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Scaling and Polishing - Small Animal (view source)
Revision as of 14:59, 15 April 2014
, 14:59, 15 April 2014→Process
==Process==
==Process==
[[File:Removing calculus.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Removing large pieces of calculus]]
====Step 1:====
====Step 1:====
Prior to scaling and polishing, the mouth needs to be examined, as scaling may artificially increase certain assessments; for example gingivitis.
Prior to scaling and polishing, the mouth needs to be examined, as scaling may artificially increase certain assessments; for example gingivitis.
Rinse the mouth with a chlorhexidine mouthwash. This reduces the bacterial aerosol created by ultrasonic scaling.
Rinse the mouth with a chlorhexidine mouthwash. This reduces the bacterial aerosol created by ultrasonic scaling.
====Step 3:====
====Step 3:====
Remove any large pieces of calculus using extraction forceps (for example a pattern called 76N, which has small narrow beaks), without contacting or damaging the gingiva. (Pic4)
Remove any large pieces of calculus using extraction forceps (for example a pattern called 76N, which has small narrow beaks), without contacting or damaging the gingiva.
====Step 4:====
====Step 4:====
An ultrasonic scaler with a sickle shaped tip is recommended to scale the teeth. Start scaling the crowns of the teeth above the gingival margin (supragingival scaling). Always use the side of the scaler tip and never the point of the tip as this will damage the tooth enamel. Make sure that the tip is water cooled. The water setting should be set so that it produces a fine mist when in motion and a fine droplet off the point. The water reduces the heat generated by the tip, but also aides in calculus removal by the process known as cavitation. The power setting of the scaler should be set according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, but ideally at the lowest possible setting to avoid excessive heat generation. Clean all the buccal surfaces of the dental arcades that are uppermost, and then all the lingual and palatal surfaces of the opposite arcades. (Pic5)
An ultrasonic scaler with a sickle shaped tip is recommended to scale the teeth. Start scaling the crowns of the teeth above the gingival margin (supragingival scaling). Always use the side of the scaler tip and never the point of the tip as this will damage the tooth enamel. Make sure that the tip is water cooled. The water setting should be set so that it produces a fine mist when in motion and a fine droplet off the point. The water reduces the heat generated by the tip, but also aides in calculus removal by the process known as cavitation. The power setting of the scaler should be set according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, but ideally at the lowest possible setting to avoid excessive heat generation. Clean all the buccal surfaces of the dental arcades that are uppermost, and then all the lingual and palatal surfaces of the opposite arcades. (Pic5)