Air Polishing | Calgary | Sundance Dental Clinic

A More Thorough Approach to Dental Hygiene

What if your dental cleaning could do more than simply remove tartar?

At Sundance Dental Clinic, we use air polishing at every hygiene appointment to remove biofilm, plaque, and staining before scaling. This process uses the Woodpecker air polishing system with a warm stream of water and erythritol powder to clean around and below the gumline.

Air polishing doesn’t replace scaling. Instead, it works alongside scaling to provide a more thorough approach to professional dental hygiene. Contact us to schedule your next cleaning appointment today.

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Understanding Biofilm

Biofilm is a sticky layer of bacteria that continuously forms on your teeth. Even with regular brushing and flossing, some areas can be difficult to clean effectively, allowing biofilm to accumulate.

Over time, biofilm can contribute to plaque buildup, gum inflammation, tooth decay, and other oral health concerns.

During your hygiene appointment, we use a disclosing solution to make biofilm easier to see. The solution changes colour based on the buildup present, helping our team identify areas that may need more attention.

It can also show you where plaque is being missed during your daily brushing and flossing, giving you a clearer picture of your homecare routine.

Part of Every Hygiene Appointment

Air polishing comes first. Scaling comes next.

Air polishing is the first step of your hygiene appointment at Sundance Dental Clinic.

1. Disclose

We apply a disclosing solution to show exactly where biofilm is hiding.

2. Air Polish

Our Woodpecker air polisher removes the disclosing solution, biofilm, plaque, and surface staining.

3. Scale

We then remove any remaining hardened deposits with scaling.

4. Review

The areas revealed by the disclosing solution can help us identify where your homecare routine may need some extra attention.

Sundance Dental Clinic Air Polish Gallery 4

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Why Erythritol Powder?

Small particles. Big cleaning power.

Our Woodpecker air polishing system uses erythritol powder, a fine powder that helps remove biofilm, plaque, and staining from your teeth.

Why erythritol?

Fine: Designed to target biofilm and surface staining.
Naturally occurring: Erythritol is also produced naturally by the human body.
Versatile: Suitable for patients of all ages and can be used across a wide range of health considerations.

Warm Water. Deeper Cleaning.

A detail you can actually feel.

Our Woodpecker system uses warm water, rather than the cold water used by many traditional ultrasonic scalers. That matters if you find cold water uncomfortable during dental cleanings.

The air polisher can also reach below the gumline, allowing us to target biofilm and buildup in areas that are difficult to clean at home.

Warm water + air polishing = a more patient-friendly approach to thorough cleaning.

More Than Just Stain Removal

Coffee. Tea. Wine. Years of buildup.

Air polishing doesn’t just remove biofilm. It can also tackle stubborn surface stains that traditional polishing may not be able to address as effectively.

And because the powder is less abrasive than traditional polishing paste, air polishing can be used around natural teeth and many restorations, including crowns and veneers, when appropriate.

The result? Removing surface staining can leave your teeth looking noticeably cleaner, brighter, and shinier.

Why Choose Sundance Dental Clinic in Calgary?

At Sundance Dental Clinic, we believe preventive dentistry should combine clinical expertise with modern technology. Air polishing is one of the many techniques we use to provide thorough, personalized dental hygiene care tailored to your needs.

Whether you are visiting for a routine cleaning or ongoing preventive care, our experienced team is committed to helping you maintain a healthy smile with treatment recommendations tailored to you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is air polishing?

Air polishing is a professional dental hygiene technique that uses air, water, and a fine polishing powder to remove plaque, biofilm, food debris, and surface stains from your teeth.

Is air polishing safe?

Yes. Air polishing is a safe and widely used hygiene technique when performed by trained dental professionals. Your dentist or hygienist will determine if it is appropriate for your oral health needs.

Can air polishing remove stains?

Air polishing is effective at removing many surface stains caused by coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and other foods and beverages. It does not change the natural colour of your teeth like whitening treatment.

Can I have air polishing if I have braces or dental implants?

Yes. Air polishing can be used around orthodontic appliances, dental implants, crowns, bridges, and veneers when appropriate, making it a versatile option for many patients.

Does air polishing replace scaling?

Not always. If hardened tartar, also called calculus, is present, your hygienist may still recommend scaling to remove these deposits before or after air polishing.

How often should I have air polishing?

Air polishing may be incorporated into your routine hygiene appointments depending on your oral health, plaque buildup, and treatment goals. Our team will recommend a schedule that is appropriate for your needs.