How Does A Tooth Polishing Procedure Work? (2024)

FAQs

How Does A Tooth Polishing Procedure Work? ›

The paste is applied to the rubber cup, which then is used to rub the paste over the surface of the teeth. Alternatively, teeth may be air polished. This process uses jets of water and air along with an abrasive agent to get rid of surface stains.

Step 1: Your teeth are inspected for decay and weak spots in the enamel. Step 2: Plaque and tartar are scraped from the surface of your teeth in a process called scaling. Step 3: Your teeth are then buffed and polished to remove staining before being flossed and topped with a protective coat of fluoride.

After scraping off the hard tartar with special instruments, the hygienist then polishes the teeth. Dental polishing removes surface stains on teeth and leaves them shiny and smooth, putting the finishing touches on a protective dental treatment.

While polishing removes stains leaving teeth bright and shiny, it is not just a cosmetic procedure. It also smoothes away minor imperfections and patches of rough texture on the teeth to protect against further plaque build up. Your dentist will advise you how often you should have a scale and polish.

Normally, the polish is generated by using a fine-micron or sub-micron abrasive particle in combination with a liquid. Polishing is a “wet” process. Often the polishing process utilizes a pad to contain the abrasive, so polishing may not be a “loose abrasive process.” The pad is softer than the part.

The steps for dental polishing are as follows:

The scrapping of plaque and tartar. Removing stains with buff and polish. Flossing. Fluoride treatment.

There are several recipes and available tooth polishing kits that can be used to polish teeth at home. Some commonly used ingredients used in such recipes for stained teeth include activated charcoal and baking soda. However, the effect is never the same as with professional teeth polishing in a dental practice.

[7] For all these reasons polishing should only be performed on dental surfaces that remain stained after scaling: selective polishing. A porte polisher rubs the abrasive agent against the tooth surface with a wedge-shaped, tapered, orange-wooden point.

After the scaling treatment, you may experience sensitivity and some bleeding, which is quite natural. You can brush your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush in gentle circular strokes. You must patiently brush your teeth, moving slowly and deliberately.

What is the result of polishing? ›

Polishing is the process of creating a smooth and shiny surface by rubbing it or by applying a chemical treatment, leaving a clean surface with a significant specular reflection (still limited by the index of refraction of the material according to the Fresnel equations).

The purpose is to produce smooth, clean teeth and roots, which promote the healing of inflamed and infected gum. After scaling and root planing, avoid eating too cold or hot. Avoid any hard “chippy” foods such as potato chips, popcorn, or seeds for the next few days.

After a deep cleaning, you may have pain for a day or two and teeth sensitivity for up to a week. Your gums also may be swollen, feel tender and bleed. To prevent infection, control pain or help you heal, your dentist may prescribe a pill or mouth rinse.

After scaling, your hygienist will use a polishing tool and a professional-grade, grittier toothpaste to remove residue and mild surface stains. After a dental cleaning, your teeth will definitely feel smoother and polished, and appear whiter and shinier.

It is best to undergo this procedure at least once every three months. Polishing does help teeth look better and whiter but if your teeth are fine after the scaling procedure you may opt for polishing just twice a year.

A dental cleaning is typically a painless procedure because there is no cutting or injecting involved. In some cases, the doctor may drill a tooth if there is a small cavity and put some filling or a sealant. In such cases, there may have tooth pain for a day or two and some teeth sensitivity as well.

Tooth polishing helps keep plaque off your teeth. Research suggests that teeth polishing doesn't stop you from getting gum disease, but people who have polishing done tend to have less bacteria. You always have bacteria in your mouth, but some types cause cavities.

A scale and polish is not primarily designed to whiten the teeth, as that is what teeth whitening treatments are for. With that said however, a scale and polish will in fact leave the teeth looking smooth, shiny, and whiter after the treatment.