Polishing

What is needed for polishing?

• slow-speed handpiece

• prophy angle

• polishing cups

• nylon brushes

Slow-Speed Handpieces are activated by _______

rheostat (foot pedal)

Maintenance of Slow-Speed Handpieces:

• autoclave after each use

• follow manufacturer’s recommendations

Examples of Different Prophy Angles:

• straight

• contra-angle

• right-angled

• disposable or autoclavable

Air pressure for disposable angles with firm cups is greater than __lbs. per sq. in. (p.s.i.)

20

Air pressure for disposable angles with soft cups is less than __p.s.i.

20

Polishing Cups:

• latex or latex-free

• used to apply abrasive material or polishing agent for cleaning tooth surfaces

• can be disposable as part of disposable angle or screw-on (threaded) or slip-on types

Examples of Polishing Cups:

• webbed-refers to design on internal surface of cup-contributes to cup’s degree of flexibility (less flexible than non-webbed cups)

• non-webbed-design lacks webbing on internal surface of cup

• pointed shape is conical and tapers to a narrow tip; designed to be used around brackets and wires with ortho

Rigidity of Polishing Cup:

• Hard (firm) – not as flexible; removes stain at a faster rate

• Soft – flares more at periphery when pressure is applied, therefore decreases operator fatigue since less pressure is required to flair cup subgingivally and into proximal areas

Parts of the Polishing Cup:

• rim-used during polishing when cup is properly flared

• center-holds polishing paste

Brushes:

• Aid in removal of debris from pits and fissures, especially when preparing for sealant placement

• Risk – may cause abrasion to gingiva

Purposes of Polishing:

• removes pellicle, plaque, and extrinsic stains

• leaves a smooth, clean feeling after scaling

• prepares tooth surface for sealants (use plain pumice mixture only)

• prepares teeth for pre-orthodontic bonding

• Polishing will NOT remove intrinsic stain

• REMEMBER: ALWAYS scale first

• Use finest abrasive agent to minimize damage to tooth structure

• TIP: Placing a drop of hydrogen peroxide into a fine or medium grit polishing agent will help remove stain

Adverse Effects of Polishing:

• Aerosol and spatter production – use HVE or saliva ejector, and a pre-procedural antimicrobial rinse to reduce bacterial count in mouth

• Bacteremia—review medical history to note any patient at risk

• Heat production—polishing too fast can damage pulp; pressing too hard can damage pulp and cause tissue damage

Contraindications of Polishing:

• xerostomia

• demineralized areas or dental caries

• sensitive teeth

• newly erupted teeth

• severe gingivitis

• exposed root surfaces

• respiratory disorders

Process of Polishing:

• Operator and patient wear protective eyewear

• Operator wears a mask to cover mouth/nose

• Review medical history for medical contraindications and possible latex allergy

• Select proper abrasive for patient

• Hold handpiece using modified pen grasp

• Place abrasive in cup

• Spread abrasive over at least 3 teeth— WHY?

• Maintain a constant slow speed to control rate of abrasion

• Use HVE or saliva ejector

Where should you sit to polish the maxillary occlusals?

11:00

Where should you sit to polish the mandibular occlusals?

7:30

A fast speed polisher increases rate of…

abrasion and heat generated, causing frictional heat which can damage the pulp