Even if you brush and floss your teeth regularly, it is still possible for them to accumulate stains and buildup on their surfaces over time. That’s because things like food particles, plaque, and even bacterial deposits can all get trapped in the pores of the enamel and in those hard-to-reach places in your arches, and why the American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist every six months for your preventive exams and cleanings. Unfortunately, however, for some people, the sound and sensation of having their teeth professionally cleaned makes them anxious or uncomfortable and may even cause them to skip routine care. But with a new treatment called air polishing, it’s now possible to get cleaner, healthier teeth without those traditional methods that could leave you feeling stressed. Here’s a closer look at how it works!
What is Air Polishing?
For decades, when most patients visited their dentist for an exam and cleaning, a team member called a hygienist cleaned the teeth by scraping away built-on deposits of plaque and tartar with a metal tool known as a scaler. These devices have remained largely unchanged for centuries, dating back to ancient times, and are still an excellent tool for removing buildup. Unfortunately, however, many patients find them quite intimidating, whether it’s due to their hooklike shape or even the sound or sensation they make when touching the teeth.
Air polishing is a new treatment that drastically reduces the need for using the scaler. In fact, it works by minimizing contact with the tooth by blasting away plaque and tartar with a combination of pressurized air, water, and a special powder made of bicarbonate or similar materials. This means that not only is your treatment more comfortable, but your teeth will look and feel cleaner, and your hygienist won’t need to use the scaler as intensely either!
What are the Benefits of Air Polishing?
Air polishing has a variety of incredible benefits over using the scaler alone. Because it uses forced air, it is much more comfortable than scraping and can greatly reduce the amount of plaque your hygienist needs to remove with traditional tools.
Furthermore, the pressurized air delivered through the polisher can go between teeth and remove plaque deposits that a scaler or toothbrush may not be able to reach as effectively, making your teeth look and feel much cleaner overall.
Finally, because the air polisher reduces the amount of time your hygienist will need to use tools like the scaler to clean your teeth, your appointments will go faster, so you can get back to your daily life sooner!
Remember, while traditional dental tools like the scaler are still extremely important for helping to remove hardened deposits of plaque and tartar from the teeth, air polishing is an excellent addition to your oral hygiene lineup. With its ability to deliver fast, comfortable, minimally invasive results, this device is sure to send you home smiling after your next dental checkup and cleaning!
About Our Practice
At Claybrooke Dental of Gahanna, Dr. Buller and Dr. Odenweller are pleased to offer air polishing as part of your regular exam and cleaning. This device makes it easier to clean the teeth, meaning your hygienist will spend less time using the scaler to deliver a brighter, whiter, healthier smile. If you’re ready to get a gorgeous, gleaming grin faster and more comfortably than you thought possible, schedule your checkup and cleaning by visiting our website or calling us today at 614-475-1874.