Polishing teeth is one of the major roles of a dental assistant. It is a treatment that is not only aesthetically effective but also healthy for the patient’s smile, as it cleans the tooth surface of plaque, stains, and other particles. Performing polishing is a common yet significant task for dental assistants in Florida, which calls for skill, precision, and observance of safety precautionary measures.
How to Perform Polishing for Dental Assistants
Below, we will outline how Florida dental assistants accomplish polishing, including the equipment used, the technique, and the state-specific legal and safety regulations.
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- The Purpose of Polishing
There are several reasons why the teeth are polished:
- Removal of stains: surface stains caused by food, and drinks, such as coffee and tea, tobacco, and some medications.
- Plaque and Biofilm Removal: It helps remove plaque and biofilm, which are the causes of gum disease and cavities.
- Smooth Surface: The tooth surface that has been polished is smoother compared to one that has not undergone treatment under this procedure. This makes it hard for the teeth to form plaque and bacteria on them, thus good oral hygiene for the patient.
- Cosmetic Enhancement: This process can make the teeth shinier and cleaner; hence, an addition to a better smile.
In Florida, for example, dental assistants that have been “formally trained” (with EFDA Certification) can also perform polishing procedures , provided these are done under the Direct Supervision of a licensed dentist.
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- Preparing for the Polishing Procedure
Before polishing, it is very important that you prepare first. To prepare means getting both the patient and your work area ready for the procedure.
Step 2.1: Set Up Your Equipment and Supplies
In polishing teeth effectively, you will use the following accessories:
- Prophy Cup: A rubber cup that holds the polishing paste and is mounted onto the dental handpiece.
- Prophy Angle: This attachment has been fitted onto the handpiece carrying the prophy cup and will rotate it.
- Prophylaxis Paste: There is a range of paste available, from coarse to fine. Which one will be used depends upon the patient’s teeth condition.
- Dental Handpiece: It could be either an air-driven or electric handpiece powering the prophy angle and the prophy cup.
- Saliva Ejector or Suction: These are utilized to evacuate the mouth of saliva and other additional debris while working.
- Air-Water Syringe: For rinsing or drying the mouth of the patient whenever required.
- Gloves, masks, and protective eyewear on guard against exposure to debris, saliva, and other bodily secretions.
Step 2.2: Describe the Procedure to the Patient
Explain the polishing procedure to the patient before you start it. Let him know it is a painless and quick procedure that will remove plaque and stains so his teeth will be cleaner and shinier. Make sure he is comfortable and ready.
- The Polishing Process
Polishing in itself is quite straightforward; however, it is performed in a manner that retains very precise movements to assure the optimum result for the patient.
Step 3.1: Position the Patient
- Position the patient to sit comfortably in the dental chair, inclined somewhat backward to allow easy access to both the upper and lower teeth.
- The height at which one places the patient’s mouth should be positioned so that one can work effectively without straining one’s back.
Step 3.2: Apply the Prophy Cup and Paste
- Place the prophy angle onto the handpiece and mount the prophy cup onto the handpiece.
- Load the rubber cup with the proper amount of polishing paste. The correct way to load the paste is to put it in a very thin, even layer in the cup. Overloading will lead to a big mess or result in poor control.
Step 3.3: Begin Polishing
- Lower Teeth: First to start with is the lower teeth, commencing with the molars and then moving forward. Hold the prophy cup at a 90-degree angle relative to the surface of the tooth.
- Light Pressure and Slow Speed: Activate the handpiece and lightly touch it to the tooth surface, initiating polishing. The speed should be slow to keep in check the overheating of the tooth; therefore, enough safety is given to the enamel. The job needs to be easy without being too heavy because it only needs to take off the stains and plaque.
- Sectional Polish: Every tooth should be polished in sections, continuing from one tooth to the other. Do not jump teeth or repeat the same area a lot.
- circular motion Use a light circular movement to clean each tooth. The paste will do most of the work; you should not be scrubbing hard. Make sure to get all the surfaces: buccal (cheek side), lingual (tongue side), and occlusal (biting surface) areas.
- Constant Suction: Leave the saliva ejector or suction in the mouth to aspirate excess paste and water during the procedure for a clean working area that will prevent the patient from swallowing some of the paste.
Step 3.4: Rinse and Dry
- After teeth have been polished, use the air-water syringe to rinse the patient’s mouth, clearing all excess polishing paste.
- With the aid of clean, dry gauze or air, dry the teeth until smooth and shiny.
- Reinspect the teeth to ensure no plaque or stains remain. If so, repeat polishing.
Step 3.5: Polishing the Upper Teeth
- Toe same as in lower teeth, cover all surfaces of every tooth with the prophy cup, using circular motions with light pressure, in this instance too.
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- Post-Polishing Care
After polishing is complete, there are a couple of next steps before concluding with the patient.
Step 4.1: Floss Between Teeth
- After the teeth have been polished take a piece of dental floss and lightly floss between each of the patients’ teeth to make sure there is no polishing paste remaining between the contacts.
Step 4.2: Final Rinse
- Provide the patient with a final rinse to clear the mouth of any remaining paste.
Step 4.3: Assess Results
- Perform an observation of the teeth to determine if additional stains or plaque remain. If necessary, repeat polishing for maximum cleanliness and brilliance.
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- Safety and Legal Considerations for Dental Assistants in Florida
Dental assistants in Florida should carry out polishing procedures with due consideration to patient safety and legal issues by state-regulated guidelines.
While dental assistants can perform polishing in Florida under the guidance of a licensed dentist or hygienist, they must be trained beforehand. Since this is considered an expanded function for dental assistants in Florida, you have to go through a state-approved training program and receive your certification so that you may legally perform this.
You must take a course approved by the Florida Board of Dentistry on appropriate techniques, safety protocols, and infection control procedures for polishing teeth. 5.2: Infection Control and Sterilization Any dental procedure involves correct infection control. Equipment involved in polishing, which includes prophy cups and handpieces among other things, needs to be thoroughly sterilized after use to prevent cross-contamination.
- Apply barriers on instruments, that cannot be sterilized, such as prophy angles.
- Follow strict hand hygiene before, during, and after each patient encounter.
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Oral health hygiene owes a lot to polishing, and dental assistants may get extensively involved in ensuring that this process is timely and safe. Additional training and certification of dental assistants by state regulation are required for dental assistants to perform polishing in Florida. Though when done rightly, it’s rewarding in providing both cosmetic and health benefits to the patients.
With the use of appropriate techniques, tools, and safety protocols, you are capable of ensuring a positive experience for the patients, at the same time contributing toward their overall dental health. Whether polishing before a routine cleaning, a deep cleaning, or a cosmetic procedure, your skill and attention to detail make all the difference in assuring the best outcomes for your patients.