| Tooth polishing | |
|---|---|
 Polishing a tooth using a prophy cup. | |
| ICD-9-CM | 96.54 |
| MeSH | D003775 |
Tooth polishing procedures are done to smooth the surfaces of teeth and restorations.[1] The purpose of polishing is to remove extrinsic stains, remove dental plaque accumulation, increase aesthetics and to reduce corrosion of metallic restorations.[1][2] Tooth polishing has little therapeutic value and is usually done as a cosmetic procedure after debridement and before fluoride application.[3] Common practice is to use a prophy cup—a small motorized rubber cup—along with an abrasive polishing compound.
- ^ a b Jones, Trish (July 2016). "Selective Polishing: An Approach to Comprehensive Polishing" (PDF). www.rdhmag.com. PennWell Publications. Retrieved November 25, 2016.
- ^ Stewart, Marcia; Bagby, Michael (2013). Clinical Aspects of Dental Materials: Theory, Practice, and Cases. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. pp. 205–222. ISBN 978-1-60913-965-0.
- ^ "American Dental Hygienists' Association Position Paper on the Oral Prophylaxis" (PDF). www.adha.org. American Dental Hygienists' Association. April 29, 1998. Retrieved November 25, 2016.