Coronal Polishing vs. Oral Prophylaxis: Which is Better?

Keeping your gums and teeth healthy is the secret to living a healthy life. Healthy gums and teeth can lower your risk of developing an array of medical conditions, including diabetes, stroke, respiratory diseases, cancer, and even cardiovascular disease. A big part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy is oral hygiene. Flossing, rinsing with mouthwash, and brushing at least twice a day, are some of the practices that help you keep oral diseases at bay. 

Another crucial aspect of keeping your gums and teeth healthy is regular checkups and cleaning. Oral prophylaxis and coronal polishing are two examples of teeth cleaning methods Palo Alto dentists use. Without further ado, let us explore the differences between the two.

What is oral prophylaxis? 

Oral prophylaxis is usually a routine cleaning carried out in the dental office. It entails two parts. First, your Palo Alto dentist removes all soft deposits and plaque above and below your gum line. Next, they will employ an abrasive paste and a motorized scaling tool to clean your crowns. This leaves a smooth, spotless surface that helps deter plaque. The procedure usually takes around an hour and is only administered by a licensed dentist. 

Benefits of oral prophylaxis 

The advantages of having oral prophylaxis carried out include the following:

• Removal of plaque build-up. Plaque and tartar build-up can cause severe gum disease if left unchecked. Even after using the best flossing and brushing techniques, removing bacteria, debris, and deposits from gum pockets can be difficult. However, dentists can spot and clean these deposits using specialized dental equipment. 
• Getting rid of dental stains and unsightly deposition and allowing you to show off your pearly whites!
• Removal of bacteria, plaque, and tartar during prophylaxis gets rid of bad breath (halitosis) and leaves you with fresher breath.
• The most notable benefit of oral prophylaxis is that it gives the dentist a chance to scan the entire oral cavity and detect any issues early.

What is coronal polishing? 

While coronal polishing is, at times, part of routine cleaning, it should not be considered a replacement for oral prophylaxis, which gets rid of all plaque, tartar, and calculus. 

Actually, according to an article featured in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology (JISP), polishing only the crown (a portion of the teeth you can see above the gums) is sometimes referred to as cosmetic polishing. This is because, besides removing stains to smooth and shine the teeth, coronal polishing has no other therapeutic benefit. 

Can your Palo Alto dentist recommend Coronal polishing?

Yes. There are a few scenarios where a dentist would recommend coronal polishing. They include: 

• You have light plaque and extrinsic stains on the crown part of the tooth
• You need to get rid of residue from temporary cements.
• You are planning to get a bridge, crown, sealants, or orthodontic bands and brackets. 
• Your Palo Alto dentist wants to clean the surface of your teeth to determine your correct tooth shade.

When is coronal polishing discouraged? 

Coronal polishing is not recommended if you have got intrinsic stains (stains inside the enamel), as it won’t be ideal for this kind of polishing. Besides, according to the JISP article, polishing tooth enamel erodes a portion of the teeth’s fluoride-rich layer that takes around three months to rebuild. This is why, if coronal polishing is necessary, your dentist will observe the appropriate pressure and speed to reduce chances of fluoride-rich layer erosion. 

That said, below are instances where your Palo Alto dentist will not recommend coronal polishing:

• You have recessed gums or sensitive teeth
• Your teeth have root decay or demineralized spots
• Your teeth have exposed dentin or cementum
• You have restorations that are porcelain or gold
• You have acrylic veneers
• You have newly erupted teeth or your enamel has not fully mineralized
• You have an infection or respiratory condition that may be aggravated by the aerosol spray used in coronal polishing. 

Which is better? 

Besides maintaining a proper oral care routine at home, scheduling routine dental visits and cleanings (oral prophylaxis), will ensure your gums and teeth remain healthy and stain-free. But, if your dentist thinks you would benefit from coronal polishing, you shouldn’t be worried about undergoing the procedure. But the bottom line is that you should always go to clinics that guarantee the best dental care in Palo Alto, CA. Remember, these procedures should only be performed only by qualified and licensed dentists.