If you’ve had your teeth cleaned before, you’re probably familiar with the process: dental instruments to remove buildup, followed by a polishing cup and paste. Today, some dental offices also offer air polishing, a technique that uses a fine spray to clean the tooth surfaces.
As you weigh the options of a dental clinic in SE Calgary, knowing what’s what can help you feel at ease during your next visit. Both methods help to maintain oral hygiene but for different purposes. It depends on your teeth, gums, and individual needs.
What Is Air Polishing?
Air polishing uses a handheld device that sprays a mixture of air, water, and fine powder onto the teeth. Depending on the treatment, the powder may contain glycine, erythritol, or sodium bicarbonate.
The spray aids in the removal of soft bacterial deposits (biofilm) and certain surface deposits such as tea, coffee, and tobacco. Some patients also find it more comfortable than traditional polishing, although the feeling can be different.
An air polishing teeth cleaning may be particularly helpful for cleaning around orthodontic appliances or reaching areas that are difficult to access with conventional polishing tools.
How Does a Regular Dental Cleaning Work?
The typical dental cleaning involves scaling and polishing. A dental hygienist cleans away plaque and hardened deposits known as tartar using specialized hand instruments or an ultrasonic scaler.
After scaling, a rotating cup and polishing paste may be used to smooth the tooth surfaces and remove some remaining stains.
Because tartar can’t be efficiently removed with regular brushing and flossing, professional scaling is still an important part of preventive dental care. Air polishing can help, but scaling of hardened deposits is still required when present.
When Is Air Polishing a Better Option?
Air polishing may be useful in several situations, depending on your oral health and your dentist’s recommendations.
- Surface stains: It can help remove certain stains caused by coffee, tea, and other staining substances.
- Braces and orthodontic appliances: The spray can reach around brackets and attachments where plaque tends to collect.
- Dental implants: Specific low-abrasion powders may be appropriate for cleaning around implants.
- Hard-to-reach areas: The spray can help clean narrow spaces and areas along the gumline.
- Polishing sensitivity: Some patients may find air polishing more comfortable than traditional polishing.
Your dental professional will consider the condition of your teeth and gums before recommending this approach.
When Is Traditional Cleaning Still Necessary?
Air polishing is designed primarily to remove biofilm and certain surface stains. It is not intended to remove hardened tartar, which usually requires scaling instruments.
If your gums are swollen, bleed a lot, or you may even be suffering from periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend further treatment.
In certain circumstances, both methods may be employed during the same session. Scaling gets rid of hardened deposits, while air polishing cleans the remaining biofilm and surface stains.
What Happens During an Air Polishing Appointment?
Although each dental office may follow a slightly different process, your visit will generally include:
- Initial assessment: The dental team reviews your health history and checks your teeth and gums.
- Scaling, if needed: Hardened plaque is removed using appropriate instruments.
- Air polishing: A controlled spray is directed over selected tooth surfaces.
- Rinsing and cleanup: Suction helps remove excess water and powder.
- Home care guidance: Your hygienist may offer tips for brushing, flossing, and maintaining your oral health.
Before treatment, let your dental team know about any relevant medical conditions, powder sensitivities, or recent oral surgery.
Why Combine Cleaning With Regular Dental Exams?
Professional cleaning helps manage plaque and tartar, but an examination is also important for checking your overall oral health. During an appointment, your dentist can look for potential signs of cavities, gum problems, and other changes that may need attention.
Scheduling dental cleanings and exams in SE Calgary gives you an opportunity to discuss your oral hygiene routine and determine which cleaning methods may be appropriate for you.
The Canadian Dental Association and the American Dental Association emphasize professional dental care alongside daily brushing and flossing. Your recommended appointment schedule will depend on your individual oral health needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is air polishing safe?
Air polishing is a safe procedure when carried out by trained professionals with appropriate equipment and powders. Your dental team can ask about your health history and determine whether the technique will be suitable for you.
Does air polishing hurt?
Most patients feel a light spraying sensation as opposed to a pressured feeling from more traditional instruments. However, comfort differs, especially for those with sensitive teeth or gums.
Can air polishing replace regular dental cleaning?
No. Although air polishing is effective in removing biofilm and some surface stains, hardened tartar does not budge easily. Your professional cleaning may still require scaling to be completed.
How often should I have my teeth cleaned?
Your oral health, gum condition, and risk factors determine how often you should visit. Your dentist can recommend a suitable schedule, rather than using a generic interval.
