Tooth Polishing & Whitening in Southend-on-Sea, Essex at JR Medical
Dental Scale & Polish
A dental scale and polish, commonly referred to as a dental cleaning, is a professional dental procedure aimed at removing plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent various dental issues.
Brushing twice a day is recommended to help stop a build-up of plaque bacteria, however, there will be areas that are difficult to clean, which results in an accumulation of calculus/tartar. If this build-up is not removed, this could result in gum disease and tooth decay.
Biofilm refers to a tacky and harmful layer of bacteria that accumulates on oral surfaces. These bacteria derive nourishment from the foods you consume, particularly sugars, leading to the conversion of biofilm into acidic compounds, consequently fostering tooth decay.
The progression of biofilm occurs daily and possesses a transparent appearance, rendering it scarcely discernible to the unaided eye. Consequently, it serves as an ideal gateway for bacteria to infiltrate your body. The noxious bacteria thriving within biofilm are identified as Prophyromonas Gingivitis, and its correlation with severe conditions like heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, Parkinson’s, pancreatic cancer, and various other life-threatening illnesses has been established.
What is a dental scale and polish?
A dental scale and polish will help to keep your teeth properly cleaned and reduce the risk of gum disease becoming more serious. A dental scale and polish can be performed by a dentist, hygienist, or dental therapist. Dental scale and polishing serve a dual purpose, catering not only to aesthetic enhancement but primarily to the prevention of diseases and tooth decay. Consequently, the dental cleaning procedure holds significant importance during your checkup, as it facilitates a comprehensive cleansing of your teeth, gums, and entire oral cavity.
At JR Medical we use an ultrasonic water scaler, that vibrates to work away the plaque while the water washes away the debris from the tooth being treated. The treatment is painless. Alternatively, we also have an air-powered tooth polishing system that we can use which is completely painless and not only improves the patient's dental aesthetics, but it has a high efficiency in oral cleaning. We can also combine these techniques to give you the best possible outcome.
Is a dental scale and polish painful?
No, a dental scale and polish are typically not painful. The process is designed to be comfortable, and any sensitivity experienced during or after the procedure is usually minimal. During scaling, the dental professional will gently scrape away the plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and gumline. While you may experience mild sensations such as pressure or vibrations, any discomfort is generally minimal. Polishing, which follows scaling, involves using a polishing tool and a gritty toothpaste-like substance to smooth the teeth and remove surface stains. This part of the procedure is typically well-tolerated and doesn't cause discomfort. In the rare event that you have sensitivity or discomfort during or after the procedure, you should inform your dentist or dental hygienist immediately. They can make adjustments to ensure your comfort throughout the process.
How does air-powered tooth polishing work?
Air-powered tooth polishing works by expelling water under pressure, mixed with sodium bicarbonate, providing a soft polish on the surface of the tooth with depth elimination of calculus and plaque, without wearing out the enamel.
Air-powered tooth polishing employs a controlled yet powerful stream of water in contrast to the conventional scraping instruments employed during a traditional scale and polish procedure. It serves as a swift and gentle method for cleansing teeth without being invasive. By choosing air-powered tooth polishing, your dentist or hygienist can effectively cleanse even the recessed pockets between teeth and interdental spaces, extending its reach to periodontal pockets of up to 5mm in depth.
How does an ultrasonic water dental scaler work?
One of the latest advancements in the field of dentistry is the incorporation of ultrasonic cleaning technology. Ultrasonic cleaning is particularly focused on the elimination of dental plaque, which is a naturally occurring bacterial biofilm, and dental calculus, commonly known as tartar. These substances form hardened deposits and unsightly stains on teeth. Accumulations of plaque and tartar harbour bacteria that have the potential to trigger substantial harm to both your teeth and overall oral well-being.
Traditionally, dentists employed a method called scaling to remove deposits from teeth. This process involved the manual use of a small dental instrument to physically scrape away deposits. However, the introduction of ultrasonic scalers has revolutionised the approach to teeth cleaning. An ultrasonic scaler operates by utilising electromagnetic forces within its handheld "wand" to induce vibrations in the tip. These rapid vibrations, exceeding the speed of sound, effectively dislodge and eliminate all traces of plaque and calculus stains present on the teeth. Additionally, a minor stream of water, referred to as lavage, is released near the scaler's tip, aiding in the removal of any remaining buildups.
JR Medical is a clinic based in Southend-on-Sea, providing tooth polishing and whitening in Essex, with over 25 years of professional experience in the cosmetic industry. All dental treatments are administered by an experienced professional.
Call JR Medical now on 01702 314497
All of our services cover the whole of Southend-on-Sea including Westcliff-on-sea, Leigh-on-Sea, Rochford, Hadleigh and Benfleet. We also cover a wider area of Essex, including Rayleigh, Basildon, Grays and Thurrock.
