calculus (hardened tartar) that has built up on the tooth surfaces and along the gumline. This cannot be removed by brushing alone. An ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments are used to clear deposits both above and just below the gumline.
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Polishing follows scaling. A fine abrasive paste is applied to smooth the tooth surfaces and remove surface staining from coffee, tea, or food. Polished surfaces are also harder for new plaque to adhere to, which helps extend the time before deposits return.
The appointment typically takes 45 to 60 minutes for most patients. If there is heavier calculus build-up due to a longer gap between visits, it may take a little longer.
Why regular cleaning matters more than most patients realise
Plaque builds up on every tooth, every day. In areas that brushing consistently misses, it calcifies into tartar within days. Once calcified, it cannot be removed at home.
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Over time, tartar along the gumline causes the gum to pull away from the tooth, creating pockets where bacteria accumulate. This is the beginning of periodontal disease. Left unmanaged, it leads to bleeding gums, bone loss around the roots, tooth mobility, and eventually tooth loss.
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Regular professional cleaning interrupts this cycle before it progresses. It also gives your dentist a clear view of the teeth at each visit, which makes it far easier to catch small problems such as early decay, cracked fillings, or early gum changes before they become significant.
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Most adults benefit from cleaning every six months. Patients who are more prone to tartar build-up, or who have a history of gum disease, are often recommended to come every three to four months.
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Many of our patients work in the Singapore CBD and fit their appointments around office hours or a lunch break. If you have not been in a while, or are looking for a clinic closer to your workplace, this is a straightforward place to start.
Your dentists at Penn Pacific
Dr. Barry Yu
Dr. Barry Yu completed his dental training at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. His clinical focus is on root canal treatment and restorative care, and he sees patients across a broad range of general dental needs including routine cleaning and examination.
Dr. Chrissie Lam
Dr. Chrissie Lam trained at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, and holds an undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley. Her clinical work covers scaling and polishing, crowns and bridges, tooth-coloured restorations, and cosmetic treatments including teeth whitening and veneers.
What to expect at your cleaning appointment
Most cleaning appointments at Penn Pacific Dental Center follow this sequence:
Brief examination
Before cleaning begins, Dr. Lam or Dr. Yu will ask about any concerns you have and carry out a brief oral examination, checking the soft tissues, teeth, and any existing restorations. This gives a clear picture of your current oral health before the cleaning starts. X-rays may be recommended depending on what is found during the examination. Your dentist will let you know if this applies to you.
Scaling
An ultrasonic scaler and fine hand instruments remove calculus deposits from all accessible tooth surfaces, including along and just below the gumline. This is the part patients most often describe as slightly sensitive, particularly around the gum margins. If your gums are inflamed, some sensitivity is normal and tends to improve as the gums heal in the days following the appointment.
Polishing
A prophy paste is applied with a rotating cup to smooth the enamel surfaces and remove surface staining. The paste is rinsed away completely. Most patients find this part comfortable.
Fluoride application
Fluoride application is available and takes a few minutes at the end of the appointment. For new patients it is included in the Wellness Package.
Findings and home care guidance
Dr. Lam or Dr. Yu will let you know what was observed during the appointment and discuss any areas to watch. If there is anything that needs follow-up, they will explain what it is and what the options are. No pressure, no upselling. Just a clear picture of where your teeth stand.
Penn Pacific Dental Center accepts MHC Asia, Alliance Medinet, SODA by DA, and Inova Care for eligible treatments including scaling and polishing. The clinic is also Medisave accredited.
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If you are unsure whether your corporate plan covers your cleaning visit, WhatsApp us before your appointment and we will check for you.
Coverage depends on your individual plan. We are happy to confirm before you come in.
Wellness Package for new patients
First-time patients at Penn Pacific Dental Center are welcome to book our Wellness Package at a fixed price of $119, inclusive of GST. This includes:
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Consultation
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Scaling and polishing
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Fluoride treatment
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Sterilisation and disposable fee
No hidden charges. Everything is included in the package price.
The Wellness Package is available to first-time patients only. It is a one-time offer and is not applicable to patients who have previously visited the clinic for any reason, including a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does teeth cleaning cost at Penn Pacific Dental Center?
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For first-time patients, our Wellness Package is available at $119 inclusive of GST. This covers a consultation, scaling and polishing, fluoride treatment, and sterilisation and disposable fee. The package is a one-time offer for patients who have not previously visited the clinic. For returning patients, fees depend on the scope of treatment. WhatsApp us if you would like to know more before booking.
How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
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Most adults benefit from professional cleaning every six months. If you have a history of gum disease or tend to build up calculus quickly, your dentist may recommend every three to four months. During your first visit, Dr. Lam or Dr. Yu will assess your gum health and suggest a schedule based on what they find.
Does teeth cleaning hurt?
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Scaling can feel uncomfortable around the gumline, particularly if there has been a long gap between visits or if the gums are already inflamed. Most patients find it manageable. Polishing is generally not uncomfortable at all. If you have concerns, let Dr. Lam or Dr. Yu know at the start of your appointment and they can adjust as they go.
Will teeth cleaning whiten my teeth?
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Scaling and polishing removes surface staining from coffee, tea, and food, so most patients notice their teeth look cleaner and brighter after the appointment. It does not change the underlying colour of your teeth. For whitening beyond your natural tooth shade, we offer professional whitening separately. You can ask about this at your cleaning appointment.
How long does a teeth cleaning appointment take?
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Most appointments take 45 to 60 minutes, including the examination. If it has been a while since your last clean and there is more build-up than usual, it may take a little longer. If you are fitting this into a lunch break, let us know and we will do our best to accommodate.
Is scaling and polishing covered by Medisave?
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Scaling and polishing is generally not claimable under Medisave, as it falls under preventive dental care rather than the procedures covered by Medisave's dental provisions. Many corporate insurance plans do cover it, however. If you are on MHC Asia, Alliance Medinet, SODA by DA, or Inova Care, WhatsApp us to check your specific coverage before your appointment.
Can I book a cleaning appointment without a referral?
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Yes. No referral is needed. You can book directly online or WhatsApp us to arrange an appointment. First-time patients are welcome.
Is Penn Pacific Dental Center near Tanjong Pagar MRT?
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Yes. The clinic is at 160 Robinson Road, #05-14 SBF Center, a short walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT (East-West Line). It is also accessible from Shenton Way MRT (Thomson-East Coast Line) and Telok Ayer MRT (Downtown Line).