Tooth polishing is the smoothing of the tooth’s exposed surface using a low-speed dental instrument. It is not a routine part of dental cleaning and is considered a cosmetic procedure. Proper brushing and flossing are more effective in preventing plaque buildup. It should only be done by licensed dental professionals and is usually only done on patients with heavy stains. It can be used in periodontal surgery and on orthodontic patients.
Tooth polishing, also known as coronal polishing, is the process of smoothing the exposed surface of the tooth with a low-speed dental instrument. Typical tools include the brush, air polisher, and rubber cup. A hydraulic unit can also be used. The process may remove a small amount of debris, but mostly involves polishing and grinding the teeth. It’s not the same thing as a dental cleaning.
The procedure is usually done with regular cleaning, although it is not considered a routine part of that process. The teeth are first scaled to remove hard plaque and tartar buildup. Then the exposed surfaces of the teeth are polished with the chosen tool until the stains are no longer visible. Because dangerous toxins can be released during this process, patients who have had rheumatic fever or who have heart disease are usually given antibiotics before the polishing begins.
Teeth polishing was once considered an important preventative maintenance. It was done alongside regular procedures such as scaling of the teeth and root planing. Dentists thought that removing the stains was an effective way to prevent new plaque from building up.
The process of polishing teeth was once thought to be a necessary preparation for other treatments as well. Stains on teeth were believed to prevent fluoride treatments from being fully absorbed. Dental professionals also thought polishing was an important prelude to applying sealant. Either way, removing plaque through regular cleaning has been found to be the most effective preparation for these procedures.
Today, most dental professionals view tooth polishing as a cosmetic procedure. It is no longer believed to have a significant effect on dental health or prevent plaque buildup. Studies have found that proper and regular brushing and flossing can provide the preventative benefits once attributed to polishing teeth.
Due to the changing perspective on tooth polishing, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) has stated that it should only be done by a licensed dentist or dental hygienist. These professionals should decide when the procedure is appropriate, rather than administering tooth polishing to each patient on a regular basis. Now tooth polishing is usually only done on patients with particularly heavy stains.
There are a few non-cosmetic ways that tooth polishing is used in dentistry. It has proven useful during periodontal surgery for root detoxification. Dentists have also used the process when working on orthodontic patients.
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