Polishing (removal of extrinsic stains)

Question 1

What are the contraindications for polishing?

Answer 1

• Pts w/ respiratory problems
• Tooth sensitivity
• Restorations
• Newly erupted teeth
• Conditions that require postponement for later evaluation

Question 2

Where does pumice come from?

Answer 2

Powered pumice is of volcanic origin and consists chiefly of complex silicates of aluminum, potassium, and sodium

Question 3

What additives are put into some prophy pastes and what are their purposes?

Answer 3

• Additives are included in prophylaxis polishing pastes to provide a specific function such as,
• enhancing the mineralized surfaces or enamel,
• diminishing sensitivity
• tooth whitening

Question 4

What are the contraindications to air-polishing?

Answer 4

• Physician
• Respiratory disease or other conditions that limits swallowing or breathing such as, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Pts w/ end-stage renal disease, Addison’s disease or Crushing’s disease.
• Communicable infection that can contaminate the aerosol produced.
• Immunocompromised pts.
• Pts taking potassium, anti-diuretics, or steroid therapy.

Question 5

Why do we avoid polishing teeth on the same day as quadrant deep scaling and root planning?

Answer 5

The diseased lining of the pocket usually has been removed, and the pocket wall is wide open and can receive particles that may become embedded out of reach of the most careful irrigation and rinsing.
(Can cause irreversible gingivitis)

Question 6

What ingredient does an air-powered polisher use besides air and water?

Answer 6

• Sodium Bicarbonate

- Aluminum Trihydroxide

Question 7

What is the most acceptable way, best instrument to use to detect coronal caries on a remineralizing tooth surface?

Answer 7

• Reproducible bitewing radiographs for shoeing coronal caries
• Vertical bitewings for root caries

Question 8

RPM

Answer 8

Revolutions per minute

Question 9

With reference to abrasive agents, grit is the particle size?

Answer 9

Grit

Question 10

A material composed of particles of sufficient hardness and sharpness to cut or scratch a softer material when drawn across its surface; available in various particle sizes?

Answer 10

Abrasive

Question 11

Polishing of the anatomic crowns of the teeth to remove dental biofilm and extrinsic stains; does not involve calculus removal?

Answer 11

Coronal Polishing

Question 12

What type of prophy paste do you want when polishing?

Answer 12

Medium grit

Question 13

T/F Harder particles abrade faster?

Answer 13

True

Question 14

T/F the removal of stains is for esthetic, not health reasons

Answer 14

True

Question 15

Prophylaxis polishing pastes contain ____% of ____________for teeth whitening?

Answer 15

35% hydrogen peroxide

Question 16

Abrasive agent used for restorations?

Answer 16

Emery (corundum)

Question 17

Polishing agent used for metallic restorations?

Answer 17

Tin Oxide

Question 18

Abrasive and polishing agents are graded from?

Answer 18

Coarse to fine

Question 19

A coarser grade is used for?

Answer 19

Laboratory purposes only

Question 20

Superfine grade used for?

Answer 20

Polishing enamel surfaces and metallic restorations

Question 21

What fairly abrasive agent is used for heavy stain removal from enamel?

Answer 21

Silex (silicon dioxide)

Question 22

What is an additive to prophy polishing paste?

Answer 22

Amorphous calcium phosphate

Which enhances smoothness and the luster of the enamel