01: Polishing and Topical Fluoride Application Flashcards
What is the goal of polishing?
To remove extrinsic stain from coronal surfaces
Areas/Patients at Risk for Caries
Demineralized areas
Rampant Caries
Xerostomia
Head/Neck Radiation Patients
What are Indications for Polishing?
Extrinsic Stain Removal following scaling
Prep of Enamel Surfaces prior to placing sealants
What instruments are used to polish?
A prophylaxis angle
Slow speed handpiece
What tips will be used in the prophy angle?
Disposable cup
Disposable bristle brush
What are some of the polishing compounds to be used?
Fine grit paste
Dentifrice
Tin oxide or Whiting
Pumice
What aides can supplement the polishing?
Dental Floss
Polishing Strips
What other supplemental items will be needed?
Saliva ejector
Safety glasses for patient
Lubricant for patient’s lips
Disclosing agent
What are the first three steps to take prior to the actual polishing?
- Explain procedure to patient
- Lubricate patient’s lips
- Pre-procedural rinse (antiseptic mouthwash)
Does the cup ever go under gingival margin?
No, but you can apply pressure in order to flare the cup edges out and into sulcus.
How many surface areas should posterior teeth be divided into?
6 each on buccal and lingual
In what order do you proceed to polish the posterior teeth?
First the cervical portion from proximal to proximal then the occlusal portion from proximal to proximal
What teeth do you start with first?
Lingual of the mandibular teeth
What is the maximum amount of time you can hold a cup in the same area
2 seconds
What tooth tissue must you avoid using abrasives on?
Root cementum