Bishou Dentistry


Polishing

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POLISHING

Polishing is often the last step of a dental cleaning, scaling, and some restorative procedures.  It smoothes and polishes the tooth or restoration surface and removes some stains.

What is polishing?

Polising is often the last step of a dental cleaning, scaling (deep root cleaning), and some restorative procedures, like when a new crown is placed.  It smoothes and polishes the tooth or restoration surface and removes some stains.

Tell me about the polishing procedure?

Dr. Miyasaki or a hygienist will polish your teeth as the last finishing touch to regular cleanings and deep root cleanings (called scaling and planing).  When a new restoration like a crown or composite filling has been placed in your mouth, Dr. Miyasaki may polish it as well.  Dr. Miyasaki uses either a prophy jet polisher or a rubber cup polisher.  The rubber cup holds a small amount of polishing paste which is held against the tooth surface on a spinning handpiece.  Think of this as a gentle power sand and buff for your teeth.  Both methods are effective for removing some stains, and leaving teeth looking smooth and polished.

Should I have my teeth polished?

While polishing is common, and helpful in certain circumstances, it is not a mandatory part of a standard cleaning.  Ask Dr. Miyasaki when and why he recommends polishing teeth.