The Effectiveness of Polishing after Oral Prophylaxis Using Ultrasonic Scaler Unit on Plaque Accumulation on the Tooth Surface ? A Split Mouth Study

AIM To determine the effectiveness of polishing after oral prophylaxis on patients by evaluating the plaque index on third and seventh day after oral prophylaxis. BACKGROUND Dental plaque is a film of mucus and bacteria deposited on the teeth that encourages the development of dental caries. Oral prophylaxis is done to remove the accumulated plaque and debris on the tooth surface. Ultrasonic oral prophylaxis leaves a rough tooth surface which encourages bacteria accumulation and increase incidence of dental plaque. It is always recommended to polish the tooth surface after it has been cleared of plaque / calculus through manual / sonic / ultrasonic scaling. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 25 patients were involved in this split mouth study. Plaque index of patients was recorded prior to the treatment using a disclosing solution and then oral prophylaxis is done using ultrasonic scaler. Polishing of tooth surface is done using rubber cup and polishing paste only on one side of upper and lower arch. Patient is recalled on third and seventh day following oral prophylaxis and plaque index is recorded. REASON A comparative study to determine the effectiveness of polishing after oral prophylaxis. RESULT The results showed that unpolished surfaces exhibited higher mean percentages of visible plaque in the 7th day. Dental polishing after ultrasonic scaling contributed to reducing plaque formation.